How to Apply for the NeuroNauts Program

Eligible applicants must be current (2025-2026) high school sophomores or juniors at Escambia or Santa Rosa County, Florida high schools.  We anticipate selecting eight award recipients and two to four alternates.  Every effort will be made to select participants representing as many high schools in our community as possible. 

Applicants may select from ONE of the following options to apply to the Program (please complete the entire application in full via the same method): 

1. Online application form.

2. Download Word version of application form. Complete the application, save it, and email it to the NeuroNauts Program Coordinator, Ms. Emily Harris (eharris@uwf.edu).  Please use the subject line NeuroNauts Application in your email. 

3. Request a mailed paper copy of the application form (Ms. Emily Harris; eharris@uwf.edu).  We will include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for you to return your completed application.  Please note that mailed applications are due to UWF by April 1, so you must allow a couple of extra days for mail service (US Mail and Campus Mail).

Pro Tip 1: Applicants are advised to review the Word version of the application regardless of the application method they plan to use.  This will alert you to the essay questions and other information that you will be required to provide as part of your application for the most effective preparation.

Pro Tip 2: Applicants are advised not to exceed the word count limits — we will not review content that exceeds them.

As part of the application, you will be asked to provide the name and contact information of a high school teacher or counselor who can write a letter of recommendation on your behalf.  Your reference will be contacted on or about April 2 to request direct submission of these letters.  Applicants will not submit the letters of recommendation to maintain document integrity. 

Pro Tip: Applicants are advised to contact the teacher or counselor and ask if they are willing to write a letter of recommendation 7 to 10 days before the application deadline.  This will ensure they have time to write a strong, meaningful letter on your behalf and will give you time to identify an alternate letter writer in case one declines.

Based on our initial review of the applications and letters of recommendation, finalist applicants will be invited for in-person interviews on the UWF campus.  

We anticipate that approximately 12 candidates will be invited for these interviews.  

We anticipate that finalists will be contacted to schedule interviews in early to mid-April and that 

Pro Tip: Applicants should be aware of these timelines, watch their email inbox for status updates, and respond promptly.  Delays in responding to program emails may result in us moving to the next candidate on our list.

We anticipate that eight participants will be selected for the Program.  We also anticipate that 2 to 4 alternates will also be selected.  Both Program Participants and Alternatives will be notified on or about May 1. 

Pro Tip: Applicants should be aware of these timelines, watch their email inbox for status updates, and respond promptly.  Delays in responding to program emails may result in us moving to the next candidate on our list.

Participants, alternates, and their parents will be invited to attend a mandatory informational session. This meeting will be scheduled in May.  During this meeting, we will discuss all program requirements and expectations and answer any questions. 

Participants, alternates, and parents will be asked to complete a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to ensure transparency in Program Guidelines and Expectations. 

Participants may be required to complete online lab safety training before the first day of the Program (June 1, 2026). 

If one of the selected participants cannot meet the Program's expectations, an Alternate will be notified as soon as possible.