CURE Program for Students
CURE is a paid research training program in the summer for high school and college undergraduate students.
The Opportunity
Join the fight against cancer! Work with scientists, mentors, peers, and other students to learn about research. You can share what you learn with your community and learn skills that will help you during college and in identifying your career path. The experience may also inspire you to want to become a cancer researcher or oncologist too!
Help the Fight Against Cancer
Take part in ongoing research at The University of New Mexico Cancer Center. Here are some examples of ongoing projects:
- Cancer risk from environmental exposure to mixed metals (Mentors: Lewis and MacKenzie)
- Knowledge and attitudes regarding cancer screening in indigenous communities (Mentor: Mishra)
- Identifying causes and treatments for breast and ovarian cancer
(Mentors: Prossnitz/Hathaway/Adams/Steinkamp/Hudson/Wandinger-Ness) - Sexual and Gender minority patient and caregiver experiences of cancer (Mentor: Kano)
- Genomic and data analyses for personalized cancer therapies (Mentors: Ness/Lee/Guo)
Cancer affects people everywhere, of every age and every race. You can join the fight against it. You can help scientists and doctors learn more about cancer. And you can share what you learn with other students, cancer scientists and doctors, and the people in your community.
Work in a Lab with Our Research Experts
Learn important skills that will help you in college and beyond!
Complete a one-week introductory course on cancer (high school students) or professional development course for college credit (undergraduate students).
Conduct scientific research in community, public or environmental health — learn from the scientists themselves!
- Work with research teams
- Learn from mentors, peers and diverse groups of people
- Explain science to family, community, teachers and peers
- Learn how to prepare applications for college and graduate school
- Discover career opportunities where you can apply your science knowledge
Eligibility
- 16 years or older
- In good academic standing
- Strongly interested in science
CURE Program Details
CURE provides paid internships for students participating in 40 hours per week during the summer.
Students are required to:
- Make a commitment to completing the program
- Attend UNM seminars, lectures, training sessions and activities
- Select UNM Faculty and “near-peer” mentors
- Choose a research project in community, public or environmental health
- Consult with UNM Faculty and near-peer mentors
- Final Project Presentation - Share what was learned with the school and/or community in a unique presentation, such as a poster or calendar, or a painting, musical piece, poem, or dance
The Continuing Umbrella of Research Experience (CURE) program is supported through partnerships between UNM and branch campuses, Native American Community Academy, Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, Navajo Technical University, and Santa Fe Indian School.
Will Students be Paid?
CURE provides paid internships for students participating in 40 hours per week during summers.
The payment amount is determined at the start of each program year by CURE funding sources, and can vary from year to year.
Is Housing Available?
- Housing is not available for high school students.
- Housing in the dormitories on the UNM campus is available for undergraduate students during the summer.
What Fees Do Students Have to Pay?
- High School students will have to pay for a parking permit if they plan to park on UNM Campus.
- Undergraduate students will have to pay tuition for one credit hour. They will also need to pay for housing and food if they elect to live on campus or a parking permit if they will not be living on campus.
- Additional fees may be required.
How can I learn more?
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If you have more questions about the CURE program, please contact UNMCCC-Training@salud.unm.edu
Undergraduate students can submit an electronic application via UNM Undergraduate Pipeline Network Summer Research Experience.
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UPN 2022 Program Dates: June 1-August 5
Summer internship information
This program provides a paid internship for students participating for 40 hours per week during the summer of 2023.
The CURE program is designed for students who are interested in careers in cancer research. It will help prepare students for college and graduate education in the health and social sciences while helping them attain skills needed to apply for and succeed in careers in biomedical research and public health.
To apply, you must be a United States citizen, or non-citizen national, or have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence. You must be a high school student, age 16 or older, in good academic standing, and display a strong aptitude and interest in science. You will also need to identify a teacher or mentor at your school who will commit to supporting you during the program.
Deadlines
- We are no longer accepting applications for 2023.
CURE Flyer - if you need to show parents or teachers
Steps to Apply
- Read the application letter and required documents
- Submit the following:
- CURE Student Program Application
- Parental Release and Permission Form
- An unofficial copy of your current transcripts or current report card (uploaded in the application)
- Ask teachers and other mentors to give you a recommendation. Use this form: Program Student Recommendation Form or share this url: goto.unm.edu/cure-recommendation
- CURE Student Program Application
For more information, contact UNMCCC-Training@salud.unm.edu
If you have more questions, e-mail UNMCCC-Training@salud.unm.edu