The West Virginia University Cancer Institute offers an undergraduate research internship every summer in basic and clinical cancer research. The highly competitive program provides funding and full time research opportunities for five students who want to pursue careers in cancer research. Each student receives a $5,000 stipend to cover living expenses and accommodation in Morgantown, WV. Students are responsible for securing their own housing. Additional $1,000 is provided for research supplies to the host lab. The student is paired with an Institute scientist for a ~9-weeks research project. In 2025, the program will start on Monday, May 19th and end on Friday, August 1st. Various projects are available that provide a research experience focused upon molecular, biochemical and/or cellular approaches toward understanding the mechanism of cancer, the development of anticancer drugs and applications of nanotechnology to cancer research. The participating labs focus on breast, lung, pancreatic and head and neck cancers, as well as hematological malignancies such as leukemia or lymphoma. Examples of research projects are provided in Student Profiles at the link on the right.
Eligibility
- Full-time sophomore and junior undergraduate students enrolled in a US university or college at the dates of the program.
- Students who have participated in the program in previous years are not eligible.
International students enrolled in a US university or college are responsible to obtain their own visa and work permit if accepted to the program.
Application Information
Application opens: November 1, 2024
Application closes: March 1, 2025
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status by March 15, 2025. Please be patient as we review applications. If accepted to the program, you’ll be asked to provide your official transcript.
Preferred Factors in Selection
- Established collaboration with WVU Cancer Institute labs
- Previous research experience
- Academic record, particularly in biomedical science-related courses
- West Virginia resident status
- Minority and underprivileged, including economically disadvantaged.
Questions Should Be Directed To:
RE: Undergraduate Summer Research at WVU Cancer Institute
Tina Lankford
Administrative Assistant, Senior64 Medical Center Dr.
Morgantown, WV 26506-9300
Tel: 304-293-5175
Questions About The Scientific Program Can Be Directed To:
Alexey Ivanov, Ph.D.
Coordinator Undergraduate Research Program
Tel: 304-293-4936
Financial support for the fellowship program comes from the Edwin C. Spurlock Fellowship Fund, Edward L. Reed Cancer Research Endowment, Dr. David B. McClung Cancer Research Endowment Fund and Joe Marconi Cancer Research Fellowship Endowment.
