🧠 Research Incubator Model

We power breakthroughs by developing and deploying top research talent.

Our research incubators equip students and mentors with the tools, guidance, and experience to accelerate innovation across cutting-edge fields such as neuroscience, AI, and decision science.

Neurotrailblazers applies this framework to the audacious goal of mapping the networks of the brain at the level of individual synaptic connections, and makes tools, training and content available to the CONNECTS community and beyond.

Framework Context by Track

Use these frameworks to align technical depth, applied research practice, and career/community development.

Core Concepts & Methods

Build scientific and technical fluency in nanoscale connectomics from motivation through analysis methods.

Fadel: Knowledge, Skills

Pathways: technical foundation, methods depth, analytical reasoning

Research in Action

Apply concepts in practical workflows, quality control, tools, and reproducible research operations.

Fadel: Skills, Meta-learning

Pathways: research workflow, reproducibility, project execution

Career & Community

Navigate hidden curriculum, mentorship, professional growth, and inclusive research identity development.

Fadel: Character, Meta-learning

Pathways: mentoring, professional growth, hidden curriculum

MERIT Framework

Mentoring Exceptional Researchers to Innovate and Thrive

  1. Merit-Based Selection
  2. Orientation & Research Foundations
  3. Skill Development & Mentored Research
  4. Independent Research & Early Dissemination
  5. Advanced Research & Professional Networking
  6. Career Transition & Lifelong Learning

MERIT Whitepaper summary (PDF coming soon)

Professional Pathways Workshops

A workshop sequence for hidden-curriculum navigation, communication, and career readiness (historically developed under COMPASS naming).

  1. Orientation
  2. The Resilient STEM Scholar
  3. Charting Your Course in Research
  4. Building Your STEM Entourage
  5. Communicating Science I & II
  6. The Savvy Researcher
  7. Professional Conduct in STEM
  8. STEM Identity & Purpose
  9. Future Forward

Professional Pathways guide summary (PDF coming soon)

CCR Model

Center for Curriculum Redesign – 21st Century Competency Framework

  • Knowledge: Domain expertise in neuroscience and data science
  • Skills: Critical thinking, problem solving, communication
  • Character: Curiosity, resilience, integrity, leadership
  • Meta-Learning: Planning, self-reflection, adaptation
## 🔗 References
  • Lopatto, D. (2007). Undergraduate research experiences support science career decisions and active learning. CBE Life Sci Educ, 6(4), 297–306.
  • Duckworth, A. et al. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. J. Pers. Soc. Psychol., 92(6), 1087–1101.
  • Fadel, C., Bialik, M., & Trilling, B. (2015). Four-Dimensional Education: The Competencies Learners Need to Succeed. CCR.
  • Cervantes, C. et al. (2022). CIRCUIT: A framework for inclusive and equitable STEM mentorship. Cell, 185(15), 2620–2624.