FLORIDA STRONGER Florida Summer Training In Research and Oncology for the Next Generation of Researchers
The Florida STRONGER program offers undergraduate students an immersive 15-week summer internship at the University of Florida Health Cancer Center. Students will develop their skills as young scientists and explore their interest in cancer research, while benefiting from the expertise of accomplished cancer investigators.
The Florida STRONGER program aims to help students completing their baccalaureate degrees to successfully apply to competitive health-related Ph.D. programs to pursue careers in cancer research.
Program Details
Eligibility
· U.S. citizens or permanent residents
· Completing a baccalaureate degree at one of the listed Florida institutions
· Want to pursue a Ph.D. in cancer research
· Recent postbaccalaureate students may also be considered
· Applicants from underrepresented populations are encouraged to apply
Program benefits
Selected participants will receive:
· Round-trip travel to and from the University of Florida
· Subsistence allowance of $15/hour
· Housing allowance of $1,000 per participant
· Research education-related expense budget
Key dates
Given the timeline for most graduate school applications, this program would be best aligned for undergraduate juniors.
· Application deadline: Jan. 15
· Applicants notified: Early February
· Program dates: May-August 2024
Training Requirements
Students will join the program in May 2024 and spend 15 weeks working with a University of Florida faculty on a cancer research project. Students will be expected to spend 80% of their time working on their research project. In addition, students will receive mentoring and career development.
UF Health Cancer Center Research Programs
Cancer Control and Population Sciences
· Cancer risk factors and prevention interventions
· Health disparities
· Aging and cancer survivorship
Cancer Targeting and Therapeutics
· Targeted therapeutic genomics
· Drug screening and discovery
· Predictive biomarkers and novel assays
Immuno-Oncology and Microbiome
· Immunobiology and immunotherapy
· Microbiome and immunity
· Early-phase clinical trials
Mechanisms of Oncogenesis
· Genetics and epigenetics
· Noncoding RNAs and cancer
· Gene therapy
Cancer Research Opportunities in UF Ph.D. Programs
Ph.D. Pathways in Cancer Research at UF
For students completing baccalaureate degrees in the fundamental branches of science (natural sciences, formal sciences and social sciences) or in applied or interdisciplinary sciences, there are many Ph.D. options and career choices. Participation in the Florida STRONGER Program will provide the research experience necessary to strengthen students’ portfolio, allowing students to competitively pursue a graduate pathway to a cancer research career in a variety of disciplines.
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