Not everyone who is interested in a career in science is ready to dive straight into graduate school after undergrad. Postbaccalaureate training is an essential element of the Iowa Neuroscience Institute’s commitment to building community and nurturing the next generation of neuroscientists.
Since 2023 we have welcomed postbaccs through iDREAM, a two-year program specifically for students whose undergraduate institutions did not offer PhDs in science. Funded by the NIH, and led by Rainbo Hultman, Dan Tranel and Michelle Voss, iDREAM has built an infrastructure for postbacc training that includes not just laboratory experience, but also guidance in moving from undergraduate life to a full-time job in science, and support for applying to graduate school.
With the initial NIH funding winding down after the coming academic year, the INI is committed to continuing to train postbaccs in neuroscience. I am grateful to Rainbo for her continued leadership and to Susan Shen, Stephanie Gantz, Sheila Baker, and Meghan Lawler-Heis for stepping up to collaborate as Dan and Michelle step away. We had an informal information session earlier this month with lemonade and cookies, and it was great to see so many current postbaccs there!
A big change as we transition to the new iDREAM+ model is that the program is now accepting applications from a wider group, including those with undergraduate degrees from Iowa and other R1 institutions. Postbaccs will be hired by PIs and paid with lab resources. By applying to iDREAM+, our postbaccs connect to additional opportunities, including faculty advisory committees, workshops covering important professional skills, near-peer mentoring with neuroscience graduate students, community-building events with other postbaccs, and support with preparing graduate school applications and interviews.
iDREAM+ is also part of the PROPEL network, which connects us with postbacc training programs around the country.
INI faculty members: please help your postbaccs connect with iDREAM+ to give them access to additional resources and a community of scientists at their training level. Applications are being accepted now for the coming academic year!
Current postbaccs and undergraduates considering your options after graduation: reach out to our program directors, who can help guide you through the process of seeking out your next training opportunity.
In my experience, the fresh perspective postbaccs bring to the lab is invaluable. They ask the kinds of questions that test our own understanding and may even challenge long-held assumptions. This give-and-take strengthens our science and reminds us to stop and think. Everyone benefits when we work together to expand our neuroscience community.
Ted
June 2026