Neuroscience Research
Three-Week Summer Science Program
-Lumiere Education
Did you know that the brain weighs only three pounds, but uses 20% of the oxygen you breathe and is more powerful than any computer on the planet?
This program will cover neurobiology and neurochemistry, focusing on the components of neurons, transmission of signals and impulses, and different types of signaling molecules involved in the nervous system. Additionally, we’ll provide a detailed look at the pathways and components of the visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, and somatosensory systems, then move on to higher-order processes and functions such as learning and memory, emotion, drugs and addiction, stress, and sleep.
Students will cover the human neural systems, providing a detailed look at the pathways and components of the visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, and somatosensory systems.
This is a competitive admissions summer research program designed for teens.
Neuroscience is always one of our most popular programs! Join us this summer to engage in in-depth, hands-on learning. Want more time or more information? Join our mailing list.
July 13th – July 31st, 2026
More About: Awards – Research Programs – Sample Week
Hands-on Activities
Sample activities include:
- Examine each lobe of the brain and its functions by assembling models
- Conduct a standard office-based neurological exam
- Interpret the results of brain imaging
- Produce and utilize drawings of the brain and central nervous system to master terminology
- Venture into the blood vessels and valves of the brain and then down the spine, exploring the ventricles and the autonomic nervous system
- Research disorders of brain functions
- Conduct tests of the various sensory systems, including hearing, taste, and vision
- Make diagnoses using case studies of tumors, infections, metabolic disorders, and more
Field Trips
Examples of past field trips include:
- McLean Hospital, a leading healthcare facility and home to the Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center
- Broad Discovery Center, where students toured research spaces and engaged directly with professionals in the field
- Russell Museum at Massachusetts General Hospital
- Ether Dome
Note: We cannot guarantee any given field trip will run as in past years or at all.
Past Instructor: Dr. Aaron Bradford
Dr. Bradford, a graduate of Colby College, earned his PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Integrative Toxicology from Michigan State University. He followed this with postdoctoral research in cell and molecular neurobiology, where he collaborated with teams at institutions such as Brown University and the Broad Institute. Dr. Bradford is currently a professor at Bentley University.
Student Comments
“The neuroscience program covered the basics of brain anatomy, as well as the somatosensory system and neurological disorders. [Our teacher] was engaging and open to answering our questions. I enjoyed our field trips to the Boston Children’s Hospital and the VA Hospital because they gave insight into different neuroscience fields.”
“I enjoyed the field trips and dissections. The teacher was extremely knowledgeable about the field and made an effort to provide students with exposure to real world development in neuroscience.”
“I really enjoyed the program because it helped me to learn about neuroscience. However, more importantly, it was a pleasure to understand that neuroscience is actually something that I would like to devote my life to.”
Note: This page represents our best expectations for the program. Activities and instructors are subject to change. In such cases, similar activities and a comparably qualified instructor will be sought.
Our Programs are Featured on the National Association for Gifted Children Website
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