SPARC: Summer Program to Advance Research Careers
An innovative and engaging 12-week program to spark interest in cancer and cancer disparities research careers
WHAT IS SPARC? The intensive 12-week program engages undergraduates in full-time, mentored, cancer research experiences in research environments across DF/HCC and UMass Boston that are using emerging technologies. Program activities focus on three areas critical to the development of successful, innovative cancer researchers: • Acquisition of scientific knowledge of cancer and emerging technologies • Development of communication skills • Individualized career preparation
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY The program is open to students who are first- or second-year students at UMass Boston, Bunker Hill Community College, Roxbury Community College, or MassBay Community College. Students from backgrounds underrepresented in the sciences* as well as those who are first-generation college or are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants must also meet the following criteria: • Have US citizenship or permanent residency • Demonstrate an interest in basic, computational, and/or public health-related research • Show interest in pursuing a biomedical science or health-related career *Black/African American, Latinx, Native American/Alaskan, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
PROGRAM BENEFITS SPARC students will gain confidence that they can successfully pursue a career in cancer research and begin constructing a practical road map for achieving that goal. • Extensive scientific training • Focus on emerging technologies in cancer research • Seminars on research and professional development topics • Experience composing an abstract and delivering an oral or poster presentation of your research • Networking with scientists and peers • Competitive stipend IMPORTANT DATES Application opens: October, 2018 Application Deadline: February 2, 2019 Program start date: May 28, 2019 TO APPLY: Visit our website at http://www.dfhcc.harvard.edu/SPARC For more information, contact U54REC@umb.edu
ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP Since 2003, the UMass Boston–Dana-Farber Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC) Partnership has focused on addressing health disparities in minority populations and on improving research, training, and outreach opportunities for students, faculty, and scientists. The partnership connects UMass Boston researchers with clinicians and researchers at DF/HCC and supports collaborative investigations aimed at understanding and reducing cancer and cancer disparities. It also provides undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral trainees to engage in cancer-related, mentored research experiences. The partnership continues to significantly expand opportunities for researchers and talented students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, in four broad areas of cancer investigation—basic, clinical, nursing, and population science research.