INI offers a flexible, unpaid Research Internship Program where students can contribute to active Neuroscience and Neurosurgery research projects led by INI physicians, scientists, and collaborators. Interns gain firsthand experience with data analysis, literature reviews, and clinical innovation while supporting studies aimed at improving brain health and surgical outcomes.
-
We are proud to offer a 6–10 week, unpaid educational internship program in which students are able to work closely with Dr. Amir Vokshoor and I.N.I. research collaborators on active neuroscience and neurosurgical studies. Interns gain first-hand experience with clinical research, scientific writing, and brain health innovation.
Your internship experience is designed to be flexible and can be completed remotely or in a hybrid format, depending on project assignment and availability.
Your first day will include an introduction to the I.N.I. ecosystem — Research, Education, and Philanthropy — and an overview of active studies. You will then select a primary research project to focus on during your time as an intern. These projects span topics such as spine surgery, brain-computer interfaces, digital therapeutics, and regenerative neuroscience.
During the remainder of your internship, you will spend your time contributing to your assigned research project through activities such as literature reviews, data analysis, protocol development, and collaborative meetings with physicians and scientists.
At the end of your internship, you will complete a capstone deliverable (e.g., a research brief, infographic, or white paper) and contribute a Neuroscience Anthology reflection post for publication on the I.N.I. website and media.
Activities Include:
Contribute to Active Research Projects – Engage in literature review, data analysis, and project development
Collaborate with Experts – Work directly with neurosurgeons, researchers, and technologists
-
This opportunity is open to all individuals interested in neuroscience, medicine, or health innovation. We encourage students from diverse academic and personal backgrounds to apply.
*Applicants must be at least of Junior standing if currently an Undergraduate Student. -
Please note that this internship is highly competitive, and project placement may depend on availability and timing. It is our goal to provide each intern with a meaningful, hands-on experience.
There is a non-refundable application fee of $50. Application fees may be submitted via the “Contribute” tab on our website.
We will respond to your application within 5–7 business days.
For any additional questions, please contact us at admin@inifoundation.org.
Contribute to Active and Prospective Research Projects
Support studies on spine surgery, brain health, and neurotechnology through literature reviews, data collection, and analysis with the INI Research Team and Collaborators developing new insights and skills in Clinical Research.
Collaborate with Physicians and Researchers
Work alongside neurosurgeons, scientists, and wellness experts on cutting-edge innovations in neuroscience. Gain valued perspective in the world of Clinical Research through working directly with our Researchers and Physicians.
Contribute to Our Neuroscience Anthology
After your internship, you will be guided by Dr. Vokshoor to explore a topic of interest related to neuroscience and write a literature review, which has the opportunity to be published on our website!
Request for More Information
Review the Projects Below and Apply
Research Projects
-
Description:
This study investigates the safety and effectiveness of combining the Prodisc L Total Disc Replacement (Centinel Spine) with the TOPS™ Facet Replacement System (Premia Spine) in patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease and facet joint degeneration. The goal is to assess whether this non-fusion alternative can better preserve motion and function while improving outcomes in pain and mobility.Status: Active IRB-approved study, enrolling patients
Roles Available:Electronic data capture (EDC) system setup
-
Description:
A retrospective study evaluating the outcomes of the TOPS Facet Replacement Procedure performed in ambulatory surgical centers (ASC), aiming to analyze effectiveness and efficiency in outpatient settings.Status: Active – Data collection and manuscript drafting in progress
Roles Available:Literature review
Data synthesis and support for publication drafting
-
Description:
This retrospective project examines the use of hybrid constructs combining spinal fusion and artificial disc replacement (ADR) in the cervical spine. The study involves reviewing patient records and analyzing surgical outcomes to evaluate long-term efficacy of varied hybrid constructs in the cervical spine.Status: Early phase, data being collected for review
Roles Available:Patient chart/data review
Data organization and analysis
Literature review for background and discussion sections
-
*Coming Soon, no current roles
Description:
A retrospective data collection project on patients treated with the CoFlex Interlaminar Stabilization Device. This IRB-sponsored study will assess outcomes post-implantation once protocol approval is finalized.Status: Pending IRB approval
Roles Available:Data collection and review
-
Description:
