The Institute of Neuro Innovation (INI) offers a flexible, unpaid Research Internship Program to members of INI @ UCLA that allows students to contribute to active neuroscience and neurosurgical research projects led by INI physicians, scientists, and collaborators.
This program is designed to align with academic quarters or semesters and provides hands-on exposure to clinical research, scientific writing, and translational innovation. Internships may be completed remotely or in a hybrid format, depending on project needs and availability.
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INI offers a 10 week educational research internship in which students work closely with INI research collaborators on ongoing clinical and translational studies.
Interns gain firsthand experience with:
Clinical research workflows
Scientific literature review and synthesis
Data organization and basic analysis
Research communication and innovation in brain health
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Orientation
Your first day includes an introduction to the INI ecosystem — Research, Education, and Philanthropy — and an overview of currently active studies.
Project-Based Placement
Each intern selects one primary research project to focus on for the duration of the internship. Project placement is based on interests, skills, availability, and current study needs.
Research projects span areas such as:
Spine surgery and motion-preserving technologies
Brain-computer interfaces
Digital therapeutics
Regenerative and translational neuroscience
Ongoing Responsibilities
Throughout the internship, interns contribute meaningfully to their assigned project through activities such as:
Literature reviews
Data analysis and organization
Protocol development and study support
Collaborative meetings with physicians and scientists
Capstone & Publication
At the conclusion of the internship, interns will complete:
One capstone deliverable (e.g., research brief, infographic, or white paper), and
A Neuroscience Anthology reflection, with the opportunity for publication on INI platforms.
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This opportunity is open to individuals interested in neuroscience, medicine, or health innovation. Applicants from diverse academic and personal backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Undergraduate applicants must be Junior standing or above
Undergraduate interns are expected to pursue academic course credit through their home institution where applicable
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This internship is unpaid and educational
Placement is competitive and dependent on project availability and timing
Applicants will receive a response within 5–7 business days
For questions, please contact 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 Project Portfolio
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
