Summer Undergraduate Research Program

• The laboratory and clinical environment at MD Anderson provides a broad range of challenging basic research and clinical projects. Students learn lab safety practices and techniques for gathering, analyzing and presenting scientific data. 
• Emphasis is placed on the importance of basic principles that form the foundation for scientific investigation. Students learn about a broad range of subjects in biomedical research.
• MD Anderson faculty mentors design projects that reflect the ongoing research efforts of the institution's laboratories. Students actively participate in the technical aspects of their projects and the interpretation of experimental data.
• At the conclusion of the program, participants present their summer research project as an academic poster. Students also are eligible to participate in an elevator speech competition.

Students who have completed at least two years of college-level courses in one or more science programs (biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics or computer science) and are in good academic standing are eligible to apply.

Students who are considering pursuing an advanced degree (Ph.D., M.D. or both) and are interested in scientific investigation would benefit most from the program.

• Summer Experience 2017 will take place June 6-Aug. 11, 2017.
• MD Anderson's normal hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Exact work schedules are subject to the mentor’s needs and expectations.

Students who have interest in a specific scientific research project should include this information in the Personal Statement area of the application. While we attempt to match students with mentors in accordance with declared interests, this is based on faculty availability and may not be feasible in all circumstances.

Financial support is not guaranteed for students in this program.

Students are expected to secure their own room and board. Our website includes general information about traveling to Houston and finding lodging. Additional information will be made available to students accepted into the program.

You may apply starting Dec. 1, 2016, through Discover. Applications will be accepted through Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017, at 11:59 p.m. CST.

The following information will be required on the application:

• Personal information, including contact information and mailing address
• Transcripts from high school andundergraduate universities
• Personal Statement
• Two letters of reference with contact information (At least one reference should come from a science or math professor. The other may be from an advisor, counselor or health care advisor/mentor with whom you worked in a prior program during the past four years.)

Applications must be completed and submitted before the above deadline. Incomplete applications will be purged after the deadline has passed.

If the information found here did not provide the answers you need, check with us to find out the answers to your questions.