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All ONCORE participants must be currently enrolled in middle or high school, able to provide an official Spring 2026 transcript and demonstrate interest or aptitude in science, biology, medicine, or related fields.

Middle School Youth Program applicants (short-term appointments up to five consecutive days) must fulfill the following application requirements:

• Proof of enrollment
• Cerfiticate of health statement

Program-specific eligibility requirements may also apply.

Contact Information
ETyouth@mdanderson.org

The Division of Internal Medicine (DoIM) Summer Youth Program is a dynamic summer enrichment program designed to introduce motivated middle school and high school students to the world of cancer science, health care careers and biomedical research. Hosted within the Division of Internal Medicine in a leading cancer hospital, this program provides students with a rare, immersive opportunity to explore how clinicians, scientists, nurses and allied health professionals work together to advance cancer care and improve patient outcomes.

Over the course of the program, students participate in hands on laboratory activities, interactive workshops, hospital-based learning experiences, and mentorship sessions with oncology professionals. Through exposure to real-world clinical environments and cutting-edge research, students gain a deeper understanding of cancer biology, prevention, treatment, and the human impact of cancer care. The DoIM Summer Youth Program is designed to empower young learners to envision themselves as future leaders in health care and scientific discovery. By fostering curiosity, confidence, and early career exploration, the program helps students build a strong foundation for future academic and professional success.

Program Modality
In-person

Program Schedule
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Multiple cohorts available: June 26, July 10, July 17, July 24, or July 31

Once accepted, students will be assigned to a cohort on a first-come, first-served basis.

Educational Objectives

The program aims to: 

• Build foundational knowledge in cancer science
• Develop hands-on research and laboratory skills
• Increase awareness of health care and research careers
• Strengthen critical thinking and communication skills
• Promote health literacy and community awareness
• Foster long-term engagement in STEM and medicine

The Future UT MD Anderson Nurses: Junior Edition program is a dynamic, observational experience designed to introduce middle school students to the exciting and meaningful work of oncology nursing. Through activities and engaging discussions, students will explore the exciting world of oncology nursing while building foundational skills in science, empathy and teamwork.

Department
Nursing Workforce Planning and Development

Program Modality
In-person

Program Schedule
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
July 29

Educational Objectives
Students will: 

1. Expand their understanding of the various career opportunities available in oncology nursing. 
2. Be able to describe the basic roles and responsibilities of oncology nurses. 
3. Demonstrate teamwork, empathy and communication skills through engaging activities. 
4. Be able to identify a path to prepare for future opportunities in nursing.

This five-day middle school enrichment program introduces students ages 12¨C14 to cancer research and biomedical science through structured, age-appropriate and fully supervised activities.

Participants will observe laboratory research, attend interactive lectures, engage in simulated experimental exercises, analyze publicly available cancer datasets, and interact with faculty, trainees and staff. The program emphasizes scientific thinking, teamwork, ethics and career exploration in medicine and research.

The target audience is motivated middle school students with strong academic interest in science, medicine and engineering.

Department
Hematopoietic Biology and Malignancy

Program Modality
In-person

Program Schedule
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
June 22-26

Educational Objectives
By the end of the program, participants will:
 

• Understand basic principles of cancer biology and biomedical research.
• Describe how laboratory discoveries translate into patient treatments.
• Demonstrate introductory skills in data analysis using public scientific datasets.
• Apply scientific reasoning through team-based projects.
• Explore careers in medicine, research and biotechnology.
• Practice responsible conduct and laboratory safety awareness.

This five-day middle school enrichment program introduces students ages 12¨C14 to cancer research and biomedical science through structured, age-appropriate and fully supervised activities.

Participants will observe laboratory research, attend interactive lectures, engage in simulated experimental exercises, analyze publicly available cancer datasets, and interact with faculty, trainees and staff. The program emphasizes scientific thinking, teamwork, ethics, and career exploration in medicine and research.

All laboratory activities are observational only. Hands-on experiences are limited to classroom-based simulations using non-hazardous materials.

The target audience is motivated middle school students with strong academic interest in science, medicine and engineering.

Department
James P. Allison Institute

Program Modality
In-person

Program Schedule
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
July 13-17

Educational Objectives
By the end of the program, participants will:

• Understand basic principles of cancer biology and biomedical research
• Describe how laboratory discoveries translate into patient treatments
• Demonstrate introductory skills in data analysis using public scientific datasets
• Apply scientific reasoning through team-based projects
• Explore careers in medicine, research and biotechnology
• Practice responsible conduct and laboratory safety awareness

The Introduction to Surgical Oncology Clinical Research program is designed for middle school students interested in future careers in academic cancer surgery. 

