Cancer Health Equity Institute Student Programs
Fostering Innovation & Research Excellence Undergraduate Program (FIRE UP)
Applications Due: February 11, 2026
Undergraduate students will be introduced to the latest scientific techniques in cancer
research. Advance your career options by gaining knowledge and experience to become
an independent investigator, cancer research scientist working to eradicate cancer
disparities.
Requires 20 hours per week commitment (virtual & in-person)
Cancer Associated Development of Education & Training Summer Research Experience (CADET)
Program Dates: June 1 – July 24, 2026 | Applications Due: Saturday, March 1, 2026
CADET is based on a framework for addressing cancer prevention and control from bench
to bedside to community and will emphasize research methods targeted at reduction
and elimination of cancer outcome variations. This 8-week dynamic research experience
will feature an independent longitudinal lab project under the guidance of cancer
researchers, supplemented by scientific conferences and lecture series, journal clubs,
group projects, grand rounds, field trips, workshops, career development and mentors.
Interested undergraduate students are encouraged to apply.
Summer Cancer Research Education Program (SCREP)
MSM Medical and Graduate Students
Program Dates: June 1 – July 24, 2026 | Applications Due Saturday, February 28, 2026
The overall goal of SCREP is to develop and grow a successful program that encourages
interest, and facilitates student training, in cancer research. Through participation
in designated seminars and workshops, students will enhance their knowledge, scientific
techniques, and expertise in cancer and cancer research.
Learning Course work
Bioethics in research provided by TU faculty; Cancer Education provided by UAB faculty;
Scientific Writing and Health Informatics provided by MSM faculty.
Research Experience
Students will be linked with a mentor in their respective field to work on a cancer-related
research project, in person if allowed. The student may work within an area of specified
research interest or an existing data set. The focus will be on writing a manuscript.
Granting Research Opportunities in Wellness by Creating Exciting Learning Laboratories in Science (GROW CELLS)
High School Students
Program Dates:
- Virtual and In Person Presetations: June 1 - 19, 2026 | 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (Monday - Thursday)
- Fieldwork, Practicum and Abstract Review: July 7 - 18, 2026
- Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
The overall goal of this program is to enhance the opportunity for local high school students to participate in science education and to encourage them to pursue cancer research. Students will participate in three weeks of lectures, workshops, and hands-on research projects. Students will take the didactic component together virtually; the other components will be implemented at the respective institutions. Students will be encouraged to conduct simple experiments/tasks with the purpose of getting exposure to science. A key component of the program is the development of a career roadmap/IDP.
****All summer program students will attend and present a research poster/presentation at the Cancer Research Symposium, July 21 - 22, 2026 (In person).****