Welcome!
This year's program will run from June 3rd, 2013 to August 9th, 2013.
Our goal is to introduce talented undergraduate students to the general academic research disciplines of cancer cell biology and tumor physiology, and their relation to the more specific disciplines of radiobiology, radiation physics and cancer imaging. We are seeking rising Juniors and Seniors with an interest in basic and translational scientific research as their ultimate career goal. Students must be science majors, however, previous laboratory experience is not necessarily required.
Laboratory Research
Individual hypothesis driven research is the core component of the SUPERS program. Accepted students will perform important and timely research under the direct guidance of a faculty member from the Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiology or the Radiobiology Program at the Abramson Cancer Center, all within the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Students will be expected to: Gain a functional understanding of the hypothesis behind their individual project. Learn and perfect the skills and techniques needed to carry out experiments. Analyze and process data collected in the laboratory for presentation to their; mentor, laboratory and their program peers.
Lectures
Bi-weekly lectures on the principles of cancer cell biology, tumor physiology, radiation biology and physics and radiologic imaging are part of the program. The primary goal of these lectures is to help students to gain a perspective on how their research project fits into the broader picture. Lectures on safety and ethics issues related to conducting research are also part of this series.
Journal Clubs
Keeping up with the scientific literature is an essential element of functioning as a research scientist. In journal club, timely and relevant journal articles are dissected and discussed in a group setting to help students gain confidence in their individual ability to comprehend seemingly complex scientific papers.
