IICD Summer Research Program (SRP) for Undergraduates

The Irving Institute for Cancer Dynamics offers a 10-week research opportunity for talented undergraduate students to perform cutting-edge research at the intersection of cancer research and mathematical sciences. The program is designed to provide the participants with a unique interdisciplinary research experience, mentoring, and professional development. Students will work full-time on a research project mentored by an IICD researcher. In addition to research, participants will attend weekly events, such as scientific seminars, workshops, career and professional development events, lab tours, scientific writing/presentation opportunities, etc. Undergraduate students from mathematics, computer science, statistics, computational biology, data science, biology, engineering, etc. are welcome to apply. Students from traditionally underrepresented groups in STEM fields are strongly encouraged to apply. The 2024 IICD SRP will tentatively takes place from May 28th to August 2nd, 2024 (Dates are subject to change and will be confirmed closer to the beginning of the program. We are currently planning for an in-person program). Download the IICD SRP flyer here.

Application portal for the 2024 IICD SRP (see "Application Requirements" section below for more details and a list of potential mentors for this year's program): https://fs25.formsite.com/cancerdynamics/IICD-SRP_Applications/index

Application deadline: February 1st, 2024 (11:59 PM ET)

 

For questions, please take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions section to see if your question has already been answered. If you have additional questions, contact Lorenza Favrot ([email protected]), using the subject line “IICD Summer Research Program,” so your message can easily be identified.

 

  • 10-week research experience
  • Weekly seminars and professional development events (see here for examples of weekly activities)
  • A stipend of $8,000 
  • Reimbursement commuting expenses (up to $300). Note that housing is not provided.
  • Be a US citizen or permanent resident
  • Be an undergraduate in the Fall 2024 (seniors graduating in the Spring/Summer 2024 cannot apply)
  • Open to rising sophomores, juniors and seniors
  • The program is not open to undergraduate students from Columbia University/Barnard College
  • Previous research experience is not required. Students will be expected to work full-time for the duration of the program, so students cannot be enrolled in classes or work another job.  

Online applications to be submitted by the deadline (February 1st 2024, 11:59 PM ET) include:

  1. Online form to complete: https://fs25.formsite.com/cancerdynamics/IICD-SRP_Applications/index
  2. One-page resume/CV
  3. Unofficial university transcripts
  4. Cover letter (one-page max, see below)
  5. Top three choices for mentors (Columbia faculty and research scientists affiliated with the IICD)
  6. Name of two faculty/instructors in STEM who will provide letters of recommendation (see below). Letters should be submitted by the same deadline as the online application. Applications without letters of recommendation will not be considered.

Application materials will be reviewed after the closing date and applicants will be notified of a decision on a rolling basis in March and April (see FAQs for more details).

The cover letter should be 1-page maximum and should include the following (see FAQs for more details):

  • reasons why you are applying to this internship
  • a description of your background (major/minor, relevant coursework, skills/qualifications, etc.) and research experience(s) if any
  • a description of your research interests and a statement about your top 3 mentors you would like to work with for the summer
  • career interest(s)/plans following graduation

Potential mentors for the 2024 IICD Summer Research Program are: Elham Azizi, Andrew Blumberg, Khanh N. Dinh, Bianca Dumitrascu, Poly Hannah Da Silva, Jellert Gaublomme, Arash Jamshidpey, José L. McFaline-Figueroa, Darcy Peterka, Brent Stockwell, Simon Tavaré, Yue Wang. To learn more about their respective research, review each of the researcher profiles on the IICD website. Every effort will be made to match you with one of your top 3 mentor choices and your preferred type of research, although this is not guaranteed.

The application requires two letters of recommendation from faculty/instructor in STEM. One of the letters could also be from a graduate student or postdoc who directly supervises you for a research project. Letters of recommendation should come from faculty who know you well and can address your potential ability to carry out independent research (see FAQs for more details).

    The IICD Summer Research Program was launched in the Fall 2021. See below for a list of the program alumni.

    For questions, please take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions section to see if your question has already been answered. If you have additional questions, contact Lorenza Favrot ([email protected]), using the subject line “IICD Summer Research Program,” so your message can easily be identified.