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Program Description CURE (Continuing Umbrella of Research Experience) Program is funded by a grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. This Program allows students from underserved populations to receive state-of-the-art training in laboratory cancer research. Underserved includes racial and ethnic minorities (African American, Hispanic American, American Indians, Alaskan Natives and Pacific Islanders), first generation, or economically disadvantaged college students. Participants have the opportunity to investigate the mechanisms by which hormones, growth factors, receptors and viruses control cell growth and proliferation through their laboratory experience. Students are assigned to a specific laboratory based on the area of interest listed on their personal statement, and participate in all aspects of that lab's research. The preceptors of the CURE Program are well established members of the faculty with nationally funded research programs. Students also attend a weekly seminar series including topics on the basics of cancer research and career counseling. A competitive stipend is provided to participants. The goal of the Cure Program is to attract students to careers in biomedical research. CURE students who demonstrate a sincere interest in their research project and outstanding research ability during their first summer research experience are offered a chance to return to the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center to participate in the CURE summer research program for a second year. Program Dates This year's program will run from June 23 - Friday August 15 Deadline for applications is March 31, 2008. 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 are also introduced to the basics of cancer research through seminars presented by faculty on a wide variety of research topics. At the end of the CURE program, each trainee is required to prepare a brief written summary and an oral report of his or her activities for presentation to fellow CURE students and their research mentors. To receive credit for participating in CURE, each trainee must turn in their finished written report and an evaluation of the program. Qualifications To qualify for the program, students must be classified by September 2008 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. Stipend Participants in the CURE program receive a stipend of approximately $3,200 to subsidize their expenses so that they may participate in the program. Housing Housing is available on the Evanston Campus of Northwestern University for students who do not live in the Chicago area. Students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Housing directly for additional information (847-491-7564; www.northwestern.edu/housing). To Apply Applications may be found at student application (pdf) from this site. The completed application consisting of student statement of interest, official transcript with grades and letter of recommendation should be sent to Dr. Robin Leikin by e-mail or at the address listed below by March 31, 2008. Selection of participants will be made by Dr. Leikin in consultation with the Program Executive Committee. For More Information Robin Leikin, Ph.D., Program Director Northwestern University Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center Olson 8350 303 E. Chicago Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60611 Phone: 312-908-9229 FAX: 312-503-0389 e-mail: rleikin@northwestern.edu |
