Neurology High School Scholars Program

The Division of Child Neurology’s annual Neurology High School Scholars Program (NHSSP) resumes again in 2023 with kickoff on July 10th, 2023!

This year, the program received over 160 incredible, wonderfully-expressed applications and essays. We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 competition:

  1. Samarth Mannikeri, Pennsbury High School
  2. Emiola Enakhimion, Episcopal Academy
  3. Aarohi Paresh Deshpande, West Chester B Reed Henderson High School
  4. (Amelia) Zoe Heitetz, Tower Hill School
  5. Prima Rao, Central Bucks South High School
  6. Venkat Devabhakthuni, Downingtown East High School
  7. Abbigail Turco, Villa Joseph Marie High School
  8. Owen Flynn Oliver, Oxford Area High School

The CHOP Neurology HS Scholars Program provides the opportunity to spend 5 weeks completing a research project with a physician mentor. The program concludes with a poster presentation that allows the participants an opportunity to share their work with fellow participants, mentors, friends, and family. We’ve had exceptional young talent come through the program in previous years and expect that this will continue with this year’s stellar candidates.

On July 10, we will host our annual Ask a Neurologist Day, which involves lectures from our physicians and other activities (details to come!). This is open to all applicants to the program. We hope you will join us!

About the Program

The Neurology High School Scholars Program offers the opportunity for four high school students to complete a five-week paid internship ($1,000 stipend). The internship involves working closely with a neurologist or neuroscientist on a basic science or clinical research project, shadowing physicians in clinic, and  attending a weekly educational session with the cohort. Work hours will be determined between the student and mentor based on project needs. At the end of the five weeks, students will be expected to prepare a poster presentation outlining their project results and present the poster at a conference.

Selected students will be required to pass non-traditional personnel clearances (including, but not limited to: immunizations, FBI fingerprinting, child abuse clearances, and other background checks). There may be research and other training requirements, depending on the student project. Eligible students will be required to attend the program at CHOP's Main Campus during scheduled work hours. Students must be sophomores, juniors or seniors, and must be 16 years of age at the start of the internship (Orientation – Friday, July 7).

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Ashley Rees-Jones or Sam Ferrante.

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Why Choose CHOP Neurology

Learn more about our experience caring for children with complex neurological disorders and why you should consider us for your child’s care.

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Your Child's Neurology Appointment

Find information about scheduling appointments and consultations with the Division of Neurology at CHOP, including what to expect during your visit.