At University of Illinois Cancer Center, we are committed to strengthening diversity in medicine and cancer research.
We believe it is critical that we increase the number of high school and college students who pursue cancer research as a potential career field. By increasing the diversity of students interested in oncology research, we hope to impact how disparities in cancer are understood.
Education News
Featured Content
Nguyen named FDA-AACR oncology educational fellow
Ryan Nguyen, DO, a hematology/oncology fellow at the University of Illinois Chicago, was named one of 20 FDA-AACR oncology educational fellows by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). The FDA-AACR […]Read More
Students impress in Kruh poster competition
The 2020 Gary Kruh Student Poster Competition, sponsored by the University of Illinois Cancer Center, was different than in years past, but the scientific works were no less impactful. Students […]Read More
New cancer educational program pairs scientists, survivors
Scientists are searching for any way to find a cure for cancer, and who better to help them than those who have battled the disease. University of Illinois College of […]Read More
GSU student thinking different career path after GUIDE internship
Michaela Wascher-Disney may have discovered a new career path this summer. Wascher-Disney, a rising senior at Governors State University, spent part of her summer conducting cancer research as a NCI […]Read More
Tyler has newfound love for disparity research
Mark Tyler knew that cancer treatments and research were constantly advancing. What he didn’t know was how much room for growth there was – specifically in aspects like building community […]Read More
Meet Xiomara, a ResearcHStart Student
“I want to be a pediatrician or oncologist. That is part of the reason of why I joined here.” Those are the words of Xiomara, a high school student in […]Read More
Education Programs
ChicagoCHEC
The ChicagoCHEC (Chicago Cancer Health Equity Collaborative) Research Fellows program is a comprehensive summer learning experience for undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students that focuses on the development of academic, technical, and professional skills in preparation for careers in social, behavioral, and biomedical research, as well as healthcare.
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researcHStart
Through the researcHStart program, we introduce high-school students to cancer research and promote career opportunities in the field, helping students gain knowledge in biophysics, biochemistry, immunology, and pharmacology.
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Cancer Health Equity Summer Scholars (CHESS)
CHESS is a collaboration between the Urban Health Program and the University of Illinois Cancer Center. The CHESS program is a summer program that trains and mentors underrepresented minority high school students interested in careers focusing on cancer research and other health professions. The students learn about cancer health disparities from researchers by attending lecture series and journal clubs, conducting research mentored by senior researchers, participating in career development and skill-building workshops, and developing scientific writing and presentation skills.
Trainee Membership
The Trainee Membership program allows students, trainees, and fellows the opportunity to experience membership at University of Illinois Cancer Center. Trainee members have access to special trainee awards, opportunities for paid employment at our summer education programs, and invitations to Cancer Center events.
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Grants and Funding Opportunities
University of Illinois Cancer Center offers a range of grants and funding opportunities to support our members’ research, and connects members with external funding.
We also provide pilot funding to stimulate new inter-programmatic research initiatives that will lead to competitive grant applications to external peer-reviewed funding organizations.
