SuRE-C

The UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center offers the Summer Research Experience in Cancer (SuRE-C) as an opportunity for students to receive an introduction to the field of cancer research. The goal of the program is to exploit the rich cancer research community at the University of Virginia to expose undergraduate and early-stage medical students to the excitement, capabilities, rigors and breadth of opportunity for careers in cancer research. The program is supported by an NCI R25 grant and enrolls 15 undergraduate and/or post-baccalaureate students and five first- or second-year medical students in a research-intensive 10-week program.

The program includes four educational components:

• Hands-on, mentored cancer research projects
• Opportunities to learn about cancer care challenges and interact with cancer patients
• A workshop focused on developing and refining scientific communication skills for various contexts and audiences
• A professional development series providing instruction in approaches to cancer research and panel discussions of career options in cancer research

The capstone of the SuRE-C training experience is the Summer Research Symposium, which affords each trainee an opportunity to present their summer research.

“I learned that I love doing research more than I thought I did at the beginning of the summer, and I hope to find a career where I can continue to do research.”

“The most impactful programming event for me was the talk by Dr. Patrick Dillon, who showed me how oncology research can allow physicians to develop bench-to-bedside therapies.”

“I learned that I enjoy being able to work independently on interesting projects, but also love working with experienced mentors who are able to offer guidance and support. Research can extend the impact a physician has on future patients and it was interesting to see how that factors into an academic career in medicine.”

Applications for SuRE-C should be submitted via UVA’s Summer Research Internship Program (SRIP) site, which provides full details for applying.

Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Associate Director for Education Dr. Lucy Pemberton at lfp2n@virginia.edu or Assistant Dean Dr. Adrian Halme at ajh6a@virginia.edu.