Diversity in Cancer Research (DICR) is a cancer research training program for undergraduates interested in careers in biomedicine. For ten weeks during the summer, participants work full time in the laboratories of established cancer researchers at the University of Chicago, gaining hands-on experience in areas at the forefront of the field.
Rigorous research training is complemented with year-round career development and skill-building workshops, leadership training, opportunities in community outreach and engagement, and personalized mentorship for post-baccalaureate transitions.
DICR is ideal for undergraduates with initial research experience, who aim to advance their scientific expertise and professional skills in preparation for careers in research and medicine.
DICR is funded by a grant from the American Cancer Society.
About DICR
- Hands-on experience in a cutting-edge laboratory or research group
- Year-round career development and skill-building workshops, leadership training, and opportunities in community outreach and engagement
- Personalized mentorship for post-baccalaureate transitions
- Taxable stipend of $5,000
- College sophomore or junior at time of application
- At least 16 years of age at start of program
- Strong interest in a career in scientific research or medicine
- Ability to commit to the yearlong program, including a 10-week summer research experience (40 hours/week) and monthly enrichment activities throughout the subsequent academic year
- Priority is given to applicants from groups underrepresented in biomedicine, encompassing all relevant social, behavioral as well as health sciences. Applications are encouraged from any individual with demonstrated commitment to increase the full participation of underrepresented groups in biomedicine. Learn more.
Please note that students are responsible for their own housing and transportation to and from the University of Chicago during their summer research experiences.
Admission to DICR is competitive. Four trainees are selected each year based on their demonstrated passion for science, interest in careers in biomedicine, and capacity to perform in a professional research setting. Applications for the 2023 cohort are due by 11:59 p.m. CST on Monday, February 20, 2023.
To apply:
- Attend the summer research program info session (Zoom webinar) on Thursday, January 12, 2023 from 7-8PM CST. Register here.
- Review the application packet for students (PDF).
- Submit the online application form for students.
- Arrange for two individuals (at least one professor) to complete the online applicant recommendation form. Download an instruction sheet for recommenders (PDF).
- Applicants who advance to the second round: Complete an interview with the program leadership team (scheduled in late February/early March).
Conflict of Interest Policy: The selection of applicants is managed by the program leadership team. Immediate family members of the leadership team or UChicago faculty are ineligible for the program. All applications will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Policy.
Program Team
Adekunle Odunsi, MD, PhD
AbbVie Foundation Distinguished Service Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Director, UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
Eileen Dolan, PhD
Professor of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology
Deputy Director, UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
Sam Armato, PhD
Associate Professor of Radiology
Associate Director for Education
Megan Mekinda, PhD
Director for Education, Training, and Evaluation
Basia Galinski, PhD
Scientific Liaison for Cancer Education
Michelle Domecki
Cancer Education Coordinator
Students & Alumni
Maiwen Amegadjie
Cristian Carpio
Ashley Gurcharan
Violet Wu
Emily Gamboa
Alena Pedroza
Sanjana Rao
Advisory Committee
The UChicago Cancer Education Advisory Committee provides strategic guidance regarding DICR’s continued growth and development. It also facilitates greater integration of the program with cancer- and science-related educational opportunities within the university and partnering institutions. Its members include key stakeholders in UChicago cancer education efforts, science education experts and members of the DICR leadership team.
Associate Professor of Radiology
Associate Director for Education
Vineet Arora, MD
Herbert T. Abelson Professor of Medicine
Dean for Medical Education, Pritzker School of Medicine
Brisa Aschebrook-Kilfoy, PhD
Associate Professor, Institute for Population and Precision Health
Eric Beyer, MD, PhD
Professor of Pediatrics, Cell Physiology, Cancer Biology and Molecular Medicine
Gina Curry, MPH, MBA
Director of the Office of Community Engagement and Cancer Health Equity, UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
M. Eileen Dolan, PhD
Professor of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology
Deputy Director, UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dan Golden, MD, MHPE
Associate Professor of Radiation and Cellular Oncology
Barbara Kee, PhD
Professor of Pathology and Family Medicine
Chair, Committee on Cancer Biology PhD Program
Kay Macleod, PhD
Professor of Ben May Department of Cancer Research
Director, Specialization in Cancer Biology
Megan Mekinda, PhD
Director for Education, Training, and Evaluation, UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
Olufunmilayo Olopade, MBBS
Walter L. Palmer Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Human Genetics
Associate Dean for Global Health
Iris Romero, MD
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Associated Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
Nancy Schwartz, PhD
Professor of Pediatrics
Dean and Director for Postdoctoral Affairs
Julian Solway, MD
Walter L. Palmer Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Director for the Institute for Translational Medicine
