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Undergraduate Research at Science Park
Summer Program in Cancer Research
The Science Park Summer Program in Cancer Research (SPCR) provides an authentic research experience for outstanding undergraduate students considering careers in biomedical research. This highly competitive program routinely receives over 100 applications for a limited number of positions.
About the Program
For ten weeks during the summer, SPCR students participate in hypothesis-driven, project-based investigations and attend a weekly lunch lecture series covering topics such as DNA structure and repair, epigenetics, stem cells, signal transduction and apoptosis, and emerging analytical techniques. Other activities include social events and tours of the MD Anderson Houston and Bastrop campuses. The program culminates in the SPCR Scientific Symposium, where interns give a 10-minute presentation describing their research results. It is not uncommon for students to make significant research contributions and to earn co-authorship on scientific abstracts and manuscripts. SPCR students receive a stipend of $6,000 for the 10 weeks. The 2018 program dates are June 4, 2018 through August 10, 2018.
Program Details
Application Deadline and Contact Information
The application period for the 2018 summer program is now closed. The application period for the 2019 summer program will open in November 2018. For additional program details, please contact Ms. Chris Contreras at 512-237-9425 or cmcontreras1@mdanderson.org.
Eligibility
Undergraduate students (U.S. citizens and permanent residents) who have completed at least one year of college-level courses, but not yet received a bachelor's degree (prior to the start of the program) are eligible to apply. Criteria used in selection of interns include college grades, personal statement, relevant laboratory experience, and letters of recommendation from faculty who can assess the applicant's potential for advanced training and success in biomedical research. Applicants interested in pursuing a biomedical research career who wish to gain hands-on research experience would most benefit from this program.
Academic Credit
If accepted by their home institution, students can make arrangements to obtain academic credit for participation in the SPCR. Letters confirming participation will be provided after successful completion of the program.
Housing and Transportation
There is no student housing on the Science Park (Smithville) campus and because our campus is located in a rural area, housing and transportation options are limited. Staff can assist in coordinating housing. Housing options may consist of shared bedrooms/bathrooms. Students will also need to provide their own daily transportation to and from the campus.
Past Summer Interns
2016 Summer Interns visiting the MD Anderson Bastrop Campus
Summer intern working with cultured cells
Summer intern poses with his mentor
Summer intern (left) and her mentor (right) displaying a western blot
Summer intern poses in between loading samples on an agarose gel
Summer intern analyzes DNA samples on an agarose gel
Our Location
From Austin or Austin-Bergstrom International Airport:
Take Texas Highway 71 East towards Bastrop. Go through Bastrop toward Smithville. As you approach Smithville, you will pass La Cabaña Restaurant and a Chevron gas station on the right. Immediately past the Chevron station, you will turn left across Highway 71 West and onto KLBJ Road.
From Houston:
Take U.S. Interstate 10 West to Columbus, Texas and exit onto Texas Highway 71 West towards Austin. Pass La Grange and continue traveling west towards Smithville. Near Smithville, you will pass Spiradrill on the right and Smithville Hospital on the left. Look for a small sign marking KLBJ Road. There is only a very short exit ramp marked on the shoulder of the highway. If you pass a Chevron gas station and La Cabaña Restaurant on your left, you have gone too far.
Once on KLBJ Road:
Take the first left onto Ann Powell Road. At the end of Ann Powell Road, you will see a stop sign and a sign directing you toward Science Park, where you will turn left onto the winding Park Road 1-C (there is no sign marking Park Road 1-C). Science Park will be on your right with a large wooden sign marking the entrance. Upon arrival at the gate, use the intercom to ask the guard for additional directions.