The program aims to inspire these young minds to consider academic careers targeting cancer care, including but not limited to:

• Optimizing cancer care delivery
• Improving surgical quality
• Understanding and augmenting the patient experience
• Learning the path of bench-to-bedside translational research
• Learning the role of mentor-mentee relationships in academic success

Key activities include receiving mentorship from faculty and fellows who have spent decades in their field and can connect students to the journeys that brought them to where they are today.

The target audience includes motivated middle school students who have a general interest in surgical oncology. No prior experience is required.

Department
Surgical Oncology

Program Modality
Hybrid

Program Schedule
8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Mutiple cohorts available: June 15-19, June 22-26, July 6-10, July 12-17, July 20-24, July 27-31

Once accepted, students will be assigned to a cohort on a first-come, first-served basis.

Educational Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Describe the role of cancer surgery research in improve the health of patients with cancer
• Design their own example of a surgical oncology research project
• Apply a mentor-mentee framework for their academic goals for high school and college to prepare for med school
• Describe the role of a surgical oncologist in the care continuum for a patient with cancer
  

All ONCORE participants must be currently enrolled in middle or high school, able to provide official Spring 2026 school transcripts and demonstrate interest or aptitude in science, biology, medicine, or related fields.

High School Youth Program applicants (longer-term appointments up to six weeks) must fulfill the following application requirements:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Proof of enrollment
• Personal statement 
• One letter of recommendation 

High School Youth STEP applicants (short-term appointments up to five consecutive days) must fulfill the following application requirements:

• Proof of enrollment
• Cerfiticate of health statement

Program-specific eligibility requirements may also apply.

Contact Information
ETyouth@mdanderson.org

The High School Youth Summer Program introduces students to hands?on biomedical research within the RODEO (Risk and Outcome, Detect Early, Oncotherapeutics) Lab. The RODEO Lab focuses on improving cancer prevention, early detection and treatment by studying signals in the blood that may reveal changes in the body before cancer develops.

Students learn how scientists identify early warning signs of cancer, how lifestyle and environmental exposures can influence cancer risk, and how research guides the development of new therapies. Throughout the program, students participate in real research projects, build practical laboratory skills and see how scientific data is used to understand cancer risk and support early?intervention strategies. The experience encourages teamwork, curiosity and an appreciation for the real?world impact of prevention?focused cancer research.

The program aims to inspire future scientists by giving high school students early, meaningful exposure to cancer?related research. Through hands?on lab training, mentorship and accessible scientific learning, students explore how biological, environmental and lifestyle factors shape cancer risk. The purpose is to spark curiosity, strengthen critical thinking and problem?solving skills, and encourage long?term interest in science, medicine and research careers.

Key Activities

• Receive hands?on laboratory training, including:
  • Pipetting and basic lab techniques
  • Sample preparation and biomarker detection techniques
  • qPCR to measure gene activity
  • Western blotting to detect specific proteins
  • Cell culture techniques
  • Laboratory safety and good scientific practices
• Learn about blood?based biomarkers, such as proteins, metabolites and DNA markers that can signal early biological changes or shifts in cancer risk.
• Explore how early detection and understanding cell biology helps scientists more effective and personalized cancer treatments.
• Build science communication skills by creating a written summary and giving a short presentation.
  

Target Audience: High school students (ages 15¨C17) with strong interest in biology, medicine, public health, or environmental science. No prior laboratory experience required.

Department
Clinical Cancer Prevention - Research

Program Modality
In-person

Program Schedule
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
June 22-July 31

Educational Objectives
By the conclusion of the program, participants will be able to: 

• Demonstrate essential lab skills, including safe sample handling and the use of common research techniques.
• Explain key ideas in cancer biology, including how blood?based biomarkers, environmental exposures and lifestyle choices influence cancer risk.
• Describe, in simple terms, how therapeutic approaches are developed and how biological insights contribute to more effective and personalized cancer treatments.
• Interpret basic experimental results and draw conclusions based on evidence.
• Communicate research findings clearly through a brief presentation and written summary.
• Identify pathways into STEM fields, including education and research opportunities.

The Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine (DACCPM) Summer Bootcamp program is designed to facilitate opportunities for high school students aged 15-17 years old to gain exposure to the speciality of Anesthesiology. Program participants will have an opportunity to engage with physicians, certified registered nurse anesthesists (CRNAs) and certified anesthesia assistants (CAAs). The presentations will highlight "a day in the life of..." as well as provide detailed guidance on how to prepare now for future success. This program will give insight into the differences in educational requirements, training and career paths. Students will also have the oppotunity to participate in hands-on workshops and become certified in Basic Life Support after successful completion of a course.

Department
Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine

Program Modality
In-person

Program Schedule
7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.
July 9

Educational Objectives
Upon completion of the observer experience, participants will be more familiar with the educational and training requirements necessary to obtain entry to medical, CRNA and anesthesiology assistant (AA) school. Participants will successfully complete three workshops (airway, suture and stop the bleed). Participants will also obtain a Basic Life Support Certification.   

