The primary goal of the Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy at City of Hope is to provide young people (high school and university students) with an opportunity for a "hands-on" biomedical research experience. This program seeks to find students possessing exceptional potential for performing biomedical research.
Summer Academy students design and work on their own research projects in areas of their specific interests. City of Hope faculty members act as mentors providing valuable guidance and support, while also encouraging independent thought and exploration. Summer students work closely with post-doctorates, graduate students, and lab personnel of the Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences.
Participants also communicate their research findings to their peers and instructors in a weekly student seminar series. We also mentor scientific writing by having students produce a written report at the end of their project. An important objective of the program is to develop vital oral and written communication skills, which are so important in the world of seminars, colloquia, manuscript publication and grant writing, a world that is central to graduate student and postgraduate life.
Along with attending their laboratory weekly meeting, students attend the program weekly meetings and seminars. Faculty speakers educate students on various scientific topics such as neural stem cells, plant signaling pathways, and DNA repair as well as more career-focused discussions regarding future directions as scientists and doctors. Some students give an oral presentation on their research project focusing on the objectives and significance of their project, methods, results, conclusions, and projections for future directions of the project. Student presenters describe their research in an organized presentation and the students attending the meeting are further educated on the various research topics conducted at City of Hope.
Location(s)
- City of Hope, Duarte, California
Schedule
- June 2 - August 8, 2025
Cost/Compensation
- Most summer students receive a stipend of $4,500 at the end of the 10-week program
Eligibility Requirements
- High school and undergraduate college students who are at least 16 years old on their first day in the Academy.
- Students must be US citizens, or permanent residents.
- Students should have completed high school courses in chemistry and biology.
- Students must be available during the full 10 weeks of the summer program.
Deadline
- March 12, 2025
Application or Entry Requirements
- Completed online application
- Transcript
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Statement of interest
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
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The Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences at City of Hope, located in Duarte, California, is a graduate school focused on training scientists in the fields of biomedical research and translational medicine. Established in 1994, the school offers a Ph.D. program in biological sciences with an emphasis on cancer biology, immunology, molecular and cellular biology, and genetics. Students have access to City of Hope's research facilities and clinical resources, enabling them to engage in interdisciplinary research aimed at developing new treatments for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The school emphasizes mentorship, scientific innovation, and collaboration with leading researchers and clinicians.
