Applications for the 2020 summer lab internships at Simmons Cancer Institute (SCI) at Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine are being accepted through March 9. Four positions will be awarded on a competitive basis to qualified undergraduate college students who plan a career in medicine or research with a focus on cancer.

 

Established in 2009, the paid internship program provides hands-on experience for college undergraduates. It is funded through Denim & Diamonds, the cancer institute’s annual gala to benefit cancer research, patient programs and needs of SCI’s patient population.

 

One internship is based at SIU’s Carbondale campus; the others are located in Springfield at the School of Medicine. Housing is not provided. The anticipated dates for the nine week internship program are June 8 – August 7, 2020. 

 

“Our summer internship gives potential future scientists and clinicians their first exposure to real research,” said Aziz Khan, MD, executive director of Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU. “Most have continued on to medical school, graduate school or careers in research labs.” To date, 45 students have participated in the internship program. 

 

Qualified applicants will have completed their freshman year of college by June 2020 and will be entering their sophomore, junior or senior year in fall 2020. Previous interns are ineligible.

 

A college transcript, a resume and a personal statement letter describing current studies, activities and future career goals must be submitted as a single PDF-formatted document to Denise Kauffman at dkauffman98@siumed.edu. Two letters of reference from college instructors must also be submitted prior to the deadline. Instructors should email their reference letters directly to Denise Kauffman. Contact her for additional information at 217.545.2220.

 

At the end of the internship, participants in the program provide a brief presentation to researchers, their peers, families and SCI supporters detailing their research progress during the program.

 

The mission of Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU is to serve the people of central and southern Illinois by addressing their present and future cancer needs through education, research, patient care and community service. Learn more at siumed.edu/cancer.