Brandeis Posse Scholars

Our Scholars

A group of students wearing matching shirts all jump in the air

Our Scholars are selected for their love of science, as well as their leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. We want scholars who are not only interested in their personal success, but the success of their entire Posse cohort.

Majors

Science Posse Scholars have declared majors across various STEM disciplines including: biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, neuroscience and physics. Some Science Posse Scholars have double majored in two complimentary STEM disciplines, while others have decided to major in a STEM discipline and a non-STEM discipline. The flexibility of the Brandeis curriculum allows Science Posse Scholars the opportunity to fully explore their academic interests.

Posse STEM Bootcamp

The STEM Posse Bootcamp is a two-week immersion program that takes place in the summer before students matriculate as first years to campus. The program is a multi-day, overnight experience that allows students to grow as a cohort, familiarize themselves with campus resources, experience a piece of the academic rigor of STEM, and meet faculty and staff on campus. Students attend a series of laboratories and lectures led by Brandeis faculty and graduate students from across the Division of Science. They are asked to complete assignments and receive feedback on their assessments as if they were enrolled in introductory STEM courses in math, biology, chemistry, physics and computer science. They see first-hand the interdisciplinary nature of STEM and learn about the different intended majors of their posse. They bond as a group with their mentor attending team building workshops and social events to allow them to learn how to effectively communicate using their Posse's strengths and weaknesses. They also work to enhance their science communication and literacy skills by participating in a literature-based research project that culminates in a poster session open to all members of the Brandeis community.

Study Abroad

Science Posse Scholars may use their full-tuition scholarship to study abroad in a fall or spring semester. Scholars have participated in experiences such as the Medcial Practice and Policy program in Copenhagen, Denmark; the Community Health and Social Policy Program in Durban, South Africa; and the International Development Program in Bangalore, India.

Co-Curricular Activities

Science Posse Scholars are active in all facets of campus life. They have served as community advisors, orientation leaders, undergraduate departmental representatives, student support services peer mentors, peer tutors, and led domestic and international community service initiatives.

Scholar Research

Brandeis Science Posse Scholars regularly present their research at undergraduate research forums. Below is a selection of recent presentations.

  • Rachel Odusanya ’17 - il1beta upregulates TAAR1 and downregulates EAAT2 in the context of HAND

  • Elon R. Mathieson ’18 - Taste Experience Enhances Conditioned Taste Aversion Regardless of Palatability

  • Edwin Faican ’17 - Optimization of a Granular Structure

  • Jose Vargas ’15 - Determining the Polarization Impurity of the Jansky VLA

  • Jodecy Colon ’15 - Measuring Chemical Interactions using the Belousov-Zhabotinsky Reaction

  • Hirvelt Megie ’15 - Evidence for increasing spontaneous and evoked activity in developing neural circuits

  • Adam Jones ’15 - Characterization of gene expression in single evening cells in Drosophila