University Outreach Summer Programs

Aligning with our commitment to deliver research-driven patient care, MD Anderson collaborates with universities to train the next generation of cancer researchers and clinicians. Through these education agreements, students conduct research and other scholarly activities alongside our faculty and trainees.

MD Anderson's Summer Experience includes the University Outreach Summer Programs, tailored specifically to students attending Augustana College, Nova Southeastern University and the University of Notre Dame. Students in the program coordinate with campus representatives and program directors to select an MD Anderson faculty mentor. The 10-week curriculum features hands-on mentored research projects completed in the labs of faculty, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students.

Students have the opportunity to attend scientific lectures, seminars, and career development and networking events. At the conclusion of the program, students participate in the Summer Experience final event, featuring a poster presentation and an Elevator Speech Competition.

Selection for the University Outreach Summer Programs is highly competitive and occurs within the collaborating institution. After students have been notified by their institution of their selection to the program, students create a Discover account (using the "Apply Here" link at right) and follow the instructions to formally apply through Discover.

The University Outreach Summer Programs will take place Monday, June 7-Friday, Aug. 13, 2021.

Students may apply in Discover Nov. 1, 2020-Jan. 14, 2021. At this time, all documents, including recommendation letters, must be completed and uploaded.

MD Anderson Cancer Center-Augustana College
Texas Medical Center Summer Research Internship Program (TMCSRIP)

This competitive 10-week summer research internship program is designed for outstanding Augustana College students who have completed their junior year of study. The internship is open to students of all majors who seek an exceptional experience in applying their skills to real-world challenges. Past majors have included the traditional sciences of biochemistry, physics, biology and mathematics; however, students with interests and related majors in speech pathology, behavioral health, health care economics, health care law, child life psychology and technical writing also have received placements.

The internship program is ideal for students who are intent on pursuing graduate work in biomedical research, medical school or other areas of specialization within health care. 

Students are encouraged to apply for numerous Augustana-based grants and scholarships. All students will receive funding to help offset the costs of transportation, housing and food.

Students should apply via the Augustana Student Application site. Required information includes the following:

• Current resume
• Official transcript
• Personal statement (statement expressing motivation for participating in terms of past experiences, current activities and future plans)

Students also must submit two letters of recommendation to the TMCSRIP program director. All application materials must be received by Dec. 1. Students accepted to the 2019 Summer Research Internship Program will be notified by Dec. 15.

For more information, contact Heidi Storl, Ph.D., program director, at HeidiStorl@augustana.edu or 309-794-7572.

MD Anderson Cancer Center – Baylor University
Undergraduate Cancer Research Internship (MDACC-BU UCRI)

This competitive 10-week summer research program is designed for outstanding Baylor University undergraduate students interested in learning more about cancer research and treatment. The program will provide education in a broad range of topics including cancer biology, prevention, and therapeutics, and students will complete a mentored summer research project. Students will be selected for participation by an internal committee at Baylor University; subsequently, these students will be placed in a variety of research labs at MD Anderson by the University Outreach Summer Programs administrators.

The most successful applicants will have demonstrated success in STEM coursework (3.75 BCPM GPA or above).  These students will also possess career goals that include a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D in the biological sciences or, secondarily, the desire to explore a medical career in oncology.  Preference is shown to members of the Honors Program at Baylor University and to students who have demonstrated understanding of the nature of laboratory research (i.e. coursework exploring the nature of biological research, heavy emphasis in coursework in molecular and cellular biology, participation in course-based undergraduate research, or other laboratory experience).

The UCRI internship should be considered unpaid, although the Honors College at Baylor University does have limited funding to support Honors Program students with demonstrated financial need. Students are responsible for their own housing for the summer.

Interested students should apply using this link (updated as the application process opens): https://www.baylor.edu/honorscollege/index.php?id=959629  

Required application materials:

• Detailed resume
• Official transcript
• One-page personal statement (statement expressing motivation for participating in cancer research; relate your motivation to past experiences, current activities, coursework in biology, your understanding of the role of research in medicine and/or future plans)
• Half-page essay describing the characteristics of an excellent undergraduate researcher
• Contact information from two science professors willing to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf
• For Honors Program students only, an explanation of financial need (a FASFA on file with Baylor Student Financial Services is required to request financial assistance)

After the application is submitted and as needed, references will receive an email requesting them to upload their recommendations. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that this occurs before the deadline.

For more information, contact Erika Abel, Ph.D., MDACC-BU UCRI Program Director, Honors College, at erika_abel@baylor.edu.

MD Anderson Cancer Center-Nova Southeastern University

Summer Undergraduate Research Program

The Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography at Nova Southeastern University provides foundational study in core and emerging disciplines and technologies to prepare students for graduate and professional study, career development and responsible citizenship.

The Biology Student Internship Program is a unique collaboration that allows for intercampus and interinstitutional collaboration in multiple medical disciplines whereby young scientists gain exposure, direction and guidance in developing career paths.

This competitive 10-week summer research program is designed for outstanding NSU undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in cancer research or medicine. The program provides research experience in a broad range of cancer biology topics. Students interested in quantitative biology, bioinformatics, imaging and technology-oriented research are encouraged to consider applying. 

The program is aimed at successful and highly motivated students (overall GPA and science GPA of 3.0 or higher) who are intent on pursuing a medical degree or Ph.D.

Students should apply via the NSU Biology site. Go to Summer Internships/MD Anderson Cancer Center. Required information includes the following:

• Detailed resume
• Official transcript
• Personal statement (statement expressing motivation for participating in terms of past experiences, current activities and future plans)
• Explanation of area of research interest
• Names and contact information of two references

After the application is submitted, references will receive an email requesting them to upload their recommendations. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that this occurs before the deadline.  

For more information, contact Aarti Raja, Ph.D., program director, Biology Student Internship Program Committee, at Aarti.Raja@nova.edu or 954-262-7975.

MD Anderson Cancer Center-University of Notre Dame
Summer Undergraduate Research Program

This competitive 10-week summer research program is designed for outstanding University of Notre Dame undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in cancer research. The program will provide research experience in a broad range of cancer biology topics. Students interested in the areas of quantitative biology, bioinformatics, imaging and technology-oriented research are especially encouraged to consider applying.

The program is aimed at successful and highly motivated students (GPA of 3.5 or above) who plan to pursue a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.

Students receive a stipend of $6,000 for the 10-week program. It is expected that students will pay for housing from their stipend.

Students should apply to urapply.nd.edu, being sure to check the "MD Anderson Cancer Center — UND Joint Program" option. Required information includes the following:

• Detailed resume
• Official transcript
• Personal statement (statement expressing motivation for participating in terms of past experiences, current activities and future plans)
• Explanation of area of research interest
• Two letters of recommendation

After the application is submitted, references will receive an email requesting them to upload their recommendations. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that this occurs before the deadline.

For more information, contact Xuemin (Sheryl) Lu, Ph.D., undergraduate research director, College of Science, at xlu1@nd.edu.