Chicago EYES on Cancer

Video Transcript

The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center has a rich history of trailblazers and breakthroughs in cancer research. Drawing from a pool of exceptional local students, we are building upon our strong research traditions and accomplishments to help shape a new era of cancer research that is full of diversity, different perspectives, robust inquiry, and team science. Chicago EYES on Cancer is really about building the pipeline of future cancer researchers and making sure that we have diversity, bringing people that are typically underrepresented in the sciences and giving them the opportunity and exposure to those careers. Chicago EYES on Cancer is a cancer research training program for high school students, for undergraduate students, and also for high school teachers of the sciences. This is a two-year program, so all of our participants are with us for two summers for eight weeks each, and they are placed in a cancer research laboratory based on their own interests in terms of the methodologies that they might be interested in developing or a particular kind of cancer that they're interested in. And this research experience is the fundamental component of the program. I was provided with lifelong mentors. Me and Dr. Dolan and Kathy and Megan, we are still close. Nothing changed. Their support for me have not changed. If it wasn't for Dr. Dolan and Kathy, I probably wouldn't have had a love for medicine because they love doing research, especially Dr. Dolan. She's really passionate about her job. And Kathy's history with her father passing away from cancer, she loves what she's doing too. So the love that they had for medicine, they put it upon me. We get these different lectures throughout the summer during Wednesdays, and we're able to hear about all these amazing researchers and what they're doing, and about their lab and what it's like. And it's very inspiring, and you get to talk to them and meet them. And then you can become part of their lab too. So just the networking, all the opportunities that we're given, it's one of the best things. I am a veteran teacher. I've been teaching for 18 years, and I've done quite a bit of professional development. This program stands apart from all the other ones in that not only does it build teacher capacity in terms of my actual science skills, but more importantly, it actually allows me to build a partnership with the University of Chicago, specifically the EYES team in bringing this to my classroom in a meaningful way. Not only is this an opportunity for you to be in a lab and do research, but also to engage with the surrounding community. I think this program really emphasizes being a good neighbor and really connecting with the people around you. And I think it's incredibly important when you do science to understand the environment in which you're working in, especially when you're doing research on the South side of Chicago. And so I am very thankful that the program does have such a high emphasis on outreach in the community. The broad network stemming from mentored research experiences, comprehensive career development, and outreach will spur a new generation of breakthrough research scientists. I think we absolutely need scientists. We have certainly not cured cancer. The cancer is 100 or more different diseases. We've made great advances, but we need a set of new minds that can think out of the box, that can bring in a new perspective. So I think these young people are really critical to make advances in cancer research.

Chicago EYES (Educators and Youth Enjoy Science) on Cancer is a cancer research training program for high school and college students interested in careers in biomedicine. The program also engages science educators.

EYES is funded by an R25 YES grant from the National Cancer Institute.

High School and College Students

For two consecutive summers, EYES participants work full time in the laboratories of established cancer researchers at the university. Rigorous research training is complemented with a cancer-based summer lecture series, year-round career development and skill-building workshops, and a network of faculty and peer mentors dedicated to participants’ success. The program culminates in a research symposium to showcase participants’ work across basic, translational, clinical, and population-based areas of cancer research.

Program Dates

Chicago EYES on Cancer is a two-year program consisting of two eight-week summer research experiences plus monthly academic year activities. The summer research experiences generally run from the second full week of June through the first week of August. Specific dates are announced with the release of application materials each fall.

Please note that accommodations may be made for students whose academic calendar conflicts with the EYES program.

2026-2027 EYES Cohort Dates

Monthly enrichment activities are held on select evenings and weekends, via Zoom, from January 2026 through December 2027 (excluding summer months). They require 2-4 hours of effort each month.

The 2026 EYES summer research experience runs from June 15 – August 7 (35-40 hours/week). The 2027 summer research experience will follow a comparable schedule with dates finalized by November 2026.

Benefits

Eligibility Criteria

High school sophomore, junior or senior, OR college freshman or sophomore at time of application
At least 16 years of age at start of program (for Summer 2026, June 15, 2026)
Able to commit to the full two-year program, including 8-week research experiences (35-40 hours/week) for two consecutive summers and monthly enrichment activities during the academic year (2-4 hours/month)
FOR HIGH SCHOOL APPLICANTS ONLY: Residents of Cook, Lake, Will or DuPage counties in Illinois or Lake Country in Indiana

Please note that participants are responsible for their own housing and transportation to and from the University of Chicago during their summer research experiences.