The Diagnostic Imaging High School Youth Summer Program is designed specifically for DeBakey High School for Health Professions students who are interested in exploring different hospital environment professions that use varying science skills. 

Through the program, students will have exposure to human anatomy and function through multiple imaging modalities across all body systems, including chest abdomen, musculoskeletal, breast, and neuroradiology, and gain experience on how images are created via X-rays, ultrasound and magnetic imaging. Static and physiological functional imaging will also be explained. Students will gain experience and hands-on exposure to visualizing multiplanar anatomy and pathology, creating their own advanced computer 3D models of anatomy and perform simulation image guided biopsies. Through videos and interactive remote learning, students will learn about physical scanners, their functioning and the variety of different staff that assist in multidisciplinary care of patients.

Program Eligibility: This program is open exclusively to students (aged 15-17, but preferentially rising seniors) enrolled at DeBakey High School for Health Professions.

Department
Diagnostic Imaging

Program Modality
In-person

Program Schedule
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Multiple cohorts: July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31

Once accepted, students will be assigned to a cohort on a first-come, first-served basis.

Educational Objectives
Student attendees will gain experience in the following:

• The range of science related professions in a medical hospital and the educational pathways to these professions. 
• The central role of radiologists and imaging in the diagnosis and management of patients and in particular cancer patients. They'll also learn how those physicians interact with other physicians and other STEM related professions (nurses, advanced practice providers, technologists, etc).
• Visualize dynamically and interactively human anatomy, function (e.g. respiratory system, cardiovascular system, alimentary system) and pathology through multimodality imaging. Students will learn about the different imaging techniques and their underpinning science, advantages and disadvantages with respect to radiation and magnetic field exposure.
• Learn how computers, AI, 3D modeling lead to transformation of imaging reconstruction, depiction and procedure planning. Students will perform their own multiplanar imaging, surface rendered models and virtual bronchoscopic interventions.
• Understand how global leading institutions like UT MD Anderson pioneer and lead the way in clinical care, research and education, and how clinicians, facilities, staff and infrastructure at UT MD Anderson have transformed cancer care globally.
  

The Division of Internal Medicine (DoIM) Summer Youth Program is a dynamic summer enrichment program designed to introduce motivated middle school and high school students to the world of cancer science, health care careers and biomedical research. Hosted within the Division of Internal Medicine in a leading cancer hospital, this program provides students with a rare, immersive opportunity to explore how clinicians, scientists, nurses and allied health professionals work together to advance cancer care and improve patient outcomes.

Over the course of the program, students participate in hands on laboratory activities, interactive workshops, hospital-based learning experiences and mentorship sessions with oncology professionals. Through exposure to real-world clinical environments and cutting-edge research, students gain a deeper understanding of cancer biology, prevention, treatment and the human impact of cancer care. The DoIM Summer Youth  Program is designed to empower young learners to envision themselves as future leaders in health care and scientific discovery. By fostering curiosity, confidence and early career exploration, the program helps students build a strong foundation for future academic and professional success.

Program Modality
In-person

Program Schedule
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Multiple cohorts available: June 22-24, June 29-July 1, July 6-8, July 13-15, July 20-22, or July 27-29

Once accepted, students will be assigned to a cohort on a first-come, first-served basis.

Educational Objectives
The program aims to: 

• Build foundational knowledge in cancer science
• Develop hands-on research and laboratory skills
• Increase awareness of health care and research careers
• Strengthen critical thinking and communication skills
• Promote health literacy and community awareness
• Foster long-term engagement in STEM and medicine

The Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (DPLM) High School Youth Summer STEM Program it is an unpaid, highly competitive summer program which offers students ages 15¨C17 a structured, immersive introduction to pathology, laboratory medicine and cancer sciences. This hybrid (in-person and online) summer experience provides a unique opportunity to explore how diseases are diagnosed and integrated with patient's care in our world¡¯s leading cancer center. All activities comply with UT MD Anderson¡¯s Youth Protection Program standards to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.

Through interactive sessions, demonstrations, faculty-led presentations, and supervised hands-on activities, students gain early exposure to the medical and scientific foundations that support patient care. Participants will engage with faculty, trainees, laboratory staff, and administrative professionals as they observe diagnostic processes, explore laboratory technologies and learn how multidisciplinary teams contribute to cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The program is designed to broaden students¡¯ awareness of health care and biomedical career pathways while strengthening critical thinking,  communication and problem-solving skills. By participating in team-based projects and guided learning experiences, students build confidence, expand career exploration and gain insight into the diverse professions that support the mission of UT MD Anderson.

