The Graduation with Distinction Program (GwD) is intended for students who demonstrate academic excellence through the successful completion of a significant research project during their undergraduate career. This is especially important for students planning to pursue a graduate degree, but is highly recommended for any student with a strong interest in research.
GwD is an opportunity for senior neuroscience majors to expand their research further and present their findings via an oral defense, a written thesis, and a poster presentation.
Important Dates to Remember
GwD 2027
- May graduates: applications are due in the Fall semester senior year, by 4:00pm on Friday during the first week of classes.
- February 24th-March 31st, 2027: Turn in a draft of your Results & Discussion sections of thesis to your mentor for comments
- Assemble defense committee list and email names to tyler.lee@duke.edu by 4:00 pm on Friday, March 1st, 2027
- Completion of final polished version of thesis must be submitted to committee members between March 15th-April 2nd, 2027
- Oral defense period: April 5th-16th, 2027. (Your committee members have to be given your thesis a week prior to your presentation day). Completed form must be uploaded into designated Canvas site that was shared in the Fall semester
- Poster Presentation date: Tuesday, April 20th, 2027 4:30pm (set up at 4pm in DIBS)
- Final Distinction paper due: April 23rd, 2027 uploaded into Canvas
Frequently asked questions for GwD in Neuroscience
What is the criteria for the selection of GwD students?
Neuroscience majors with a GPA of 3.5 or above in neuroscience courses may apply for Graduation with Distinction in Neuroscience. They must also maintain at least this level of performance in their neuroscience coursework (Gateway, Core, Statistics, and Electives) throughout the remainder of their studies at Duke. The written application form must include a summary of the student’s research topic, be endorsed by the student’s faculty mentor, and be approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
What is the evaluative body?
The student and their mentor should choose 2 committee members for the oral defense. One member of the committee (either the mentor or one of the student's two additional committee members) must be a neuroscience faculty member from an Arts and Sciences department, or be a faculty member who teaches regularly in the undergraduate neuroscience program. One member of their committee can be a postdoctoral fellow or an advanced graduate student who has completed their preliminary exam. Dr. Len White may be able to be the third person on the committee, but a student must ask ahead of time so he can plan. The student should form their committee as soon as possible but no later than March 1st, 2027. Contact Tyler Lee to give her the names of the committee members along with the date, time and location for the defense.
Is there another program that could help with my GwD research?
Yes, Summer Neuroscience Program is an undergraduate summer program that allows students to strengthen their research and portfolio.
Are there special courses, other activities required, or other comments?
The thesis is usually based on at least two semesters of independent studies in neuroscience (NEUROSCI 493 and 494, or 391 and 392) with the same faculty mentor.
Throughout the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters, various workshops will be held between the Duke Libraries and Thompson Writing Program. Other opportunities will include thesis writing sessions in DIBS to help build the final project. Our expectation is that GwD students attend at least 75% of workshops/sessions for each semester.
Graduation with Distinction in Neuroscience research projects will be presented as scientific posters during a celebration on April 20th, 2027 at 4:30 pm, (arrive at 4:00 pm to set up poster) LSRC; DIBS. While students will not need to pay for poster printing, they'll need to arrange poster pickup upon completion.
Please reach out to Tyler Lee with any questions at tyler.lee@duke.edu