Application deadline: April 15th, 2024 for the 2024-25 cohort
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) Cancer Center and the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (UWM) have partnered to develop an undergraduate research program to train the next generation of high-performing, diverse cancer researchers. The program is rooted in high-quality science training to benefit students, mentors, and the institutions.
The program hopes to recruit talented undergraduate students into cancer research labs at MCW early during their undergraduate tenure such that long-lasting, productive scientific relationships will develop between MCW mentors and UWM mentees. We envision the program fostering a lifetime commitment to science among its participants and a long-term productive collaborative relationship between MCW and UWM.
Through the program, students will work one on one with a MCW mentor to develop technical skills and foundational research skills, including:
- How to identify a significant knowledge gap
- How to generate and test hypotheses
- How to rigorously evaluate data
- How to interpret data to formulate scientifically sound conclusions
- How to recognize limitations in approaches
Our research program activities provide opportunities to develop key competencies including an ability to work independently and to solve problems creatively. Activities include:
- Research experiences throughout the year with funded part-time opportunities during semesters and full-time opportunities in summers
- Research proposal writing seminar course culminating in the submission of a proposal for the MCW Cancer Center and UWM Undergraduate Research Program Fellowship
- Opportunities to participate in MCW journal clubs and seminar series
- Opportunities to attend regional and national scientific conferences
- Participation in an annual UWM Undergraduate Research Symposium and a MCW Cancer Center sponsored Capstone Symposium
Eligibility:
- Open to all UWM undergraduate students with at least one year left as an undergraduate and who are in good academic standing.
- Accepted participants must participate in the process to identify a MCW faculty mentor. The mentor is not required to be a member of the MCW Cancer Center. Resources and assistance will be provided for students in finding a mentor.
- The research project must be cancer relevant.
- Participants must complete the proposal writing seminar course (Fall 2024 – Fridays at 2pm) prior to submission of the MCW Cancer Center and UWM Undergraduate Research Program Fellowship Application.
Timeline:
| Time Period | Tasks |
|---|---|
| April 15th | Submit application |
| June | Decisions sent to applicants |
| Fall Semester | Enroll in 1cr Grant Writing Seminar Work with MCW mentor to prepare for research (paid by UWM) Oral presentation of proposal |
| January | Submit grant proposal |
| Spring Semester | Continue working with MCW mentor to gain skills needed for project (paid by UWM) |
| March | Grants reviewed by committee Notify students of accepted grants |
| Summer (for accepted grants) | Work full-time with MCW mentor on proposed project (paid by MCW) |