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CDU/UCLA Undergraduate Cancer Research Training Program

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
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The CDU/UCLA Undergraduate Cancer Research Training Program (UCRTP) is a 10 week summer research internship designed for outstanding underrepresented undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a career in basic, clinical, or community-based science. Hosted by Charles R. Drew University's Center for Cancer Innovation and Translation, in collaboration with UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, this individualized 10-week program is developed for each undergraduate participant, who will be paired to work with a faculty researcher and associates at CDU or UCLA laboratories on a selected cancer research project. UCRTP's goal is to ensure that each undergraduate student acquires the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to pursue a career in cancer research. 

Upon completion of the program, each undergraduate trainee will have worked on a hypothesis-driven research project in cancer and have developed a research paper (based on the findings of the ancillary project). Students will also have the opportunity to present their findings before a regional or national conference and benefit from seminar series' focused on translational cancer health research.

We strongly encourage eligible students interested in a career in cancer research and public/community health to apply! 

Objectives

  • Participate in an innovative cancer research project 
  • Build research skills through mentored and directed hands-on research activities
  • Participate in lectures and seminars held at Charles R. Drew University (CDU) and collaborating institutions 
  • Develop a seminar during our Cancer Journal Club and your progress at lab meetings
  • Prepare a professional research paper and research poster to present your project findings at our end-of-summer research symposium
  • Learn about cancer research from a multidisciplinary persepctive which contains topics on community, social determinants of health, and more

Eligibility

  • Low income or underrepresented students* are particularly encouraged to apply
  • Undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, juniors, & non-graduating seniors
  • Have a recommended minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Pursuing a career in biomedical-related sciences with a health disparities focus
  • Successful completion of college-level general biology and chemistry
  • A reliable form of transportation
  • No prior research experience required*

Stipend

  • Students accepted into the program will receive a stipend for their participation

Housing

  • CDU and UCLA do not provide housing and/or meal plans. Students will need to secure their own housing accommodations and confirm a local address prior to program start.

Transportation

  • Students accepted into the program will be expected to have reliable transportation to CDU and/or UCLA.

Commitment

  • The research program will be equivalent to a full time job ~ (40hr/week). Students must commit approximately 40 hours per week for the duration of the internship. The internship program will run for 10 weeks from June 13th to August 21st, 2026.