Cancer Research Post-Baccalaureate Fellows Program

The Cancer Research-Post-Baccalaureate Fellows Program (CR-PFP) is a two-year program supported by the American Cancer Society and designed to provide an individualized research experience for individuals with a STEM bachelor’s degree who intend to pursue graduate studies in biomedical science, public health, or a health profession.

The program encourages applications from individuals who have had limited exposure, experience, and access to research opportunities, including first-generation college students, students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and students attending colleges or universities with fewer research resources.

Program highlights:

• The program provides mentored cancer research training in a UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center research laboratory paired with an Individualized Professional Development Plan (IDP) to prepare you for doctoral-level graduate and professional education.
• Coursework options include Introduction to Statistics, Bioinformatics and other didactic courses
• Workshops on communication, professional and career development and networking opportunities
• Assistance with the graduate school application process
• Opportunity to enroll in GRE and MCAT preparation courses
• Opportunity to attend and present at national conferences
• Opportunities for community outreach
• Upon completion of the 2-year program, Fellows will receive a certificate of completion for the CR-PFP
• Provided stipend ($38,000), health insurance, and tuition coverage

Eligibility requirements:

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in any STEM discipline (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) or health profession
• Agree to participate in the post-baccalaureate program full-time and cannot be simultaneously enrolled full-time in a graduate degree program
• < 3 years since receiving bachelor’s degree
• Demonstrate a passion for cancer research and commit to the 2-year program

The application portal is closed for the 2025 program cycle. The next application cycle will open in January 2027.

Program runs August 25, 2025 through June 2027.

Interested in applying? Contact Dr. Madison Schmidtmann (att2jw@uvahealth.org) for more information.

Our 2025 CR-PFP fellows attended the ACS Postbaccalaureate Annual Meeting September 24-25th in Atlanta, Georgia. Conference activities included networking events, professional development sessions, poster and podium presentations, and a visit to the Georgia Aquarium!

Program fellows: