High School & Undergraduate Summer Volunteer Program
The application period for the 2024 program has closed. Please check back starting February 2025 when the summer 2025 application period opens.
Engaging the Next Generation of Cancer Researchers!
The Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center offers the Summer Research Volunteer Program as an outreach initiative with the objective of attracting and training the next generation of scientists to take on the fight against cancer. Our goal is to encourage students to make new discoveries and to pursue future careers in the biological sciences in general, and particularly in cancer research. By participating in this program, the students learn from experts who are devoted to preventing, treating and curing cancer. Participating students have access to many research scientists who work in a range of fields across Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC). This is a chance to experience the gratification of discovering something new while learning to overcome the challenges inherent in scientific research. This summer research volunteer experience is intense but highly rewarding. If you enjoy science and have a strong desire to explore and discover the world around you, this is a great opportunity for you!
Our Summer Research Program is designed for outstanding high school and undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in bio-medically related sciences. Motivated students will benefit from this opportunity of gaining hands-on laboratory research experience.
The High School Summer Research Volunteer Program runs for eight weeks, beginning in mid-June each year through mid-August each year.
The Undergraduate Summer Research Volunteer Program runs for eight weeks, beginning in early June through late July or early August each year.
During the 8-week program, students work full-time (40 hours/week) on independent research projects under the guidance of a research scientist. Students either work on a specific project assigned to them or work alongside postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. Many times the mentors will assign program participants to one of their fellows and graduate students inside the laboratory. Mentors will meet with program participants periodically to measure progress and address any questions.
Students in the program have the opportunity to:
Obtain hands-on research experience in cutting-edge laboratories
Interact with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students
Attend a weekly seminar series of presentations from the various fields of cancer biology
Attend and present research findings at work-in-progress sessions with postdoctoral fellows and graduate students
Participate in cancer research with Georgetown University faculty and staff
Meet and network with peers who have similar goals and interests
Students will learn from scientists conducting research in:
Signals and pathways involved in the control of cell proliferation and death
Cell to cell interactions, adhesion, and protein targeting
Tumor immunology and immunotherapy
Human cancer genetics and biology
Drug development, drug resistance, and clinical therapeutics
Interventions to improve cancer survivorship
Effectiveness of clinical practice and health policy
Requirements
High School Students: No previous research experience is necessary. However, AP science is strongly encouraged.
Students must be 16 years of age by June 24 of the year of application.
Students must commit fully to all 8 weeks of the program. The exact dates for the program are announced in January each year and the application process starts February 1 and closes March 31. If you are unable to commit to participation for the duration of the eight weeks you will not be considered for participation.
Undergraduate Students: No previous research experience is necessary.
Students must be 16 years of age by June 1 of the year of application.
Students must commit fully to all 8 weeks of the program. The exact dates for the program are announced in January each year and the application process starts February 1 and closes March 31. If you are unable to commit to participation for the duration of the eight weeks you will not be considered for participation.
All students are expected to work full-time (40 hours/week) for the duration of the program, so participation is not compatible with attending summer school or working at another job.
Students are expected to show up on time and dress appropriately for the laboratory environment. They are also expected to maintain a good attitude toward the work and to comply with strict safety guidelines. Safety training will be provided.
The program is free for all accepted students. Students must provide their own transportation & housing; no campus parking is provided.
The program is open to international applicants; however those accepted are responsible for all required documentation and expenses, including transportation, lodging and associated legal fees.
High school and college students participating in the Summer Research Volunteer Program at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center gained valuable insights about the process of scientific discovery and the biology of cancer.…