CDU/UCLA Undergraduate Cancer Research Training Program

The Undergraduate Cancer Research Training Program (UCRTP) is a 10 week research program designed for outstanding undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a career in biomedical sciences and/or public health. In collaboration with the American Cancer Society’s Diversity in Cancer Research (DICR) initiative, an individualized research project is developed for each undergraduate participant, who will be paired to work with a Faculty Principal Investigator and associates at CDU or UCLA laboratories. 

An individualized program is developed for each undergraduate participant, who will be paired to work with a faculty Principal Investigator and associates at CDU or UCLA laboratories on a selected cancer research project. The goal of the UCRTP is to ensure that each undergraduate student acquires the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to become proficient in cancer health disparities research.

 On completion of the program, each undergraduate trainee will have worked on a hypothesis-driven research project in cancer health disparities and 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 disparities research. We strongly encourage diverse students interested in cancer health disparities to apply! 

Objectives

• Participate in an innovative cancer research project on health disparities
• Participate in lectures and seminars held at the CDU and UCLA‐JCCC campuses.
• Learn hands on research procedures and experimental techniques under the guidance of mentors.
• Present a professional seminar during our Cancer Journal Club and your progress at weekly lab meetings.
• Prepare a professional research paper and present a poster at our research symposiums held at CDU or UCLA.

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 of up to $4,000.

Housing

• CDU or UCLA does not provide housing and/or meal plans for accepted students.

Transportation

• A reliable form of transportation will be needed as the program does not cover transit expenses. 

Commitment

• The research program will be equivalent to a full-time job with an expected commitment of 40 hours per weekday. The program will run for approximately 10 weeks.