Cancer-focused Summer Undergraduate Research (CanSUR)

Opportunity Description:

The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center at Case Western Reserve University is sponsoring the Cancer-Focused Summer Undergraduate Research (CanSUR) program. The goal of the program is to generate excitement for a future career in cancer research in highly motivated undergraduates and help them prepare for the next stage of their careers.

The CanSUR Program supports 32 undergraduates for a 10-week period (June through August) each summer. Undergraduates will be accepted from colleges and universities from across the country to work with one of 82 Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (Case CCC) researchers. Stipends of $4,000 are provided for the 10-week program. Housing and travel allowances are available for select appointees.

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

Due to NIH guidelines, CanSUR scholars must be U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

Creating a diverse CanSUR scholar cohort fostering diversity in the scientific research workforce is a key component of the NIH strategy to identify, develop, support and maintain the quality of the biomedical research workforce. NIH’s ability to help ensure that the nation remains a global leader in scientific discovery and innovation is dependent upon a pool of highly talented scientists from diverse backgrounds who will help to further NIH's mission. The CanSUR program is committed to creating a diverse student and faculty population. We highly encourage individuals from groups identified as underrepresented in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral and social sciences to apply. Underrepresented populations are described as:

1. Racial and ethnic groups that have been shown to be underrepresented in biomedical research, including: African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders.
2. Individuals with disabilities are defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended.  See NSF data.
3. Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, defined as:
   • Individuals who come from a family with an annual income below established low-income thresholds. These thresholds are based on family size, published by the U.S. Bureau of the Census; adjusted annually for changes in the Consumer Price Index; and adjusted by the Secretary for use in all health professions programs. The Secretary periodically publishes these income levels at http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/index.shtml.
   • Individuals who come from an educational environment such as that found in certain rural or inner-city environments that has demonstrably and directly inhibited the individual from obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to develop and participate in a research career.

Application Process: 

The following information is needed to complete the application: 

• A copy of your transcripts for upload.
• The names and contact information for two references. One should be from a science teacher or professor. Your references MAY BE sent a short survey regarding your qualifications for the CanSUR Program if we need more information about your application.
• Numerical ranking of the top 5 mentors you would like to work with (the mentor list is provided on this website).