Neurosurgery Research
Three-Week Summer Medicine Program
Students will explore parts of the brain and their functions through lectures, dissection, and study of models. Case studies are used to bring the material to life as real-life stories illustrate the effects on behavior and sensory perception of individuals with missing or destroyed brain regions, such as injury or Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders.
Neuroimaging techniques from EEG to FMRI and PET/SPECT are covered that provide a window into the brain, enabling physicians and scientists to visualize brain activity and track states of consciousness.
There is nowhere better to learn about neurology than the hub of brain research. Home to the top hospitals and schools like Mass General, Boston Children’s, Brigham and Women’s, Harvard Medical School, and MIT. Students get to learn in a city at the forefront of neurological advancements.
This is a competitive admissions summer research program designed for teens.
Join us this summer to engage in in-depth, hands-on learning! Want more time or more information? Join our mailing list.
Hands-on Activities
Sample activities include:
- Examining common neuropathological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s Disease, and multiple sclerosis
- Various dissections to explore different aspects
- Build brain models and explore deep brain stimulation
- Model complex cranial nerves and functions
- Perform mock surgeries and neuro exams after learning about the neuroanatomy
- Practice laparoscopic surgery and suturing methods using our machine
Field Trips
Examples of past field trips include:
Russell Museum at Mass General Hospital: Students were able to tour the museum and receive a presentation about the history of anesthetics and more. They got to explore the Ether Dome, where the first surgery under anesthesia was performed.
STRATUS Center for Medical Simulation: Located at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, this world-renowned simulation center is used by places like Harvard University to train medical professionals. Students were able to further their learning with medical simulations through real-life scenarios and learn about research being conducted.
Note: We cannot guarantee any given field trip will run as in past years or at all.
2026 Instructor: Amber Fu
Amber holds a B.S. in Neuroscience from Duke University and is currently an M.D. candidate at Tufts University School of Medicine. She previously worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Stanford School of Medicine and has experience as both an undergraduate research assistant and a teaching assistant at Duke University.
Past Instructor: Karen Li
Karen Li is an M.D. candidate at Tufts University School of Medicine. She graduated from Tufts University College of Arts and Sciences with a B.S. in Biochemistry and a minor in Cognitive Brain Sciences. She has research experience at Tufts University Department of Chemistry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital Department of Neurology, and the Boston University Family Development and Treatment Lab.
Student Comments
‘I loved how our teacher was able to fuse both hands-on techniques and lecture-based neuroscience. My favorite parts were the blood draw lab, suturing, and brain dissection.’
‘Our teacher was very knowledgeable. Harvard trip was a great touch. I enjoyed the suturing lessons, touring Longwood, and interesting movies/videos about neurology. Good class discussions.’
‘The program was very comprehensive, fun and easy to follow even for a beginner in the field such as myself. The field trips and labs were not only entertaining but also very informative. I would definitely recommend this class for those interesting in the subject.’
‘The program was so much fun and very informative. Our teacher did an excelent job teaching the material and maintaining an engaging, fun, and safe environment. The various dissections, including the cow eyeballs, sheep brain, and fetal pig allowed us to visually learn through hands on activites. The trips to the “Either Dome” and simulation center were so interesting and enjoyable. [Our teacher] made the experience so much fun and she taught us so much. Thank you for an excellent 3 weeks.’
Student Comments
‘Super enthusiastic teacher who was so friendly and helpful. I learned so much in these 3 weeks especially because of this amazing location and nearby medical resources.’
‘The teacher was really engaging with great lectures. Very knowledgeable and passionate about the material. Understanding and truly cares about students and want to see them succeed. Great intro into the field. I really enjoyed the mock procedures.’
‘We got a really nice mix of scientific research and medical surgery practice! The labs and field trips were great, and the teacher was fantastic. The feedback on presentations was also really helpful!’
‘The program was so informative, and it was great to learn from someone who is passionate about the field. I felt very inspired by all of the different pieces of the curriculum; I can’t wait to continue to study this in the future.’
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.
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