Undergraduate Students
Cancer-focused training programs
CREATE: Cancer Research, Education, and Training Experience
Gain an overview of cancer biology and development of key professional development skills, conduct independent cancer biology research under the mentorship of MCC faculty, and engage in a weekly research seminar with other CREATE students. Hosted through the Life Science Summer Undergraduate Research Program.
HOT Division Summer Internship
Working in the Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation (HOT), each intern will gain experience towards the development of a long-term career in research or clinical disciplines through mentored research as well as numerous special activities focused on professional development and networking.
M-ASCEND: MN- Advancing Science Enhancing Diversity
Gain hands-on research experience, mentorship, and academic and professional development. Students interested in pursuing research or a clinical career in a health professional field, have an interest in cancer and/or disparities, and self-identify as belonging to Minnesota's BIPOC and/or historically marginalized communities are encouraged to apply.
NCI: Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics Internship
Work at the National Cancer Institute for the summer exploring careers in cancer epidemiology, biostatistics, and genetics.
UMN Biomedical Training Programs
Other Partners
- Lillehei Heart Institute Summer Research Scholars
- Life Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Program (LSSURP)
- Pathways to Research Program (PReP) at the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI)
- Integrative Biology and Physiology Undergraduate Training (INPUT)
- Summer College of Pharmacy Experience (SCoPE)
- Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)
- Other UMN summer research programs
National Programs
- Summer Internship Program with the National Institute of Health (NIH)
- Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) through the National Science Foundation (NSF)
Are you considering a career in cancer research or care?
Get connected
- In addition to following your college/department news, sign up for our education outreach newsletter, Career Connections
- Attend our weekly seminar to meet current MCC faculty & students
- Find the UMN offices to support you:
- Office of Undergraduate Research - Sign up for the Undergraduate Research Connection newsletter
- Gopher Grad
- PreHealth Student Resource Center
Work in a lab / team
Don't wait until your last year to get experience in your area of interest! MCC members recommend seeking experience in labs starting in your first or second year of college--and they will be more excited to work with you if they know you will have multiple years together.
- Look for jobs posted through the UMN Office of Human Resources
- GopheResearch - "Go for research"! This is a UMN site made specifically for undergraduates seeking research experience.
- Reach out directly:
- Members list
- Email them covering: what you're looking for, your experiences, and why you are reaching out to them specifically
Hone your professional skills
Scientists need solid communication skills. Make sure to access the resources available to you and look for opportunities to practice!
Writing
- Writing Center - visit Student Writing Support to get one-on-one support in a variety of formats/locations
- Minnesota Undergraduate Research Academic Journal (MURAJ) - practice sharing your written work at the Minnesota Undergraduate Research Academic Journal
Presenting at a conference
- Winchell - present at the Winchell Research Symposium & Annual Meeting for undergraduates at the MN Academy of Sciences
- SURE - participate in the Summer Undergraduate Research Expo (SURE) on the UMN Twin Cities campus in August
- NCUR - attend the National Conference on Undergraduate Research
- ABRCAMS online - network with researchers from across the country at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS) ePoster Spring Symposium
Student groups: let's collaborate!
If you have a group of students interested in learning more about cancer research or career pathways, use this form to reach out. Our offerings include:
- Having an MCC speaker come to an event
- Organizing a tour of MCC labs to learn about current research
- Co-hosting a Lunch & Learn for your members to speak to a panel or individual researcher about their research and career pathway - with lunch!