STRONGER internship program provides students with valuable exposure to cancer research

A new immersive summer internship at UF Health Cancer Center is helping science students from across the country explore cancer research.

Known as Summer Training in Research and Oncology for the Next Generation of Researchers (STRONGER), the 12-week program launched in May, giving seven inaugural students (current undergraduates and recent graduates) a chance to develop their skills as young scientists by collaborating with accomplished UF cancer investigators.

“Our goal is to enhance students’ academic preparedness so they have the skills they need to successfully apply to health-related Ph.D. programs to pursue careers in cancer research,” said Dietmar Siemann, Ph.D., the associate director for education and training at the Cancer Center.

The STRONGER program took a novel approach by inviting graduate students to lead the summer research projects and mentor the interns, who had the opportunity to work in research laboratories, design experiments, analyze results, and present data. Interns received thorough training in basic and translational cancer research, and took workshops led by UF faculty, staff, and graduate student ambassadors on lab essentials and professional development.