Objective | Setting | Eligibility | Duration | Stipend | Admission|
Foreign
Students | Academic Credit | Housing
Program Objective
To interest and challenge qualified
college students in basic biomedical and public health research as it relates to cancer and environmental disease, by
offering them an opportunity to spend the summer learning new skills and
participating in independent research under the supervision of a member of
the research faculty.
To provide a research experience that will help participants make career
choices which may ultimately benefit cancer patients and contribute to better
treatment and prevention of this disease.
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Setting
The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Science Park – Research
Division is located near Smithville, Texas about 40 miles southeast of Austin.
It was established in 1976 and is located in a pastoral setting in Buescher
State Park in Bastrop County. The Center for Research on Environmental Disease
(CRED) was established in 1996 by a grant from the National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences. The Center promotes interdisciplinary and
collaborative research on environmental causes of disease, especially cancer.
The workforce at Science Park includes 245 employees and 30 faculty.
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Eligibility
SURP/PHSI is open to undergraduate students pursuing a
4-year degree in science, public health, or mathematics and wishing to gain “hands-on” experience
in research. Criteria used in selection of interns will include
college grades, personal statement, relevant experience and letters of
recommendation from faculty who can assess the applicant’s potential
for advanced training and success in biomedical research.
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Duration
The Program coincides with the summer vacation and
lasts 10 weeks, June 9 - August 15, 2008. Requests for late entry or early
departure cannot be approved.
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Stipend
The stipend will be approximately $3,000 (before taxes)
for the ten-week program. It is not a salary; it is intended solely to subsidize
the students so that they may participate in the SURP. The first payment
will be approximately 2-4 weeks after start of the program.
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Admission
Science Park faculty will evaluate completed applications
and the top-ranked applicants will be accepted into the program and assigned
to a laboratory on the basis of preferences expressed by both the interns
and faculty advisors. Applicants will be notified by letter or e-mail on
or about April 16, 2008. M.D. Anderson is an equal opportunity employer. Women
and minorities are encouraged to apply.
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Foreign Students
Foreign students currently residing in the U.S. that are either permanent residents or hold an appropriate visa are eligible for participation in SURP/PHSI. Students are solely responsible for completing all necessary paperwork and for contacting the international office at their institution.
Foreign students with an F1 visa must provide:
- a letter from their current school authorizing them to work at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
- a copy of their passport page, showing passport number, expiration date, and personal information.
Foreign students who are permanent or alien residents
will be required to present and show proof of their eligibility to work.
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Academic Credit
If accepted by their home institution, students can
make arrangements to obtain academic credit for participation in the SURP.
Letters confirming participation will be provided after successful completion
of the program. Arrangements for letters should be made through Joe Rodriguez,
COEP Program Manager.
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Housing
A limited amount of student housing is available
for $75 per month. Housing will be available to students who cannot commute
on a first-come, first-served basis. No assurance of housing can be provided
at this time.
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