Cancer Research Immersion Student Program (CRISP)
2025 Summary and Application

All applications and supporting materials due Saturday, March 1, 2025

Summer 2025 Program Dates: Monday, June 2 - Friday, July 25, 2025

Sponsored by the Partnership of Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), Tuskegee University (TU), and the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), CRISP seeks to introduce undergraduate students to cancer research, including research on cancer disparities, via training, mentoring, and coursework. Through participation in designated seminars and workshops, research students will be able to enhance their knowledge, scientific techniques, and expertise in cancer and cancer research.

CRISP participants will become stronger candidates to continue their pursuit of advanced degrees in the field of cancer research and to progress to be independent investigators, ultimately leading to an increase the number of cancer researchers and health care professionals working to decrease cancer health disparities in the Deep South.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Program Dates: Monday, June 2 – Friday, July 25, 2025
Application Deadline: Saturday, March 1, 2025

The summer program includes the following components:

• Opportunity to work with cancer researchers and scientists
• Introduction to cancer research guided by faculty mentors
• Development of a comprehensive career plan to achieve goals
• Complete a hands-on cancer health disparity project
• Classes in Career Roadmaps, Scientific Writing, and Cultural Competency
• Prep course for MCAT/GRE
• Opportunity to present research results at local, regional, and/or national meetings, including a national cancer meeting
• Students will be paid a stipend for their summer participation
• Housing provided at UAB for TU students (not available for UAB students)
• Housing may be available at MSM for Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC) students - dependent on availability

To ensure the most rewarding experience, we request that trainees NOT enroll in summer courses, participate in other summer programs, or work, unless approved by the program administrators. Trainees should anticipate a 40-hour work week including seminars, research, and assignments.

ELIGIBILITY

We encourage qualified undergraduate students of all majors who meet the following eligibility requirements to apply: 

• Undergraduate student attending one of the following institutions:
  • Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC)
    • Clark Atlanta University (CAU)
    • Morehouse College (MC)
    • Spelman College (SC)
  • Tuskegee University (TU)
  • University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
• Aim of obtaining an advanced degree (PhD, MD, etc.) with a goal of pursuing a career in cancer research and/or a cancer-related health profession
• Commitment to participate in a mentored cancer research experience at UAB or MSM during summer (TU/UAB students will be on the UAB campus. AUCC students will be on the MSM campus.)
• Agreement to follow academic requirements of the CRISP
• Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA 
• Two letters of recommendation

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications and all supporting documentation due by Saturday, March 1, 2025 (11:59 pm CT).

• Complete ALL sections of this application: It is your responsibility to make certain that your application is complete and that all supporting documents (essay/personal statement, transcript(s), resumé /CV, and recommendation letters) are received by the due date. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
• The following additional materials should be uploaded into the application:
  • Essay/Personal Statement - Address the following items in a well-developed and well-written (logically sequenced, grammatically correct, concise) one-to-two-page typed essay (250-500 words):
    • Why you would like to participate in the Cancer Research Immersion Student Program
    • How the selected training relates to your academic and career goals
    • Your qualifications that may distinguish you from other applicants
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • Current Resumé /CV
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs) - Request letters of recommendation from two people familiar with your academic and/or research work. Applicants will provide recommenders' email addresses in the application, and requests for recommendations, along with instructions, will be sent automatically via the portal. LORs should be uploaded into the application portal directly by the person making the recommendation. At least one letter must be from a faculty member.  

For additional information about CRISP, please reach out to the contact person at the appropriate institution (listed below).  Please note that students who attend an AUCC institution will be under the management of MSM.

Contact Info by Institution:

For technical assistance/issues with completing the application, please email mherctraining@uabmc.edu.