RAD SUMMER = RADiation oncology SUMmer MEntored Research fellowship

A 10-week immersive summer research experience in Radiation Oncology /
Cancer Biology at Washington University (~June – August) for current or
incoming undergraduates at any US institution who are 18 years or older that includes:

  • hands-on research experience while learning how to approach cancer research, with mentorship from leaders in the field and other fantastic trainees
  • clinical exposure / shadowing in Radiation Oncology clinic and behind the scenes staff to see where our motivation stems from.
  • research presentation, social events, and graduation celebration at the conclusion

Eligibility

All applicants must be 18 years or older at the time of starting in the lab.

Applicants with a disadvantaged background are particularly encouraged to apply. “Disadvantaged” can pertain to financial, social, cultural, or educational factors that have made it particularly difficult to participate in a research career.

Lab Schedule

The program will run June 3 – August 9 (exact dates are flexible).

Fellows will report to their PI’s lab on day one and throughout the rotation. The general schedule is 9-5 on week days, but research often does not conform to a 9-5 schedule, so there may be variability – please check with your mentors, and most importantly, your experimental plans.

Clinic Shadowing

There will be opportunities to shadow physicians or physician scientists in clinic. This will likely be several hours at a time, throughout your research rotation. Times and details, depending on who you are shadowing and when they have patients, will be established closer to the start date.   

Research Presentations

Oral presentation of research: Each researcher will present their work at least once orally. Those presentations will be to the fellows, mentors, and program directors. 

Final Poster Presentation: At the end of the research experience, there will be a final poster presentation.

Social Events

Social events will be arranged throughout the course of the fellowship to allow interaction with program coordinators, fellow students, and other trainees.

Outside of Work

The medical campus is located in the Central West End, which has many great activities. For some current events, visit https://cwescene.com/

Forest Park is one of the nation’s largest urban parks and is adjacent to the medical campus, and includes the Saint Louis Zoo, the Saint Louis Science Center (including the McDonnell Planetarium), the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, and The MUNY (outdoor musical theater).

Additional resources: https://explorestlouis.com/

Stipend

A stipend of $5,000 for the summer, which is divided into three monthly payments.

Housing

Housing is not specifically provided by the program as different students have different needs. Housing through the University may be available for students to use if they choose to use their stipend for this.

Graduation

You will receive your graduation certificate the final week of your rotation at our graduation celebration.

How to Apply

Submit the following by email to Program Administrator, Lena Zein, lena.a@wustl.edu by March 6, 2024:

  • Personal statement describing who you are, your parent or guardians’ occupation, and what interests you about the program
  • Unofficial high school and/or college transcripts
  • 1 letter of recommendation

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply. Applicants with a disadvantage background are particularly encouraged to apply. “Disadvantaged” can pertain to financial, social, cultural, or educational factors that have made it particularly difficult to participate in a research career.