STRONGER Program Summer Training In Research and Oncology for the Next Generation of Researchers
The STRONGER program offers undergraduate students an immersive 12-week summer internship at the University of Florida Health Cancer Center. Interns will develop their skills as young scientists and explore their interest in cancer research, while benefiting from the expertise of accomplished cancer investigators.
The STRONGER program aims to help students completing their baccalaureate degrees to successfully apply to health-related Ph.D. programs to pursue careers in cancer research.
Program Details
Program benefits
Selected participants will receive:
· Round-trip travel to and from Gainesville
· Subsistence allowance of $15/hour
· Housing allowance of $2,000 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: February 16
· Applicants notified: March 1
· Program dates: May 19-July 31, 2025
Training requirements
Students will join the program in May 2025 and spend 12 weeks working with a University of Florida faculty on a cancer research project. Interns will be expected to spend 80% of their time working on their research project. In addition, they 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 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.
University of Florida Resources
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