The purpose of the program is to:

• Expose students to real-world laboratory and diagnostic environments.
• Provide age-appropriate experiential learning in an academic medical center.
• Introduce students to subspecialties within pathology such as hematopathology, cytology, anatomical pathology, molecular diagnostics and laboratory medicine.
• Foster scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and career exploration through interaction with faculty, trainees and professional staff.
• Support the pipeline of future health care professionals by creating equitable pathways for students interested in oncology, diagnostics and biomedical science.

Participants engage in a curated blend of learning experiences, including:

• Guided laboratory demonstrations in approved non-clinical research spaces.
• Hands-on exercises such as microscopy, staining techniques and tissue morphology exploration.
• Shadow-style observational experiences within non-clinical diagnostic workflows (no access to patient care areas).
• Faculty-led mini-lectures on disease mechanisms, cancer biology and the diagnostic process.
• Skill-building workshops in scientific communication, case analysis and problem-solving.
• Career exploration through panels with faculty, fellows, technologists and graduate students.
• Simulation center demonstrations using mannequins or training equipment (if approved).
• A capstone element, such as a poster, journal entry, or short presentation¡ªsummarizing key takeaways from the program.

This program is designed for:

• Highly motivated high school students ages 15¨C17 (sophomores, juniors, and seniors).
• Individuals with demonstrated interest in science, medicine or health care careers.
• Youth seeking hands-on exposure to laboratory environments in a safe and structured setting.
• Students able to meet all participation requirements, including attending the full program schedule and completing onboarding (training, background checks, immunizations).

Program Modality
Hybrid

Program Schedule
8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
June 22-July 30

Educational Objectives
The objectives is to provide an immersive experience within a world-leading academic health center that enables participants to:

• Develop foundational scientific and professional skills by strengthening their knowledge of pathology and laboratory medicine, learning basic laboratory and research techniques and enhancing communication and professionalism.
• Engage with academic and clinical experts through lectures, seminars, and mentored activities with faculty, fellows and health care professionals in the Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.
• Build early research competency by learning introductory research methods, data organization and analytical skills to support future academic success in college and beyond.
• Participate in mentored research projects that expose students to interdisciplinary, oncology-focused investigation and allow them to contribute to a small-scale, original research project.
• Gain career exploration and development guidance through structured mentoring, networking, and exposure to diverse pathways in medicine, science and research.

This program is designed to introduce high school students to the basic principles of genetics, molecular biology and cancer biology. 

Through this experience, students will gain experience on how research laboratories ask and test specific hypothesis within a research project. Basic training and an introduction of basic concepts of lung cancer mouse models, mouse genetics and modeling, molecular biology techniques and lung tumor tissue histology/analysis. 

Students will be taught basic concepts of mouse genetics and approaches, pipetting, genotyping polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) analyses of mouse alleles, and pathological or molecular analyses including histology and immunohistochemistry. Each day, the students' curriculum will include a lecture as well as a hands-on laboratory training with supervision. At the end of their laboratory experience, students will share what they learned with their peers through a slidewshow and oral presentation.

This program is designed for enthusiastic high school students with a strong drive for learning basic research techniques and concepts. 

Department
Genetics

Program Modality
In person

Program Schedule
8 a.m.-1 p.m.
June 22-July 10

Educational Objectives
Students will be introduced to, and taught basic principles of cancer genetics and mouse lung cancer modeling, with the following specific objectives:

• Introduction to basic molecular biology techniques, including mouse genotyping PCRs.
• Introduction to molecular analyses of mouse lung tumor tissue, including histological analyses and immunohistochemistry.
• Learn to prepare a summary of what they learned through an informal powerpoint presentation at the end of their program.
  

This four-week, hands-on summer program introduces high school students to the fundamental principles of cancer biology and recombinant DNA technology. Designed as an immersive learning experience, the program blends interactive lectures, laboratory simulations, case-based discussions and mentored inquiry to expose students to how modern biomedical research is conducted. Participants will explore how genetic alterations drive cancer, how recombinant DNA tools are used to study disease and how laboratory discoveries translate into diagnostics and therapies.

The purpose of this program is to inspire and prepare the next generation of biomedical scientists, clinicians  and innovators by providing early exposure to cancer research and molecular biotechnology. The program aims to demystify laboratory research, cultivate scientific curiosity, and build foundational skills in experimental design, data interpretation and ethical reasoning in biomedical science.