Conflict of Interest Policy: The selection of applicants is managed by the program leadership team. Immediate family members of the leadership team, UChicago faculty, or the Chicago EYES on Cancer Advisory Committee are ineligible for the program. All applications will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Policy.

How to Apply

Please join us for a webinar on Thursday, October 23, 7-8 pm CT to learn more about our Pathway Programs, hear from alumni, and ask questions about the application process. Register here to attend: https://redcap.link/2026InfoSession.

Up to 12 applicants are accepted each year based on their demonstrated passion for science, interest in careers in biomedicine, and capacity to perform in a professional research setting. To apply:

Submit the online application form by 11:59 pm CT on Monday, December 1, 2025. The online application form is accessible here: https://redcap.link/2026UCCCCPathwayPrograms.
New this year: we are using a common application for all Pathway Programs — you may apply to all eligible programs with one form.
Arrange for two recommenders (at least one must be a teacher/professor) to complete the online recommendation form by 11:59 pm CT on Monday, December 1, 2025. Download an instruction sheet for recommenders here. Recommenders can access the form here: https://redcap.link/PathwayProgram_Rec2026.
Applicants who advance to the second round: complete an in-person interview with the program leadership team, scheduled for Saturday, January 3, 2026.

Be prepared to enter the following information

Academic information (school name, location, year of study)
Contact information
Responses to the questions below (limit 250 words per response):
- Of the learning opportunities related to careers in science and medicine, why have you chosen to apply to our program(s)? (Discuss how the program relates to your academic/career plans, interest in cancer, or what you hope to gain.)
- What qualities and experiences prepare you for the scientific and professional demands of our program(s)?
- Scientific progress depends on an array of expertise and perspectives. Tell us about an aspect of your perspective or lived experience that is important to you and how it shapes the way you would learn from and contribute to our research community.
- Is there anything else important for us to know about you?

APPLICATION DEADLINES

December 1, 2025: Application and two recommendations due by 11:59 pm CT
January 3, 2026: On-campus admissions interviews
January 5, 2026: Acceptance notification
January 16, 2026: Commitment deadline

Science Educators

The Cancer Center is excited to offer STEM Education Fellowships to high school science teachers. Fellows work closely with the EYES leadership team and faculty researchers to develop a personalized, yearlong project plan. Projects must include:

At least 150 hours of immersive, cancer-related research experience at the University of Chicago
Timeline and budget for at least one tangible deliverable to enhance STEM competencies, attitudes, and career aspirations among Chicagoland youth

Fellowship Timeline

Benefits

Eligibility Criteria

Employed full-time as a high school science teacher in Cook, Lake, DuPage, or Will counties in Illinois or Lake County in Indiana
United States citizen or permanent resident

Conflict of Interest Policy: The selection of applicants is managed by the program leadership team. Immediate family members of the leadership team, UChicago faculty, or the Chicago EYES on Cancer Advisory Committee are ineligible for the program. All applications will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Policy.

How to Apply

Please join us for a webinar on Thursday, October 16, 7-8 pm CT to meet program leadership, faculty, and former fellows; learn about program specifics and application procedures; and get your questions answered! Register here to attend: https://redcap.link/fellowship_info_session_2026

Up to two STEM Education Fellows are selected each year. Prospective fellows may apply as individuals or jointly as a collaborative pair. To apply:

Access the online application portal: https://redcap.link/STEM_educ_fellowship_2026
Submit the following materials no later than 11:59 pm CT on Monday, December 1, 2025:
- CV/resume including mention of STEM-specific coursework and certifications (e.g., undergraduate classes in cellular and molecular biology, chemistry, etc.)
- Personal statement (2 page maximum) describing both your role as a science educator and how the STEM Education Fellowship would support your pedagogical and professional goals (joint applications require a shared personal statement)
- Letter of support from your school principal
Applicants who advance to the second round of reviews will interview with the fellowship leadership team the week of January 5, 2026.

Contact

mdomecki@bsd.uchicago.edu