Diversity in Cancer Research (DICR)

female student looking into microscope, DICR program

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 funded by a grant from the American Cancer Society.

About DICR

Program Dates

Benefits

Eligibility Criteria

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
Strong academic record, particularly in math and science
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
Individuals from groups underrepresented in biomedicine, encompassing all relevant social, behavioral as well as health sciences, are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications are encouraged from any individual with a demonstrated commitment to increase the full participation of underrepresented groups in biomedicine. Please refer to https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-20-031.html for additional information.

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

How to Apply

Admission to DICR is competitive. Six 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 2025 cohort are due by 11:59 p.m. CST on Monday, January 20, 2025.

To apply:

Review the application information packet, accessible here (PDF).
Submit the online application form for students.
Arrange for two individuals (at least one of whom must be a professor) to complete the online applicant recommendation form, accessible here. Download an instruction sheet for recommenders (PDF) is accessible here.
Applicants who advance to the second round: Complete an interview with the program leadership team (via Zoom) on Monday, February 19, 2025.

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.

Contact

Program Team

Leadership

Faculty Mentors

DICR would not be possible without our faculty mentors and their research teams, who dedicate precious time, wisdom and laboratory resources to participants of the program. Our mentors are leaders across all areas of cancer research including basic, translational, clinical and population-based. They are also experienced educators and committed role models. More information about our faculty mentors is available here.

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.

Members

Sam Armato, PhD
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

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

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