CURE - Summer Research Program
Dates: June 17 - August 9, 2013
Application Deadline: March 1, 2013
Overview
CURE (Continuing Umbrella of Research Experience Program) is a summer research program at the Lurie Cancer Center of Northwestern University for underserved college students interested in pursuing careers in the biomedical sciences. It is funded by a grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Each year the Lurie Cancer Center accepts 12 college students to work alongside top cancer researchers in state-of-the-art laboratories. The scientists act as mentors and work with students on nationally funded laboratory research projects during the eight-week summer program. Students are introduced to the basics of cancer biology and receive career guidance through weekly focused seminars presented by faculty members. At the end of the CURE program, each trainee is required to prepare a brief written summary and to give an oral report of his or her project to fellow CURE students and faculty mentors.
Curriculum
Students accepted into CURE work full-time for eight weeks on a research project in a biomedical discipline under the guidance of a Cancer Center faculty mentor. The majority of the time is spent participating in laboratory research, allowing participants to experience directly what it means to be a biomedical researcher. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental principles of scientific investigation.
Students gain an understanding of the basics of cancer biology through seminars presented by faculty members on topics such as cancer genes, cell cycle proteins, carcinogenesis, hematologic malignancies, etc. At the end of the CURE program, each trainee is required to prepare a brief written summary and to give an oral presentation of his or her project to fellow CURE students and research mentors.
Qualifications
To qualify for the 2013 program, students must be classified by September 2013 as college freshmen, sophomore, junior or senior students. Applicants should be pursuing a major in the sciences, and their transcripts should demonstrate a record of academic achievement (GPA 3.0 or higher). Students must be members of underserved populations (African American, Hispanic, Pacific Islander or Native American).
Stipend
Participants in the CURE program receive a taxable stipend of approximately $3,400. In addition to the stipend, travel and housing are provided to students who do not live in the Chicago area.
Housing
Housing is provided on the Evanston Campus of Northwestern University for students who do not live in the Chicago area. Students may contact the Office of Undergraduate Housing directly for additional information (847.491.7564; www.northwestern.edu/housing).
How to Apply
Please fill out and mail or e-mail the CURE Program Application (MS-Word document) by MARCH 1, 2013 to:
Robin Leikin, Ph.D., Director
CURE Program
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University
Olson 8350
303 E. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611
E-mail: rleikin@northwestern.edu
For more information, please contact Dr. Leikin at:
312.908.9229 or rleikin@northwestern.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How are mentors assigned?
A: Mentors are assigned based on the applicant's personal statement as part of the CURE Application.
Q: Can I select a specific lab?
A: Yes, you can request a specific lab and we will try to accommodate your request.
Q: Is housing provided?
A: Yes, housing is provided on the Evanston Campus for students who do not live in the Chicago area.
Q: Is the stipend subject to income tax?
A: Yes, the stipend is taxable.
Q: Will I be on the Chicago or Evanston Campuses of Northwestern?
A: You can be on either Campus.
Q: Is there transportation between Chicago and Evanston Campuses?
A: Yes, there is a free shuttle bus between the two campuses.
Q: How many hours per day is CURE?
A: CURE students work full time in the laboratory (35-40 hours per week).
Q: Are there opportunities for networking?
A: CURE students attend weekly seminars that are led by nationally recognized scientists. They are also encouraged to network within their own departments.
