The Diversity in Cancer Research (DICR) Program, funded by the American Cancer Society, aims to improve diversity and inclusion in the cancer workforce by increasing the number of cancer researchers who, because of race and ethnicity, are currently underrepresented in the field. The program consists of a 10-week summer immersion in hands-on, innovative biomedical research and clinical shadowing with exceptional faculty members from multiple disciplines, plus year-round activities.
Program Benefits
- Year-round mentorship
- Individual lab projects addressing critical and impactful questions in cancer research
- Clinical shadowing and clinical trial design instruction
- Presentation experience as part of a final symposium, and expenses paid to present your research at a regional or national conference
- Full summer schedule of career development sessions and networking events, including:
- Mini bootcamps on understanding computational and bioinformatics approaches in oncology research
- Workshops on academic skills, career training, graduate school, and research options
- Fieldtrips centered around community outreach and cancer disparities
- Interactions with Sylvester leadership
- Fall and spring semester scientific and professional development activities
- Competitive stipend
- Housing for the summer on the University of Miami Coral Gables campus
- Transportation costs to the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine campus and to other program activities
As a result of intensive research and mentorship, DICR interns will exit the program with an increased awareness and preparedness for post-baccalaureate studies and career training in the field of oncology.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Rising sophomore, junior, or senior at a Florida institution of higher education
- Full-time student
- Member of a minority group that is underrepresented in science and medicine (Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander)
- Majoring in a science-based curriculum
- Interested in a career in cancer-related research or patient care
- In good academic standing, with an overall grade point average of at least 3.0
There is no citizenship requirement for this program.
Applicants are ineligible for the internship program if their bachelor’s degree will be awarded before the program ends (May 2026). Interns may not be enrolled in any summer course concurrent with the internship.
Important Dates
Application opens: November 4, 2024
Application deadline: January 17, 2025
Decision notification: March 2025
Program dates: May 19 to July 25, 2025 (move-in May 18th)
Application and Instructions
All application materials must be submitted by the application deadline. Required materials to complete the application include:
- Completed online application
- Answers to short answer questions available for download on the first page of the online application
- Your curriculum vitae or resume
- Your unofficial transcript(s)
- Two letters of recommendation emailed to dicr@miami.edu
Please combine all supporting materials (except letters of recommendation) into a single PDF and upload as part of your online application. Submit no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on January 17, 2025. Please contact us if you are unable to create a single PDF.
We will not consider incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline.
The University of Miami prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. The notice of nondiscrimination is located at www.miami.edu/titleix.