Male researcher with glasses and mask holding a beaker

Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences

The Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) program addresses the pressing need for a diverse cancer research community that reflects the nation’s heterogeneity, and is sensitive to the significant disparities in cancer health across diverse populations.

The CURE Program covers two years of training in cancer research for diverse UC Davis undergraduates in their junior and senior years, with the ultimate goal of student entry into the professional pipeline in cancer research as physicians, veterinarians, or scientists.

The CURE Program is funded by the National Cancer Institute.

Curriculum

CURE is a two-year program for upper division students.

Junior Year
  • The summer will include (a) full-time research in a UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center member laboratory; (b) professional development activities offered in weekly meetings; and (c) poster presentations at the Summer Poster Symposium.
  • The academic year will include (a) part-time research; (b) participation in the junior professional development seminar (BIS 198); (c) attendance of weekly Cancer Biology Research Seminars, hosted by the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center; (d) presentation of work at the Annual Cancer Symposium & the UC Davis Undergraduate Research, Scholarship & Creative Activities Conference
Senior Year
  • The summer will include (a) participation in a second summer research internship for an advanced full-time research experience; (b) professional development activities offered in weekly meetings; and (c) poster presentations at the Summer Poster Symposium
  • The academic year will include (a) part-time research; (b) participation in the senior professional development seminar (BIS 198); (c) attendance of weekly Cancer Biology Research Seminars, hosted by the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center; (d) presentation of work at the Annual Cancer Symposium and the UC Davis Undergraduate Research, Scholarship & Creative Activities Conference

Support

CURE:
  • provides a stipend of $4,000 per summer
  • provides a stipend of $1,000 per academic quarter
  • provides professional development opportunities and advising

CURE Participant Obligations

  • commit 24 months to the program
  • engage in research 10 hours per week during the academic year
  • engage in research 40 hours per week during the summer
  • attend all regularly scheduled meetings, program workshops and functions
  • meet regularly with the CURE adviser
  • register for and attend the BIS 198 seminar quarterly
  • maintain competitive GPA
  • actively engage in their research lab, attend lab meetings etc.