Young Scholars Program/Summer Research Participation Program

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This award provides funds to the Roswell Park Cancer Institute to sponsor 12 undergraduate students in the Institute's Research Participation Program in Science for Undergraduate College Students. The program offers college undergraduates opportunities to experience laboratory research in preparation for their career development, particularly in molecular biology and cell biology. Participants in the program are given intense laboratory experiences with a senior investigator on a one to one basis for ten weeks from June to August. This laboratory experience nurtures the participant's research interests and develops their skills in cell and molecular biology. The experience should also exert an influence on their career development leading many to do graduate work in this area. Since 1953, the program has had approximately 3,000 participants. Follow-up data show that 40% of undergraduates went on to pursue doctoral degrees and many have gone on to distinguished careers as research scientists. The Institute staff is not required to participate in the Undergraduate Research Program, but they look forward to selecting talented students, particularly minority students, who are seriously inclined to develop careers in science. While scientists acquaint students with the theory and methodologies involved with their research, they also assist students in their development of independence and self motivation. At weekly seminars, conducted by senior staff and graduate students, participants are required to describe their progress on their laboratory work among their peers. This encourages discussion and broadens their horizons in other areas of science. At the end of the program, each student has to write a short description of their project and give a presentation before senior staff, guests and peers at a scientific mini-conference.