Program Description
CURE(Continuing Umbrella of Research Experience Program), a summer research program at the Lurie Cancer Center for underserved college students interested in pursuing careers in the biomedical sciences, is funded by the Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Each year the Lurie Cancer Center accepts 12 college students to work alongside top cancer researchers in its 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 also introduced to the basics of cancer research through focused seminars presented by faculty on various 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 project to fellow CURE students and faculty mentors.

For 2010, the program dates will be June 21 - August 13.

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.

To qualify for the 2010 program, students must be classified by September 2010 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. Students must be economically disadvantaged or African American, Hispanic, Pacific Islander or Native American.

Participants in the CURE program receive a taxable stipend of approximately $3,200 to subsidize their expenses so that they may participate in the program.

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).

Please fill out and submit the 2010 CURE Program Application (MS-Word document) and return to:

Robin Leikin, Ph.D.
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University
Olson 8350
303 E. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611

Robin Leikin, PhD, Program Director
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center
Northwestern University
312.908.9229 or rleikin@northwestern.edu

Previous Page