University of Michigan, Medical School - Cai Lab - Neurons Can Fly
Neuroscience + AI Research Program
Train online and on-site in the world-class neuroscience lab while exploring how AI is transforming modern brain science.
Gain Exclusive Experience in Real Neuroscience.
A selective, research-driven pathway designed by the Cai Lab at the University of Michigan to introduce motivated high school students to neuroscience and neurotechnology through hands-on training, quantitative AI analysis, and authentic research experiences. The program unfolds in three progressive stages:
1️⃣Neuroscience+AI Research Online Jump Start class Starts April, 2026
🎯 Build the essential neuroscience foundation and arrive at summer camp fully prepared and confident.
2️⃣ Neuroscience+AI research On-Site Summer Camps July 19 - 31, 2026
🎯 Gain real university lab experience and hands-on skills used by working neuroscientists:
1. Experimental Neuroscience Camp (July 19–24) and/or
2. Quantitative Neuroscience & AI Camp (July 26–31)
3️⃣Advanced Neuroscience+AI Research Program Starts August, 2026
🎯 Work one-on-one with Cai Lab mentors and contribute to authentic neuroscience research
1. Neuroscience+AI Research Jump Start Class - Online
Build the knowledge Neuroscience and AI Research foundation for G8-G11 students before stepping into the lab. Students receive scientific literature, recorded lectures, open-ended questions, and office hours.
Jump Start is required to attend the Summer Camp.
1. Neuron Can Fly
Neuroscience+AI Research Jump Start Online Classes
G8–G11 | Online | Self-Paced with Live opening session and Live Office Hour | Starts April 1, 2026
Build the knowledge depth and scientific confidence needed to step into real university-level neuroscience research training.
✅ Build a rigorous neuroscience foundation before entering university-level lab training
✅ Gain early exposure to core neurotechnology concepts rarely taught at the middle/high school level
✅ Demonstrate academic initiative and research readiness valued by selective STEM programs
The following topics will be covered:
🎯Nervous System Anatomy
🎯Neuronal Cell Biology
🎯Drosophila as a model system
🎯Transgenic Animals
🎯Multispectral Fluorescence Microscopy
🎯Optogenetics & Thermogenetics
🎯Image and Video Analysis
🎯AI and Behavior Analysis
🎯🆕Informatics & Neuron Subtype AI Analysis (Multiple NS AI and data science modules)
Students who completed Jump Start classes are eligible to apply for one or both summer camps.
Tuition: $349
2. Neuroscience + AI Research Summer Camp – Onsite
The Neurons Can Fly In-Person Summer Camp immerses motivated students in cutting-edge neuroscience through hands-on, interdisciplinary training inside state-of-the-art University of Michigan laboratories.
Participants don’t just learn concepts—they step into real research environments, building authentic biological bench skills while applying modern AI-driven quantitative analysis used by today’s neuroscientists.
This unique dual-track experience is designed to develop both experimental rigor and computational thinking, preparing students for advanced research pathways.
Neuron Can Fly On-site camp
1：Experimental Neuroscience Camp
📅 July 19–24, 2026 | On-site at UMich Ann Arbor
This intensive lab-based camp builds foundational experimental neuroscience techniques through hands-on training in the world-class bio lab.
✅Authentic wet-lab research experience valued by selective STEM programs
✅Early exposure to molecular and cellular neuroscience typically seen at the undergraduate level
✅A rigorous experimental foundation that demonstrates research readiness and academic initiative
Core Modules
🎯General Equipment & Lab Safety
🎯Transgenic Flies in Neuroscience Research
🎯Genotyping (DNA → Gel Electrophoresis)
🎯Neuroanatomy & Neural Cell Biology
🎯Fly Behavior Labs (Optogenetics & Thermogenetic)
🎯Fly Brain Dissection & Fluorescence Microscopy
Best for Students Who
✔ Are curious about how the brain works at the cellular level
✔ Want hands-on wet-lab neuroscience experience
✔ Are interested in molecular and cellular neuroscience
✔ Want to build a strong foundation in experimental research
🏫 Learning & Residential Experience
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Classes: University of Michigan Undergraduate Science Building
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Housing & Meals: Alice Lloyd Hall (undergraduate residence)
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Walkable campus experience
Students experience authentic college life while working in real research facilities.
🎯 Eligibility & Qualification
Applicants must:
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Be in Grades 8–12
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Have a basic biology foundation
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Complete the Neuroscience Research Jump Start (Online) course
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Pass the holistic application review
Admission is selective to ensure students are prepared for authentic lab work.
Tuition: $3319
Neuron Can Fly Onsite Camp
2：Quantitative Neuroscience + AI Camp
📅 July 26–31, 2026 | On-site at UMich Ann Arbor
This advanced, AI computation-focused camp equips students with modern neuro-informatics and AI-powered analysis skills through hands-on work with real behavioral and neural datasets.
✅ High-impact AI neuroscience experience that stands out in selective STEM application
✅ Early exposure to university-level computational neuroscience and ML workflows
✅ Demonstrated quantitative rigor signaling readiness for advanced research
Core Modules
🎯 Fly Behavior Video Processing (Python)
🎯 AI Behavior Annotation & Quantification
🎯 Advanced Social Behavior Analysis
🎯 Correlative Electron–Light Microscopy Circuit Mapping
🎯 Neuron Subtype Analysis (Single-Cell RNA)
🎯 Scientific Research Presentation
Best for students who:
✔ Are interested in AI, neuroscience, or computational science
✔ Enjoy data analysis, coding, and scientific exploration
✔ Want early exposure to real scientific research methods
✔ Plan to pursue STEM, neuroscience, AI, or biomedical research
🏫 Learning & Residential Experience
-
Classes: University of Michigan Undergraduate Science Building
-
Housing & Meals: Alice Lloyd Hall (undergraduate residence)
-
Walkable campus experience
Students experience authentic college life while working in real research facilities.
🎯 Eligibility & Qualification
Applicants must:
-
Be in Grades 8–12
-
Have a basic biology foundation
-
Complete the Neuroscience Research Jump Start (Online) course
-
Pass the holistic application review
Admission is selective to ensure students are prepared for authentic computer/AI work.
Tuition: $3319
3. Advanced Neuroscience+AI Research Program
The Continuing Advanced Research Program offers high-performing Neurons Can Fly students a selective pathway to move beyond training and into authentic scientific contribution with the Cai Lab at the University of Michigan.
📅 Starts August 2026 | Remote or Limited On-site at UMich Ann Arbor
This selective, mentor-guided research program enables high-performing students to contribute to active Cai Lab neuroscience projects through sustained, one-on-one mentorship and work with real experimental datasets and AI-driven analysis tools.
✅ Elite mentored research experience that distinguishes applicants in selective STEM applications
✅ Direct participation in authentic Cai Lab neuroscience investigations
✅ Publication- and conference-oriented research pathway demonstrating advanced scientific maturity
Core Pathways
🎯 Behavioral Control by Serotonergic Neurons
🎯 Thermogenetic-Based Neural Manipulation
🎯 AI-Based Behavioral Tracking & Statistical Analysis
🎯 Neural Circuit Input/Output Mapping
🎯 AI-Assisted Neural Reconstruction & Data Mining
🎯 Scientific Research Development & Mentored Progression
🎯 Eligibility & Qualification
Applicants must:
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Successfully complete the Neuroscience Research Jump Start (Online)
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Successfully complete the NCF In-Person Summer Camp
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Demonstrate strong interest in neuroscience research
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Show readiness for independent, mentor-guided work
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Pass the selective application review
Tuition: $300/Month
