Program Overview
Undergraduate Summer Program
The Undergraduate Cancer Research Training Program (UCRTP) is a 12-week summer
internship hosted by the Center to Eliminate Cancer Health Disparities at
Charles Drew University (CDU), in partnership with the Jonsson Comprehensive
Cancer Center at UCLA. It is designed for 10* outstanding minority and
underrepresented undergraduate students who are contemplating a career in
biomedical-related sciences and working with underserved communities. An
individualized program is developed for each undergraduate participant, who will
work with a faculty Principal Investigator or his/her associates.
At either a CDU or UCLA laboratory students will conduct research alongside a
designated mentor on cancer research projects. The goal of the UCRTP is to
ensure that each undergraduate student acquires the knowledge, skills, and
attitudes to become a proficient cancer researcher. Upon completion of the
program, each undergraduate trainee will have developed a research paper based
on the findings of the ancillary project to be given to his or her lead mentor
for evaluation and feedback. Students will then have the opportunity present
their findings at a professional research conference or symposium.
* Two students may be offered support throughout the year to develop a more
comprehensive and independent research project.
Eligibility
Student must:
be low income or underrepresented minority (African American, Mexican
American/Chicano, Hispanic American/Latino, Native American, Asian Pacific
Islander, Native Alaskan or Native Hawaiian)
be an undergraduate freshman, sophomore, or junior
have a minimum 3.0 GPA
Have completed college-level general biology and introductory chemistry.
Research Topics
Students will learn from scientists conducting research relevant to eliminating
cancer health disparities, including but not limited to:
The role of community, environment and lifestyle choices on cancer prognosis and outcomes
Molecular, cell, developmental biology and genetics of cancer
Translating basic research into therapeutic agents for patient benefits
Early diagnosis and treatment
The influence of nutrition, diet, exercise on cancer risk
Emerging Technology (i.e. Nanotechnology)
Award
Amount of stipend awarded is dependent upon the length of the student’s
participation, with a maximum award totaling $4,000 for a twelve week
commitment.
Apply
Please apply through our
online application.
For those unable to apply online, please download the application form
here.
Submit unofficial or official transcripts
1.
Unofficial transcripts must be in PDF format and
emailed as an attachment.
2.
Official transcripts must be mailed to:
CDU-Division of Cancer Research and Training
ATTN: Ms. Milena Pavlova - UCRTP
1748 East 118th Street
LSRNE S227
Los Angeles, CA 90059
Letter
of Recommendation |
CDU-UCLA Brochure
|
CDU-UCLA Flyer
