Diversity in Cancer Research Intern

The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center welcomes undergraduates to explore exciting careers
in cancer research through the Diversity in Cancer Research (DICR) program. Over the course of the summer, participants
work full time in the laboratories of established cancer researchers, gaining hands-on experience in areas at the forefront
of the field: cancer immunology, molecular mechanisms of cancer, clinical and experimental cancer therapeutics, cancer
prevention and control, cancer disparities and more. Rigorous research training is complemented with year-round career
development and skill-building workshops, leadership training, opportunities in community outreach and engagement,
and personalized mentorship for post-baccalaureate transitions. Participants receive a taxable stipend of $5,000. DICR is
funded by a grant from the American Cancer Society.

PROGRAM DATES
DICR is a yearlong program consisting of a ten-week summer research experience plus monthly academic year
activities. The 2024 summer research experience runs June 10 – August 16.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
• College freshman, sophomore, or junior at time of application
• At least 16 years of age at start of program
• Strong interest in a career in scientific research or medicine
• Strong academic record, particularly in math and science
• Ability to commit to the yearlong program, including a 10-week summer research experience (40 hours/week) and
monthly enrichment activities throughout the subsequent academic year
Individuals from groups underrepresented in biomedicine, encompassing all relevant social, behavioral as well as health
sciences, are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications are encouraged from any individual with a demonstrated
commitment to increase the full participation of underrepresented groups in biomedicine.
https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-20-031.html
 

• Applicants who advance to the second round: Complete a virtual interview with the program leadership team
on Monday, February 19.
Conflict of Interest Policy: The selection of applicants is managed by the program leadership team. Immediate family members of the
leadership team and UChicago faculty are ineligible for the program. All applications will be subject to the Conflict-of-Interest Policy.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Access the Diversity in Cancer Research program application form at https://redcap.link/DICR_app_2024. Be prepared to enter the
following information:

Academic Information
• Name of college or university
• Current major or concentration
• Current GPA (overall, unweighted)
• Most recent school transcript (PDF document labeled <LastName_FirstInitial Transcript>, e.g., Rowley_J Transcript)
Note: Transcripts do NOT have to be official. However, they should include courses and grades from the beginning of your
freshman year. Your name and the name of your school should be clearly visible.
Program Information
• Your top three areas of interest, based on the following fields of cancer research:
Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer: Investigation of the molecular and cellular events that result in uncontrolled tumor cell
growth and spread. Includes the study of gene mutations, signaling pathways, and regulation of cell proliferation, death,
metabolism, and metastasis.
Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics: Research that focuses on identifying novel molecular targets for cancer therapy,
predicting patient response to specific treatments (“Precision Medicine”), and translating research findings into clinical
application by implementing new therapies, tests, or tools in cancer patient care.
Computational Cancer Biology: Analysis and interpretation of genomic and other large-scale data (bioinformatics) to
understand the causes, risks, and outcomes of cancer.
Cancer Imaging: Development of innovative imaging technologies and analysis tools and methodologies to improve cancer
detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
Cancer Engineering/Biotechnology: Biomedical or molecular engineering that applies engineering principles and design
concepts to improve the prevention, detection, diagnosis, or treatment of cancer.
Cancer Prevention and Control: Determination of the environmental, genetic (biomarkers), psychological, biobehavioral,
and economic factors underlying the development, risk, prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and survivorship of cancer, and
devising strategies to reduce or eliminate those contributing factors.
• Responses to the following questions (limit 250 words per response):
- Of the learning opportunities related to careers in science and medicine, why have you chosen to apply to this
program? For example, you might discuss how the program relates to your academic and career plans, the nature of
your interest in cancer, or what you hope to gain from the experience.
- What qualities and experiences do you have that best prepare you for the demands of the DICR program?
- Scientific progress depends on diverse expertise and perspectives. Tell us about an aspect of your own perspective,
viewpoint, or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it shapes the way you would learn from and
contribute to the DICR community.
- Is there anything else important for us to know about you?
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Arrange for two individuals (at least one professor) to complete the online recommendation form on your behalf by 11:59PM
Central on Monday, January 22. Download an instruction sheet for recommenders at www.uchicagomedicine.org/DICR.
Recommenders can access the online recommendation form at https://redcap.link/DICR_rec_2024.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
• February 5,  2024: Application and recommendations due by 11:59PM Central
• February 19, 2024: Admissions interview
• March 1, 2024: Acceptance notification
• March 15, 2024: Commitment deadline