As an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope is proud to be part of the Continuing Umbrella of Research Experience (CURE) Program, which is designed to engage the scientific curiosity of promising young high school and undergraduate students from underrepresented populations who are interested in cancer research as a career. Students participating in the CURE program receive a $4,800 stipend.

Underrepresented populations include African-American, Hispanic, American Indian, and Pacific Islander.  CURE students work side by side with City of Hope scientists on current, challenging research projects. The CURE Program lasts 12 weeks.

Apply for the 2012 CURE Program
To apply for the CURE program, fill out the online Summer Student application and check “CURE Program applicant” to indicate your desire to be considered for the CURE program as well.

Daniel Angeles is a sophomore at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, majoring in neuroscience. His mentor was Dr. Michael Chen in the Department of Neurosurgery. Angeles’ research examined specific treatments of metastatic brain melanoma.

Kleshie Baisie is a freshman at the University of California, Irvine. Her mentor was Dr. John Rossi in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology. Baisie’s research examined re-engineering human genes to enhance protein expression.

Nelly Chuqui Owens is a junior at the University of California, Berkeley, majoring in biochemistry. Her mentor was Dr. Wendong Huang in the Department of Gene Regulation and Discovery.  Owens’ research involved working with double knockout mice.

Renee Estephan is a high school junior at Duarte High School. Her mentor was Dr. Laura Kruper in the Department of General Oncologic Surgery.  Her research examined the factors affecting overall survival of stage IV breast cancer patients.
 
Heather Haj is a senior at Los Osos High School in Rancho Cucamonga, California. She is Hispanic and resides in Alta Loma, California. She was mentored by Dr. Michael Chen in the Department of Neurosurgery.  The title of her research is: Characterizing and Culturing Stem Cells For Use In Spinal Surgery

Ashley Jones is a sophomore at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, majoring in human biology and health. Her mentor was Dr. Susan Kane in the Department of Tumor Cell Biology. Her research involved working with genetically engineered, mouse embryonic fibroblast cells.

Stephanie Lazaro is a senior at Denison University in Granville, California, majoring in psychology. Her mentor was Dr. Saro Armernian in the Department of Population Sciences.  Her research involved screening for anthracycline-induced cardiac dysfunction in childhood cancer survivors.

Romina Ortiz is a senior at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, majoring in neuroscience. Her mentor was Dr. WenYong Chen in the Department of Biology.  Her research examined the metabolism of prostate cancer cells.

Anabel Perez is a junior at Chico State University in Chico, California, majoring in communications. Her mentor was Dr. Kimlin Ashing-Giwa in the Department of Population Sciences. Her research evaluated the Eat, Move, Live Program (EML), which is directed toward the Latino community to educate them about proper nutrition and exercising.

Courtni Salinas is a graduate from the University of California, Irvine. Her mentor was Dr. Susan Kane in the Department of Tumor Cell Biology.  Her research involved constructing an inducible expression system to study Herceptin resistance.