Key Activities
Foundational Lectures and Workshops

• Introduction to cancer biology (oncogenes, tumor suppressors, mutations)
• Basics of molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology
• Overview of research pipelines: from hypothesis to publication and clinical impact

Laboratory-Based Learning (Hands-on or Simulated)

• DNA extraction, restriction enzyme digestion and ligation concepts
• Plasmids, bacterial transformation and gene expression
• Polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis and DNA visualization
• Introduction to sequencing and genetic analysis in cancer research

Case Studies & Translational Focus

• Real-world examples of cancer discoveries and targeted therapies
• How recombinant DNA technology enables diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics
• Ethical considerations in genetic engineering and cancer research

Research Skills Development

• Scientific literature reading and interpretation
• Experimental design and troubleshooting
• Data analysis and presentation skills

Capstone Project

• Team-based mini research proposal or poster presentation
• Students synthesize what they learned to address a cancer-related question using recombinant DNA approaches

Career Exploration and Mentorship

• Discussions with researchers and clinicians
• Overview of careers in cancer research, biotechnology and medicine

Target Audience

• Highly motivated high school students (typically grades 9¨C12)
• Students with an interest in biology, medicine, biotechnology or STEM careers
• No prior laboratory experience required; basic high school biology recommended
  

Department
Genomic Medicine

Program Modality
Hybrid

Program Schedule
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
June 22-July 17

Educational Objectives
By the end of the four-week program, participants will be able to:

1. Foundational Knowledge

• Explain the basic biological principles underlying cancer development, including genetic mutations, oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.
• Describe the core concepts of recombinant DNA technology and its role in modern biomedical research.

2. Technical and Analytical Skills

• Demonstrate understanding of common molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, plasmid cloning and bacterial transformation.
• Interpret experimental data and simple genetic results in the context of cancer research.

3. Apply basic principles of experimental design, including hypothesis formation, controls, and reproducibility.

• Scientific thinking and communication
• Read and critically evaluate simplified scientific literature related to cancer and molecular biology.
• Communicate scientific ideas clearly through oral presentations, posters or written summaries.
• Collaborate effectively in teams to solve scientific problems and complete a capstone project.

4.  Translation and Career Awareness

• Identify pathways by which laboratory discoveries are translated into cancer diagnostics and therapies.
• Gain awareness of educational and career pathways in biomedical research, biotechnology and medicine.

This program offers a hands-on, immersive summer research experience for high school students, hosted within the laboratory of Stephen Lai, M.D., Ph.D., professor in the department of Head & Neck Surgery. During the six-week program students will be introduced to the full spectrum of translational cancer research, from bench-based discovery to clinical application. This will be done through laboratory shadowing, interactive presentations and guided exposure to multidisciplinary clinical care. Participants will gain firsthand insight into how scientists and clinicians collaborate to improve diagnosis, treatment and survivorship outcomes for patients with head and neck cancers.

The primary purpose of the program is to inspire students to pursue careers in biomedical research, medicine and health sciences. The program also provides early exposure to academic medicine and translational research in a real-world cancer center environment, helping students understand the challenges and rewards of working in biomedical research.

This program is designed for highly motivated high school students with an interest in: science, medicine, or health-related careers, as well as cancer biology, imaging, clinical care and research and problem-solving in a real-world biomedical setting. No prior laboratory experience is required.

Department
Head and Neck Surgery 

Program Modality
Hybrid

Program Schedule
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
June 22-July 30

Educational Objectives 
By the end of the program, students will:

• Develop an understanding of the research-to-clinic pipeline, including how laboratory discoveries are translated into clinical trials and ultimately into patient care. 
• Be able to explain core concepts in cancer research, such as fundamental principles of tumor biology, biomarkers and therapeutic development.
• Recognize the essential role of multidisciplinary teams in cancer research and care, gaining insight into how scientists, clinicians and allied health professionals collaborate to address complex clinical problems. 
• Develop scientific curiosity and critical thinking skills through guided discussions and exposure to active research environments, enabling them to ask informed questions about experimental design, data interpretation and ethical research conduct.
• Gain awareness of the wide range of biomedical career paths available in research, medicine and healthcare, and will be able to identify multiple educational and professional routes leading to these fields. 

The overarching goal of the program is to spark long-term interest in biomedical science and academic medicine, particularly within the area of cancer research.

The Imaging and Innovation Summer Immersion Program is a 10-day educational experience designed to introduce students to the diverse world of medical imaging, artificial intelligence (AI) in health care, and medical physics. Throughout the two week period, participants will explore the roles of medical physicists, AI scientists and clinicians through interactive lectures, hands-on experiments, behind the scenes tours and applications in clinical translation. Each day highlights a specific specialty area, giving students an authentic view of life inside major medical and research environments.

Department
Imaging Physics

Program Modality
In-person

Program Schedule
9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
July 6-17

Educational Objectives - Week 1

Monday ¨C Introduction to Medical Imaging

• Understand the purpose and structure of the Summer Immersion Program.
• Identify major areas within medical imaging and clinical physics.
• Recognize the roles of health care professionals involved in imaging.
• Build rapport with peers through introductory and team-based activities.
• Gain familiarity with the facility layout and key program spaces through guided tours.

