The Cancer Research Scholars Program (CRSP)

The application is open from November 1 to February 1

Cancer is among the leading causes of death in the US. Over the next decade, cancer cases are expected to grow to over 23 million. In Cincinnati, Ohio, cancer is the second leading cause of death with the greatest deaths attributed to lung/bronchus, colon/rectum, breast, pancreas, prostate, and cervical/uterine cancers. 

The University of Cincinnati (UC) with the support of the UC Cancer Center, have collectively established the University’s first ever cancer-focused undergraduate summer research scholars’ program. CRSP will offer cancer research and career training, field experiences, and community engagement opportunities. The program welcomes undergraduate students (rising freshman to seniors), as well as recent graduates of an undergraduate program. 

All Scholars participate in:

• An engaging two-day off-site program orientation,
• A weekly cancer curriculum,&
• Cancer screening and education outreach activities within local underserved communities

CRSP has 22 positions available for summer.

• Program Dates: The program will run May 29 to August 1^st in 2025
• This is a paid ($15/hour), 10 week, 40 hours/week summer opportunity (400 hours total). Some scholars will also have an opportunity to continue their research during the academic year (200 hours).

Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident unless you have outside financial support.

• Be matched with a research mentor from our vast Cancer Mentor Network of more than 60 mentors at UC and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
• Complete new and ongoing research within their mentor’s lab/research group
• Cultivate deeper understanding of cancer research and cancer careers
•  Develop research skills, improve independent critical thinking, gain confidence in oral and written communication of science concepts
• Participate in opportunities to write research reports and give oral presentations
• Engage in career development activities that will benefit their future careers
• Network with faculty and peers across UC and with the local cancer community
• Have fun during our social and networking activities!

• Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, an academic or clinical program related to the biomedical or social sciences or one that would provide background knowledge to support a cancer career with CRSP participation (e.g., computer science, public health, biomedical engineering, epidemiology, biostatistics, psychology, health promotion/education)
• Generally, a GPA of ≥3.2 is desired. However, we consider GPA as only one factor in the overall evaluation of the Scholar and will make allowances for a brief lapse in GPA due to extenuating circumstances (e.g., illness or a family crisis).
• A sincere interest in pursuing a career in the vast field of cancer research and/or cancer care.
• Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident unless you have outside financial support.

Please apply through the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship portal by selecting -SURF - Cancer. Please note that, along with your personal information, the online application will ask you to provide the following items:

• Essay questions: 
  • Please describe your career interests and goals related to earning an advanced degree (MD, PhD, MD/PhD, MS, other). 
  • Please describe the areas of biomedical or health research that currently most interests you. 
  • If the research of particular faculty members at UC or CCHMC interests you, please list them below, including a sentence or two about why their projects are of special interest to you. 
  • Please list and describe any previous/current relevant experiences that you have had, which would provide skills transferrable to a summer research experience and/or being a part of a research lab. 
  • Please describe how a SURF experience would connect to your academic and/or career goals.
• References: One letter of recommendation is required; others welcome.
• Grade Reports: Will be requested for completion of the online application.
• Deadline: February 1 at 5:00 PM EST (however earlier is better!)

If you need to update the information you submitted for your application, you may do so by accessing the application portal. You will be required to provide your username and password that was emailed to you when you originally submitted your application.