A research project exploring Apex Medical Exosome products for clinical use in spine, perioperative wellness, and neuroregenerative care. The focus includes identifying therapeutic pathways and integration strategies across multiple delivery methods (IV, injectable, intranasal, sublingual).Status: Prospective / Early Development
Roles Available:Literature review on clinical exosome applications
Drafting internal clinical implementation briefs
Organizing and annotating supporting articles
-
Description:
This initiative seeks to build a national, AI-driven database to capture operative and outcomes data related to spinal arthroplasty. It aims to unite leading spine surgeons and centers around shared data infrastructure and outcomes reporting.Status: Prospective / Early Development
Roles Available:Research on AI integration for medical registries
Drafting data architecture concepts
Collaborator mapping and outreach
-
Description:
Support the aggregation of operative reports and patient data into the BACs data management system. This foundational task enables future retrospective analysis and quality improvement studies. Reading and Reviewing Operative Reports allows insights into Neurosurgical procedures and techniques.Status: Active & Ongoing
Roles Available:Surgical Reports Review & Entry
Organization and Distribution of Patient Reported Outcome Surveys
Research into Optimization of Patient Data Collection
-
Description:
Assist in identifying and testing gait analysis tools for use in the clinical setting for Neurosurgical Patients. The project aims to provide physicians with reliable, non-invasive movement assessments for pre- and post-op patients.Status: Prospective & Exploratory
Roles Available:Tool research and comparison
Setup recommendations for in-office use
Assist in pilot testing
-
Description:
Assist in creating a standardized evaluation framework to assess the efficacy of neuro-wellness tools and treatments, considering scientific support, usability, and therapeutic impact across domains like neuro-tehnologies, bone health, and beyond.Status: Early Developments
Roles Available:Index criteria design and scoring matrix development
Execution of Comparative tool analysis using INI Index Scale
Literature reviews
-
Description:
A VR-based program designed for use in ketamine-assisted therapy, with applications in perioperative care. Interns will assist with study planning and gathering supporting evidence for use cases in collaboration with the Firefly VR teamStatus: In development
Roles Available:Literature review on VR and psychedelic therapy
Study design support
-
Description:
This project explores the use of ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT) in the perioperative setting, particularly for patients with treatment-resistant depression and chronic pain. The goal is to design and pilot protocols that incorporate perioperative ketamine administration—potentially alongside mindfulness-based interventions such as guided meditation, intraoperative positive suggestion, or music therapy—to improve recovery outcomes. A multi-arm study is being developed to investigate the efficacy of these approaches, and retrospective data collection may also be used to evaluate clinical impact.Status: Prospective & Early Phases
Roles Available:Conduct a comprehensive literature review on perioperative ketamine use
Brainstorm and help define outcome metrics (pain scores, mood scales, recovery benchmarks, etc.)
Assist in designing a perioperative mindfulness intervention
Assist in drafting preliminary protocols for KAT use in surgical patients with chronic pain and depression
-
Description:
Neurovella Brain Spa provides innovative therapies to alleviate symptoms of pain, stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other neurological conditions. Neurovella offers therapies such as virtual reality guided meditation, immersive meditation chair experiences, brain wave entrainment, and more!Neurovella Brain Spa is dedicated to developing and integrating non-invasive, tech-enhanced wellness protocols to support neurological and psychological recovery. The project focuses on optimizing care for perioperative patients and individuals receiving ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT). Neurovella blends neuroscience, mindfulness, and digital therapeutics to create curated healing experiences.
Current research and development efforts include:
Identifying evidence-based technologies (e.g., neurostimulation, VR/AR, vibroacoustic therapy, biofeedback) for clinical implementation
Designing structured experiences (pre-, intra-, and post-procedure) to enhance mood, reduce anxiety, and support recovery
Creating data collection protocols for subjective and objective outcomes (e.g., VAS, PROMIS, EEG, HRV)
Rapid prototyping and testing of protocol bundles in clinical environments
Exploring the integration of guided meditation, music therapy, and wearable sensors
Status: Active & Ongoing – Protocol development, literature review, and iterative testing
Roles Available:Conduct literature reviews on neurotech and mindfulness tools
Assist in protocol and experience design for perioperative and KAT patients
Research tools/devices for integration (e.g., VR platforms, wearables, brainwave interfaces)
Support implementation of pilot programs and track outcome data
Help design infographics or educational briefs explaining each protocol