Tuesday ¨C Computed Tomography (CT) Physics Day

• Describe the basic principles of CT imaging.
• Understand how X-rays interact with the body to create CT images.
• Observe how radiologists interpret CT scans in a clinical workflow.
• Perform a basic CT related hands-on activity to explore data acquisition or reconstruction.
• Recognize the responsibilities of a CT physicist within a health care system.

Wednesday ¨C AI in Medicine

• Understand foundational concepts of AI and machine learning.
• Identify common clinical applications of AI in medical imaging and diagnostics.
• Explore how clinicians evaluate and integrate AI tools into patient care.
• Participate in a hands-on activity to visualize how AI models learn and make predictions.
• Recognize the role of an AI scientist in developing safe, effective health care tools.

Thursday ¨C Imaging in the Surgical Suite

• Understand how imaging technologies are used in the operating room.
• Identify the various ways surgeons rely on imaging for planning and real time guidance.
• Observe workflows and communication between surgical staff and imaging specialists.
• Participate in a hands-on surgical themed experiment exploring procedural imaging.
• Recognize the responsibilities of physicists who support surgical imaging environments.

Friday ¨C Magnetic Resonance (MR) Physics

• Describe the basic physical principles underlying MRI.
• Understand how magnetic fields and radio frequency pulses generate images.
• Observe how radiologists interpret MR images across different anatomical regions.
• Complete a hands on MR focused activity demonstrating concepts like contrast or signal.
• Recognize the role of an MR physicist in ensuring image quality and patient safety.

Educational Objectives - Week 2

Monday ¨C Ultrasound Physics

• Understand the physical principles of ultrasound, including sound waves and tissue interaction.
• Learn how ultrasound images are formed and interpreted.
• Explore the role of an ultrasound physicist in clinical practice.
• Perform hands-on ultrasound scanning to understand image acquisition.

Tuesday ¨C Image Guided Therapy Physics

• Understand how imaging technologies guide therapeutic procedures.
• Learn the physics behind image guided interventions (e.g., fluoroscopy, CT, MRI).
• Observe the workflow of an interventional radiologist.
• Participate in a hands-on activity simulating image guided procedures.

Wednesday ¨C Nuclear Medicine Physics

• Understand the principles of radioactive decay and tracer imaging.
• Learn how nuclear medicine images are captured and interpreted.
• Explore safety considerations when working with radiopharmaceuticals.
• Participate in a hands-on activity demonstrating nuclear imaging concepts.

Thursday ¨C Optical Imaging Physics

• Understand how light interacts with tissues to form images.
• Learn the principles behind fluorescence, bioluminescence and other optical modalities.
• Explore clinical and research applications of optical imaging.
• Participate in hands-on optical imaging activities.

Friday ¨C Wrap Up and Integration Day

• Synthesize concepts learned across all imaging modalities.
• Reflect on personal interests in medical imaging, AI and clinical science.
• Participate in a culminating academic activity reinforcing key program themes.
• Prepare a takeaway summary or presentation of what they learned.

The Immunology Pathways Summer Youth Program provides highly motivated high school students (ages 15¨C17) with an immersive introduction to biomedical research in a professional laboratory setting. The program aims to spark early interest in immunology and cancer research while building foundational scientific skills.

Participants will engage in guided laboratory activities, observe ongoing research, learn core immunology concepts and veterinary maintenance and interact with scientists and trainees through mentorship and discussions. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, scientific inquiry, responsible research practices and exposure to real-world applications of immunology in disease treatment and prevention. The program is hosted within the UT MD Anderson department of Immunology, a basic science research environment internationally recognized for advancing cancer immunotherapy and translational discovery. Under the leadership of a Nobel Prize winning Chair, the department provides a unique setting where students can observe how fundamental immunology research contributes to scientific breakthroughs and improved patient outcomes. 

The target audience includes high-achieving high school students with demonstrated academic strength and interest in biology, immunology, biomedical sciences, pre-health career pathways, and/or curiosity about other related fields and who are seeking early exposure to biomedical research careers in a safe, structured and educational environment.

Department
Immunology

Program Modality
In person

Program Schedule
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
June 22-July 30

Educational Objectives
Participants will:

• Develop a foundational understanding of the human immune system
• Gain supervised, hands-on exposure to foundational laboratory techniques used in immunology research (e.g., pipetting, sterile technique, sample handling, data recording and basic experimental workflow)
• Learn how immunology research informs cancer treatment strategies, including principles of immunotherapy and translational discovery
• Build scientific reasoning skills by forming hypotheses, observing experimental outcomes and interpreting data within a guided research framework
• Observe and/or practice responsible conduct of research, laboratory safety principles and ethical considerations in biomedical science, including understanding the role of animal models in basic research
• Strengthen scientific communication skills through viewing an electronic lab notebook, presenting findings in group settings and engaging in structured discussions with faculty, postdoctoral fellows and trainees
• Explore career pathways in immunology, cancer biology, laboratory-based biomedical research, health care and scientific leadership
  

The Introduction to Surgical Oncology Clinical Research program is designed for high school students interested in future careers in academic cancer surgery. 

