<p>I'm visting Wash U in a few weeks and I just looked at a map of St. Louis. I noticed that Wash U's Tyson Research center took up more room than downtown St. Louis on the map. What exactly is that place? What goes on there?</p>
<p>On a related note, I'm interested in pursuing cognitive neuroscience research as an undergrad. I'm wondering how easy it is to get involved with some professor's work in that area OR (better yet) start your own research project in that field. If anyone has comments/experience, I'd greatly appreciate it.</p>
<p>Congnitive neuroscience is one of WashU's gems. They have a Hewlett Mind-Brain program for freshman, which I suggest you look into. My best friend got involved in that his freshman year and now he's in his mid-twenties and has 7 publications under his belt working on top notch research in the field. He was published before he left Wash U, and had a great time working in neuroscience labs starting his sophomore year. Wash U has a wide variety of neurosceince research and most of the professors are very approachable. My friend also made a fair amount of money doing his research ($20/hr) and was given awards/scholarships for his work. He loves his mentors from Wash U and credits his success to them. Also, the Psych and Bio departments are really strong, and I also recommend looking into the PNP (philosophy neuroscience and psychology) double major. If neuroscience is what you want to go into, I can't recommend a better education than Wash U. You will be well- prepared for a top PhD program in psych or any of the hard sciences or med school.</p>