Summer of Translational Aging Research for Undergraduates (STAR U)

Please note: The STAR U Program is not currently accepting applications for 2026.

Program Overview

The Summer of Translational Aging Research for Undergraduates (STAR U) Program is a 2-month  summer training program designed to provide undergraduate students with hands-on research experience in aging and neuroscience-related fields. The program offers mentorship, seminars, and professional development to support participants’ growth in scientific research. 

STAR U is based at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), as part of the Department of Neurology and the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain.

Each year, STAR U provides 10-12 students with: 

1. Mentorship from Columbia faculty members on an individualized research project in the field of neuroscience and aging research
2. A range of additional learning opportunities including a seminar series, journal clubs, lectures, and shadowing opportunities
3. Professional networking and social events to foster a sense of community and mentorship that will extend beyond the STAR U program

Research experiences are augmented by training, lectures, seminar series, journal clubs, career development activities, and social events to provide an enriching and thought-provoking growth experience, culminating with a final research symposium in which students present their summer research projects. In addition to the summer activities, we strive to keep in touch with STAR U scholars throughout their academic and professional development through lasting mentorship and other collaborative, supportive relationships. 

To see examples of projects from the six previous cohorts of STAR U Scholars, see STAR U Alumni Bios.