The program aims to inspire these young minds to consider academic careers targeting cancer care including but not limited to:

• Optimizing cancer care delivery
• Improving surgical quality
• Understanding and augmenting the patient experience
• Learning the path of bench-to-bedside translational research
• Learning the role of mentor-mentee relationships in academic success

Key activities include receiving mentorship from faculty and fellows who have spent decades in their field and can connect students to the journeys that brought them to where they are today.

The target audience includes motivated  high school students who have a general interest in surgical oncology. No prior experience is required.

Department
Surgical Oncology

Program Modality
Hybrid

Program Schedule
8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Mutiple cohorts available: June 15-26 (Two weeks), June 22-July 17 (Four Weeks), June 29-July 24 (Four Weeks)

Once accepted, students will be assigned to a cohort on a first-come, first-served basis.

Educational Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Describe the role of cancer surgery research in improve the health of patients with cancer
• Design their own example of a surgical oncology research project
• Apply a mentor-mentee framework for their academic goals for high school and college to prepare for med school
• Describe the role of a surgical oncologist in the care continuum for a patient with cancer
  

The Summer Research and Observation Program in Neuroradiology is a four-week immersive experience designed for motivated high school students with a strong interest in medicine, neuro, or radiology research. Hosted by the department of Neuroradiology, this program offers a unique opportunity to explore the field of neuroradiology through hands-on research and direct observation at one of the world¡¯s leading cancer centers.

Students will be paired with neuroradiology faculty mentors and assist in data collection, literature reviews and preparation of content for publishable research articles. In addition to research exposure, participants will have the opportunity to observe daily operations within neuroradiology reading rooms and attend educational conferences, including case-based lectures and multidisciplinary tumor boards.

By combining academic research with daily observation, this program aims to inspire the next generation of health care leaders and offer insight into the world of academic medicine and oncologic imaging.

Department
Neuroradiology

Program Modality
In-person

Program Schedule
8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
June 22-July 17

Educational Objectives
By the end of the four-week program, students will be able to:

1. Understand the role of neuroradiology in the diagnosis and management of brain, spine and head and neck tumors.

2. Demonstrate foundational research skills, including:

• Conducting literature reviews using PubMed and institutional databases
• Extracting, organizing and analyzing research data under faculty supervision

3. Gain exposure to workflows, including:

• Observing radiologists interpret complex imaging studies
• Learning about imaging modalities such as MRI, CT and PET
• Attending case conferences and tumor boards to understand multidisciplinary care

4. Practice professional communication, such as:

• Presenting research progress to mentors and peers
• Asking questions and engaging in clinical discussions respectfully and professionally
• Students will give a brief presentation summarizing what they learned and observed during the four-week program

5. Understand research and clinical ethics and patient confidentiality, including HIPAA compliance and the role of integrity in medical research.

6. Explore career pathways in radiology, medicine, and research through mentorship, observation and reflection.

The program provides students with supervised exposure to a laboratory environment focused on the solid tumor microenvironment, emphasizing scientific learning, mentorship and career exploration. The purpose of the program is to spark interest in STEM and biomedical research careers by offering age appropriate instruction in research concepts rather than independent research execution. Through guided learning and hands on activities parallel to ongoing laboratory research projects, students will gain insight into how scientific questions are developed, how data are generated and how experimental findings contribute to cancer research.

Key activities include group-based instructional sessions, laboratory demonstrations, and mentored discussions covering topics such as basic cancer biology, the tumor microenvironment and the rationale for using mouse and cell culture models in research. Students are introduced to common research techniques such as flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and western blotting through demonstrations and interactive activities, and will learn how experimental data are analyzed and presented. The program also incorporates laboratory safety education and responsible conduct in research.

Department
Pediatrics - Research 

Program Modality
Hybrid

Program Schedule
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
June 22-July 30

Educational Objectives
By the end of the program, participants will:

• Develop foundational knowledge of cancer biology
  • Students will learn basic concepts related to cancer development, the tumor microenvironment and the scientific rationale for studying the effects of exercise on cancer progression.
• Gain exposure to biomedical research methods
  • Students will learn how laboratory research is conducted through guided demonstrations and discussions of commonly used techniques, including mouse models, cell culture systems and imaging?based assays.
• Understand how scientific questions are investigated
  • Students will learn how research hypotheses are formed, how experiments are designed to answer scientific questions, and how data are collected, analyzed and interpreted in a cancer research setting.
• Learn principles of scientific communication and collaboration
  • Students will learn how researchers communicate findings through figures, discussions and presentations, and will engage in group discussions to strengthen scientific curiosity and teamwork.
• Gain awareness of research ethics and laboratory safety
  • Students will learn introductory principles of laboratory safety, biosafety awareness, animal welfare and responsible conduct of research in a supervised environment.

