Summer 2012 Research Program in Cancer Prevention

Funded by an R25E Training Grant from the National Cancer Institute.

Open to Undergraduate, Graduate and Medical Students.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: Monday, February 27, 2012
Notice of Acceptance to Applicant: Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Additional Application Documents Due: Monday, April 16, 2012
In-Person Check-In: Friday, June 1, 2012
Summer Program Start Date: Monday, June 4, 2012
Summer Program End Date: Friday, August 10, 2012

Application Materials

Please Note: You must have the full version of Adobe Acrobat (not the Read-Only version) to complete the application form below.

Windows Users: Click here to download the latest version of Adobe Reader or click here for the trial version of Adobe Acrobat X Pro.

MAC Users: Click here to download the latest version of Adobe Reader. The trial version of Adobe Acrobat X Pro for Mac OS is currently not available. However, the full version of Acrobat X Pro for Mac OS is available for purchase.

Application Instructions (pdf) This document includes the formal announcement and detailed application instructions including required supporting documentation. This document contains links.

Application Form (pdf) This is a fillable pdf form. Please remember to save the application after downloading and save it frequently as you enter your information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility
Structure of the Summer Program
Immunization
Searching for a Mentor
Stipend
Letters of Recommendation
Application Submission Questions

Eligibility

Who is eligible for the R25E summer program?

Undergraduate, graduate, and medical students are eligible for the summer program. You must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident. Undergraduate students at all levels are eligible, but rising juniors and seniors are strongly preferred. All applicants MUST be enrolled in a degree program for both the Spring and Fall 2012 semesters. Undergraduates who are transitioning to graduate or medical school in Fall 2012 are eligible, but must show proof of acceptance, or at least application to a graduate program, by the February 27, 2012 deadline.

Why are only US citizens or Permanent Residents eligible?

This fellowship program is supported by a National Cancer Institute R25E grant (R25-CA056452) that requires trainees to have US citizenship or permanent resident status. Applicants with visas are not eligible for the NCI-funded fellowships.

I’m graduating from college in May 2012 but plan to take some classes in the fall, can I still apply?

No, students must be enrolled in a degree-granting program for Fall 2012. Just taking additional classes does not qualify.

I’ve applied to graduate school for Fall 2012, but won’t find out if I’m accepted until April 2012, can I still apply?

Yes, but your full acceptance to the program may be contingent on your acceptance to graduate school.

Structure of the Summer Program

How long does the summer program last?

The program is a total of 10 weeks, from Monday, June 4 – Friday, August 10, 2012. Students must come in person to check-in the Friday before their start date, so Friday, June 1^st, before noon.

I’m not able to start work until June 11^th, can I still participate?

No, the dates of the program are set and all applicants must be available for the entire length of the program.

I need to end a week earlier, on August 3^rd, can I still participate?

No, the dates of the program are set and all applicants must be available for the entire length of the program.

How many hours per week are students expected to work?

All students will work full-time, or 40 hours per week. This is based on a Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm schedule. Hours can be somewhat flexible to accommodate students’ commuting needs (e.g., 7:30am-4:30pm)

Can I work part-time?

No, the program is a full-time, 10 week experience. If you are not able to work with this schedule, you should not apply.

I’m taking the MCAT/GRE this summer; can I take off a week to prepare?

You are not allowed more than 4 days total absences from the entire program. If you are not able to commit to the full-time, 10 week program, you should not apply.

My family takes a 2-week vacation every summer; will I be allowed to take this time off?

No, you are not allowed more than 4 days total absences from the entire program. If you are not able to commit to the full-time, 10 week program, you should not apply.

Immunization Questions

Why do I have to complete an immunization for and get a TB test?

All MD Anderson employees are required to have a TB test performed before starting work. It is mandatory that ALL trainees submit the MD Anderson Required Immunization Form signed by a physician or licensed health care provider. All blanks must be completed. ''See attached" is not a valid entry. Employee Health no longer accepts immunization records without the fully completed MD Anderson Required Immunization Form. Trainees must complete this form as part of the institutional application.

I had a TB test performed last summer, in July, do I have to get it updated?

Yes, your TB test must be current within one year of your appointment start date.

My immunizations are already listed on the transcript; do I still need to complete the immunization form?

Yes; this is Trainee and Alumni Affairs (TAA) policy.

Searching for a Mentor

How do I identify potential mentors to be included in my application form?

Visit the How to Find a Mentor page and search 2 ways: 1) Click the “Faculty Profiles” link and search by keywords (e.g., smoking cessation, health disparities), or 2) Click on each department’s webpage and search the “Faculty & Staff” link by reading the profiles of the faculty in that department.

Stipend

How much are students paid for the summer program?

Stipends are determined by your academic level and will range from $1,400 – $2,167 per month. The rate at which you are paid is non-negotiable and is determined by MD Anderson’s department of Trainee & Alumni Affairs.

What is a STIPEND?

The word "Stipend" is the same as "Salary" or "Pay", within MD Anderson. These terms are synonymous and are commonly used interchangeably. According to MD Anderson's Payroll Department, whether you are an Employee or Student who gets paid a "Stipend", taxes will be withheld.

Are taxes withheld from my paycheck?

Yes, however, the amount taxed depends on the allowances you designate on your W-4 form. At New Employee Orientation, you will be asked to complete a W-4. For assistance with tax withholding calculations, visit the online IRS Withholding Calculator. Links to Form W-4 and the IRS Withholding Calculator are on the Payroll Services Site.

Is housing provided?

Partial or full support for housing may be provided for out-of-town students. Be sure to indicate your interest in housing support on your application form, should you need it.

Letters of Recommendation

How are Letters of Recommendation to be addressed and submitted?

1. All letters should be addressed to Dr. Shine Chang, Director, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Cancer Prevention Research Training Program.
2. All letters must be signed and on letterhead.
3. Recommendation Letters are NOT to be included with the stitched application submitted by the applicant.
4. Recommendation Letters are to be sent directly by the recommender (not the applicant) to apply@cancerpreventiontraining.org.
5. Letters submitted without these features may result in your application being considered incomplete.

Why can't I submit the Letter of Recommendation directly to the addressee (Dr. Shine Chang)?

Letters of Recommendation are to be sent to our central e-mail address (apply@cancerpreventiontraining.org) to prevent the document from getting lost or misfiled. If your Letter of Recommendation is sent directly to Dr. Chang and she is out of the office, we will be unable to confirm receipt in a timely manner and that could result in the denial of your application.

Application Submission Questions

Why do I need to submit my application to apply@cancerpreventiontraining.org and not an individual?

The apply@cancerpreventiontraining.org is our program's main e-mail address and serves as a central location. Your application and letters of support are less likely to be lost when sent to this e-mail address. You will receive a confirmation of the receipt of your application.