UPWARDS Undergraduate Academic Year Program
The MD Anderson Cancer Center UPWARDS Research Training Program provides hands-on, laboratory based research experience to help foster sustained interest in cancer research for young scientists. Our comprehensive UPWARDS Training Program focuses on major barriers deterring and preventing many students from pursuing and succeeding in graduate programs and in cancer research careers.
In addition to the academic year-long program, we also have a summer program for high school and undergraduates students. Read more information on the summer program.
Applications no longer being accepted.
The UPWARDS program was a unique experience where I was able to bridge the gap between knowledge acquired in the classroom with real hands-on experience within the laboratory of one of the most prestigious cancer centers in the world. Through the program, I was able to develop and hone a wide range of skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communicating complex scientific knowledge to others.
Program Details & Eligibility
Program Details:
The MD Anderson UPWARDS Academic Year Research Training Program will cultivate undergraduate scientists with the goal of increasing participation in biomedical graduate programs and in the cancer research workforce by supporting 10 undergraduate trainees per year. The program offers stipends, fringe benefits, and provide a modest travel allowance if invited to present at a conference or symposium. UPWARDS Undergraduate Academic Year Program trainees will be appointed for one year with competitive renewal option for up to two years. Students may not receive academic credit for their participation. Renewals will be dependent upon successful academic and research progress, participation in activities related to the UPWARDS Undergraduate Academic Year Training Program (e.g., an annual presentation, journal club meetings) and competition with new applicants.
Accepted students will take part in a paid part-time year-long research experience at MD Anderson. Through this experience, students will be paired with a faculty member working in his /her lab gaining hands-on research experience, participate in didactic coursework and training, and receive mentoring to guide the trainee in their future academic and professional pursuits.
All trainees accepted into the UPWARDS undergraduate academic year research experience will be required to participate in two outreach activities during the course of the program. The leadership team will work with each trainee to identify opportunities around their school and lab schedules. Additional details will be provided upon acceptance into the program.
Eligibility:
Applications are not being accepted at this time. Applicants must be a student, from a local college or university, who will be a sophomore, junior or senior for the Fall semester and be in good academic standing. Trainees may not receive academic credit for their participation. All applicants must be an undergraduate who identifies as economically disadvantaged, educationally disadvantaged, with disabilities, or a first-generation college student.
Program Leadership & Contact Information
Khandan Keyomarsi, Ph.D. (left in photo)
UPWARDS Program Director
Stephanie S. Watowich, Ph.D. (right in photo)
UPWARDS Program Director
Questions? Contact us!
Please reach out to the Administrative Program Manager, Valoree Solis, M.B.A. (VDSolis@mdanderson.org), with any questions that you may have regarding the program and/or the application process.