The Ovarian and Endometrial Cancer Research Program is focused on studying various key aspects of cancer, such as understanding the molecular and cellular processes that are involved in the development and progression of cancer, and testing the efficacy of novel drugs for cancer prevention and treatment. One such project in our laboratory is aimed at identifying novel mutations, including RNA fusions that can be targeted for development of a cancer vaccine. In this summer project, students will have the opportunity to be involved in a project that is focused on validating the expression of our in-silico predicted fusion transcripts in ovarian and endometrial cancer samples. ?

Key activities include performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR), running gels and preparing samples for sequencing. ?During the course of this internship, students will have the opportunity to learn various translational reserach techniques?such as cell culture, cell proliferation, RNA extraction, ?cDNA synthesis, PCR and western blotting assay. ?Students will be trained on conducting literature search and taught how to design a small research project aimed at understanding cancer development or testing the efficacy of a drug treatment on cancer cell growth. In addition, students will also be taught key steps involved in writing a research article.?

This internship is suitable for high school students who are currently enrolled in a science or STEM stream, have attention to detail and possess a strong interest in pursuing scientific discovery in future. Students must demonstrate their interest in science and experience through their consistent participation in science or STEM activities, volunteering or club memberships. Students with teacher recommendation attesting these key experience and good conduct will be good fit for this program.

Department
Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine 

Program Modality
In-person

Program Schedule
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
June 22-July 31

Educational Objectives
During the six-week week period, high school students will have the following three learning objectives:

1. Education of lab safety and study of cancer research assays: Candidates will be taught various translational research techniques such as cell culture, cell proliferation, RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, PCR and western blotting assay. 
2. Learn biology of cancer development: Students will be trained on conducting literature search and develop a small research project aimed at understanding cancer development or testing the efficacy of a drug treatment on cancer cell growth.
3. Training on writing a research/ review article: Students will be taught various components of a scientific article and the steps involved in writing a research article.

The Vascular and Interventional Oncology Learning Experience for Teens (VIOLET) is a six-week hybrid research program designed to introduce high school students to the dynamic field of vascular and interventional oncology. Hosted at UT MD Anderson, VIOLET offers a unique opporunity for students in the Houston area to explore cancer resarch, imaging science and minimally invasive therapeutic innovations through hands-on and virtual learning experiences. 

VIOLET aims to inspire the next generation of physician-scientists and biomedical innovators by engaging students in authentic research environments and exposing them to the interdisciplinary nature of cancer treatment and discovery. Participants gain foundational skills in experimental design, data analysis, scientific communication and professional development - all while cultivating curiousity, confidence and scientific literacy. 

Key Activities: 

• Hands-On Research Experience (in person): Students will work under the guidance of mentors in interventional radiology research labs, conducting supervised experiments, collecting and processing data, and learning basic laboratory techniques relevant to vascular and cancer imaging research. 
• Career and Academic Development (virtual): Through interactive workshops, students will learn how to write research abstracts, prepare scientific posters and deliver oral presentations. Sessions will also cover topics such as career pathways in medicine and research, responsible conduct of science and academic writing. 
• Near-Peer Mentoring: Undergraduate, medical, graduate student and postdoctoral mentors provide individualized guidance, support and insight into navigating STEM education and research opportunities. 
• Final Exposition: At the conclusion of the program, students will present their findings in oral and poster formats at the Interventional Radiology Research Meeting, gaining real-world experience in communicating scientific work.

Department
Interventional Radiology

Program Modality
Hybrid

Program Schedule
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
June 22-July 31

Educational Objectives
By the end of the VIOLET program, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the fundamentals of vascular and interventional oncology, including the role of image-guided therapies in cancer diagnosis and treatment. 
2. Apply basic research principles by participating in supervised laboratory experiments, learning how to design studies, collect and analyze data and interpret findings.
3. Demonstrate effective scientific communication by writing an abstract, preparing a scientific poster and delivering an oral presentation to a professional audience. 
4. Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through analysis of experimental results and engagement in group discussions and mentor-guided reflection.
5. Gain familiarity with biomedical imaging techniques and their applications in translational and clinical research. 
6. Explore academic and career pathways in medicine, biomedical engineering and cancer research through seminars, mentorship and near-peer interaction. 
7. Practice ethical and professional conduct in research, including data integrity, collaboration and respect for laboratory safety protocols.
8. Build confidence as emerging scientists by engaging with real-world research teams and contributing to an interdisciplinary scientific community.