Colors of the Brain
colorsofthebrain.com
colorsofthebrain@gmail.com
OUR MISSION
Colors of the Brain is committed to diversifying STEM graduate education and academia. We support undergraduates from historically marginalized backgrounds interested in the brain sciences by providing dedicated scientific mentors, offering comprehensive career support, and hosting a summer research program.
OUR TEAM
Colors of the Brain was founded in 2016 in California and operates as an entity led by graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Our team consists of experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds and expertise in various aspects of the organization, including program development, financial management, and community outreach. Colors of the Brain is recognized as a tax-exempt educational non-profit under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (EIN: 99-3555723).
YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL IMPACT OUR ABILITY TO:
Increase representation of historically excluded groups in the field of brain sciences (including neuroscience, psychology, and cognitive science)
Offer guidance and support to aspiring brain scientists
Help talented undergraduate students navigate the graduate school application process
Provide valuable and high quality research opportunities through our summer research fellowship program
Please let us know if you would like your donation to support a specific initiative. Currently, we are focused on fundraising to send our scholars to the Society for Neuroscience international research conference.
Colors of the Brain Summer Research Program Funding Menu
2025 Scholar Profiles: https://colorsofthebrain.com/cob-kibm/cob-kibm-scholars/
SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Program Description
Scholars are selected and perform full-time research in labs at UCSD and the Salk Institute during a 10 week period over the summer. To remove financial barriers, each scholar receives a competitive stipend, ensuring they can focus entirely on their research and professional development without external financial stress.
Program Outcomes
Stipends allow scholars to participate fully without financial hardship.
Over $150,000 invested in undergraduates, with many entering graduate programs.
Program Budget
Scholar Stipends ($9000/10 weeks scholar, currently 6 scholars funded through KIBM, 2 scholars funded through IBRO): $72,000 annually
NEUROSCIENCE BOOTCAMP AND RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Program Description
The 10-week summer program begins with an immersive Neuro Bootcamp, providing hands-on training in foundational neuroscience techniques. Scholars are placed in carefully selected, inclusive research labs, ensuring a supportive environment during this instrumental and intensive research experience. Scholars present their research at the MIND Symposium at the end of the summer program.
Program Outcomes
Scholars learn neuroscience methods and techniques.
Each participant presents findings at a capstone research symposium.
Hands-on lab experience helps scholars secure future research positions.
Program Budget
Bootcamp Instruction and Materials: $4000
Symposium Costs: $1000
COMMUNITY BUILDING AND NETWORKING
Program Description
Bi-weekly social events connect CoB-KIBM Scholars with participants from other research programs, creating opportunities for peer networking and collaboration. Scholars engage in activities that build a sense of belonging within the STEM community, which has shown to be critical for continuing in a STEM career.
Program Outcomes
Scholars develop professional networks with peers and mentors.
Events create long-lasting bonds and support systems.
Program Budget
Networking Event Costs: $2000
MENTORSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Program Description
Colors of the Brain (CoB) offers a comprehensive mentorship model that connects scholars with "mentorship pods," small groups of graduate and postgraduate mentors sharing similar lived experiences. These pods provide consistent guidance and support throughout the scholars' summer research experience. Weekly workshops, covering topics such as scientific communication, CV development, and funding opportunities, equip scholars with essential professional skills.
Program Outcomes
Scholars build confidence in scientific research and communication.
Mentorship pods foster belonging and career guidance.
Program Budget
Mentorship Pod Stipends for lunch meetings: $1500
Weekly Workshop Materials: $500
SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE FUNDING
Program Description
The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) conference, a global event that brings together thousands of neuroscientists will be hosted in San Diego this year. We plan to send the 2024 and 2025 CoB-KIBM and IBRO scholars to this conference for the outstanding exposure to the variety of neuroscience research, the networking opportunities, and the graduate and professional school fair.
Program Outcomes
Scholars gain exposure to cutting-edge research, network with professionals, and explore potential career and graduate school opportunities.
2024 scholars will prepare and submit an abstract with the help of their mentors and if accepted, will present a poster at the largest neuroscience conference in the world. 2025 scholars will not have data in time for abstract submission which occurs in early June.
Program Budget
Undergraduate student SfN 1 year membership cost ($37, 14 scholars):$518
Undergraduate student SfN conference registration cost ($200, 14 scholars): $2800
Per diem for food in downtown San Diego ($75, 14 scholars for 5 day conference): $5250
Poster abstract submission cost ($170 per submission, 6 scholars): $1020
Poster printing cost ($60 estimated per poster, 6 scholars): $360
Colors of the Brain Year Round Activities Funding Menu
YEAR-ROUND WORKSHOPS
Program Description
Graduate and postdoctoral mentors host informational workshops on finding a research position, applying for grants, finding and applying to postbaccalaureate programs and graduate school. Personalized live editing workshops for graduate school applications and NSF GRFP applications are also held online for all to attend.
Program Outcomes
Undergraduates learn about steps to becoming scientists and become equipped to do so.
Undergraduates receive immediate feedback and help on written applications.
Program Budget
Printed Materials: $200
Website hosting with workshop materials available to all: $200
THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT FUNDING SOURCES
Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind
International Brain Research Organization (IBRO)
UCSD Mentoring For All Initiative
