Unlocking the brain will enable unprecedented advances in human potential, but will also create serious challenges.
The BrainMind Ecosystem is a collective of top brain scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, and other doers and thinkers who aim to advance ideas in neuroscience, psychology, brain health and vibrancy, optimized learning, and other cutting-edge BrainMind topics. Members of this unique group are patient, risk-tolerant, and passionate about the brain and the mystery of human consciousness, in addition to being individually at the top of their respective fields.
Because creating innovative ideas and companies in neuroscience is time- and capital-intensive, BrainMind is developing a new investing philosophy to move the field forward. To this end, the BrainMind Ecosystem is coordinating around road-mapping the path forward for innovation in the field and from that roadmap, catalyzing the most impactful and underinvested ideas with talent and funding.
The BrainMind Internship
Each summer, 10-12 carefully selected undergraduate students come together to learn, grow, and be immersed in the field of brain science. The BrainMind Internship Program gives students the unique opportunity to get involved with BrainMind’s various programs, grow their networks, and develop their personal and professional skills through mentorship with experts in their respective fields.
BrainMind interns come from all different backgrounds and interests. What unites them all is a passion for STEM, Entrepreneurship, and Social Impact. These topics are at the heart of the internship.
“BrainMind is the perfect starter course on how to be a student entrepreneur. While BrainMind provides incredible exposure to myriad fields within neuroscience, the internship also offers many opportunities to get involved in companies addressing the social determinants of health, impact investing, philanthropy, AI, and social entrepreneurship.” - 2020 BrainMind Intern
Interns at BrainMind engage in a variety of exciting projects, such as:
Building connections between brilliant neuroscientists and tech entrepreneurs
Writing about the current landscape of neuroscience startups and research topics
Helping to convene (and participating in) scientific salons in Boston and Menlo Park
Helping to prepare for BrainMind's national scientific summits
Strategic planning for BrainMind Global Neuroethics Initiative
Contributing to cutting edge knowledge on the neuroscience of meditation and other mental-wellness initiatives
“You get the opportunity to be more than just an "intern"; you'll have the chance to take on projects of your own and really learn how to manage real-world issues and how to work with teams of like-minded people. I got to explore many of my interests (and find completely new ones) while learning and meeting the best people.” 2021 BrainMind Intern
Within this internship, participants can expect to cultivate a range of valuable skills, including:
Entrepreneurial Skills
Project and Team Management
Professional Communication
Business, Scientific, and Tech Writing
Creative Problem Solving
Presentation Skills
Marketing and Design
Introspection and Self Development
Outreach Skills
Conscious Leadership Skills
“Over the course of the summer, I've cofounded a nonprofit, started building a neurotech company, and developed a therapeutic app, all while working on BrainMind projects.” - 2020 BrainMind Intern
Previous BrainMind Interns and where are they now:
Chloe Duckworth, USC (‘23)
CEO, Valence Vibrations
Abe Dada, Harvard (‘21)
M.D. Candidate, UCSF
Sophie Ishiwari, UPenn (‘23)
Co-founder, Sonura
Brandon Palacios, Harvard (‘21)
Assistant Clinical Research Coordinator, UCSF
Vinh Tonm, Stanford (‘20)
Software Engineer, Google
Anna Peters, Harvard (‘23)
Analyst, NeurotechX
Shreya Singhvi, Berkeley (‘22)
Product Manager, Flourish Labs
Isaac Schaider, Stanford (‘22)
Investor, D. E. Shaw
“BrainMind is filled with bright and hardworking students, as well as a management team whose number one priority is to help you grow as an entrepreneur, a teammate, and someone with the ability to make a lasting impact on the world.” 2021 BrainMind Intern
This program is strategically crafted to empower students in their career journey, providing them with a robust foundation to excel in their chosen paths.
Former interns have transitioned from our programs to achieve remarkable and varied accomplishments. They have effectively translated the skills acquired during this program into gratifying and influential careers. Many even used connections or mentors fostered during the internship to launch their careers.
