Undergraduate students interested in biomedical and health sciences are invited to participate in leading-edge cancer research and career exploration at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Participants work full-time (35-40 hours/week) under the mentorship of top cancer researchers in state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities help to advance novel research projects in cell and molecular biology, cancer immunology, metabolism, clinical investigation, developmental therapeutics, genomics, population science, health disparities, bioinformatics and other focus areas. Immersive research training is complemented by faculty lectures, skills workshops and career development activities. Students will learn key principles of cancer biology and biomedical investigation, gain hands-on research experience, explore possible career paths, receive career guidance and individual mentoring, and develop a foundational community of multidisciplinary faculty, researchers, students and colleagues at Northwestern.

Undergraduate students may participate in one of two cancer research internships at the Lurie Cancer Center:

• ACS-DICR American Cancer Society Diversity in Cancer Research internship
• NU-CURE Northwestern University Cancer-focused Undergraduate Research Experience

Both programs aim to support diverse, committed, innovative future leaders in cancer research whose efforts will improve the lives of cancer patients, their families, and the larger community

Eligibility and Qualifications

• Current undergraduate student
• Demonstrated interest in the biological/health sciences with a strong record of academic achievement
• Able to commit to 8 full weeks of programming
• US Citizen or permanent resident
• Applications are particularly encouraged for individuals who meet NIH criteria for one of the following (see NIH website for definitions)
  • Underserved in biomedical science (African American, Hispanic, Native American, Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian)
  • Disabled
  • Disadvantaged

Program Information

Stipend: Participants who complete the program receive a taxable stipend.

Housing and transportation: Students are responsible for arranging their own housing and transportation to campus each day. Trainees may be assigned to laboratories on either the Chicago or Evanston campuses, which are connected by a free shuttle bus.