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Interested in observing our experts in Discovery Science? Take a look at some of the educational opportunities available in this specialty. Please review our eligibility criteria before applying to one of the programs listed below.

The Discovery Science Observer Program in the Office of the Vice President for Research, provides students, trainees, and research professionals the unique opportunity to gain firsthand exposure to the research environment within the Discovery Science division. This short-term, on-site experience allows participants to observe faculty mentors and their teams as they conduct cutting-edge fundamental and basic science research. Participants will engage in a "hands-in-pocket" format¡ªobserving laboratory operations, experimental approaches and team interactions¡ªwhile also having the opportunity to attend scientific seminars, research meetings and chalk talks.

Through this immersive experience, participants will gain insights into how scientific questions are approached, how collaborative research teams operate, and how innovative technologies and methods are applied to advance discovery. The program is designed to spark collaborations, inspire ideas and build meaningful connections across the scientific community.

Department
Vice President, Research Office

Type of Observer Experience
Research/Laboratory 

Learning Objectives
Observers will participate in research observations (watch and listen, "hands-in-pocket") and learning opportunities offered by the Division of Discovery Science. The expected learning outcomes include to gain general and new knowledge about MD Anderson's research activities in discovery science including:

• Understand the structure, culture, and operations of an laboratory.
• Observe and describe fundamental research methods, technologies and approaches used in discovery science.
• Recognize how scientific ideas are generated, refined, and discussed through seminars, lab meetings and chalk talks.
• Appreciate the importance of collaboration, mentorship and cross-disciplinary interactions in advancing scientific discovery.
• Identify potential areas for their own research growth, new collaborations and future academic or career opportunities.
  

Application
Incumbents must be invited by a Division of Discovery Science faculty member who agrees to serve as the host/sponsor to the Observer/STEP Visitor. If you have been invited by a faculty member, please contact the program administrator and complete the corresponding .

Program Fees
All professional applicants are subject to pay an Education & Training administrative fee. Please refer to the main Observer Programs page for more information about the fees and the institution¡¯s application process.

Contact
Jason Hassenbusch, D.B.A.
Associate Director, Research Planning and Development
Vice President, Research Office
jahassenbusch@mdanderson.org

The Genetics Observer Program in the McAllister Laboratory aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of microbes in tumor development, progression and response to therapies. Goals include gaining insights into cancer models and treatment procedures, enhancing familiarity with microbiome and immune profiling protocols and techniques, and developing professional relationships with other team members. Additionally, participants have an opportunity to improve their research skills, understand the nuances of microbiome-related experiments, and explore the practical applications of microbial knowledge in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and other cancer types. 

Department
Genetics

Type of Observer Experience
Research/Laboratory 

Learning Objectives
Observers will:

• Observe microbiome techniques daily
  
• Recognize experimental opportunities 
  
• Attend data analysis sessions once a week
  
• Summarize data analysis outcomes and present results in group meetings 
  
• Participate in one on one project discussions with the principal investigator 
• Attend journal club sessions and present a manuscript once a month
• Attend data update presentations once a week
• Prepare a summary to take back to their home institution to be reviewed by the principal investigator

Program Fees
All professional applicants are subject to pay an Education & Training administrative fee. Please refer to the main Observer Programs page for more information about the fees and the institution¡¯s application process.

Contact
Susan Evans, Ph.D.
Principal Research Scientist
Genetics
scevans1@mdanderson.org

Victoria Torgersen
Program Manager
Genetics
vtorgersen@mdanderson.org

The Pre-Veterinary Shadowing Program offers undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students an immersive, observational experience designed to introduce the specialized field of veterinary care for research animals with a focus in laboratory animal medicine. This program is tailored for students preparing for veterinary school who are interested in exploring careers in laboratory animal medicine, comparative medicine, and biomedical research support. Students will spend their time shadowing veterinarians in the department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. 

Department
Veterinary Medicine and Surgery

Type of Observer Experience
Research/Laboratory 

Learning Objectives
Observers will:

• Discover the role of laboratory animal veterinarians and how they contribute to research, animal welfare and scientific advancement.
• Learn about the ethical and regulatory responsibilities involved in caring for animals used in research, including how veterinarians ensure compliance with federal guidelines.
• Explore real-world clinical cases and decision-making processes that laboratory animal veterinarians encounter in their daily work.
• Understand the importance of veterinary oversight in maintaining humane treatment and supporting the integrity of biomedical research.
• Gain insight into career paths in laboratory animal medicine and connect with professionals who can share their experiences and advice.
  

Additional Requirements
Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate degree with the goal of attending veterinary school.

Program Fees
All professional applicants are subject to pay an Education & Training administrative fee. Please refer to the main Observer Programs page for more information about the fees and the institution¡¯s application process.

Application
To apply for the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Observer Program, please fill out the corresponding .

Contact
Michelle Bourgeois 
Manager, Animal Resources Program 
Veterinary Medicine and Surgery 
meyacovone@mdanderson.org