Nathan Schnaper Intern Program in Translational Cancer Research

The Nathan Schnaper Intern Program (NSIP) in Translational Cancer Research is designed to provide undergraduate students with an immersive experience in cancer research. Participants engage in cutting-edge translational research projects under the mentorship of leading scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. The program includes hands-on research, seminars, workshops, and opportunities to present research findings. NSIP aims to inspire and prepare the next generation of cancer researchers.

Undergraduate students accepted into the 11-week NSIP are matched with UMGCCC faculty mentors to conduct projects in cutting edge areas of basic, translational and clinical cancer research.

Topics span the hallmarks of cancer and include targeted drug discovery, signal transduction, apoptosis and metastasis. For examples see the abstracts of recent intern projects

In addition to laboratory research, interns learn about current topics in cancer research and career paths in biomedical sciences through "Meet the Mentors" discussions and seminars in conjunction with the Office for Student Research. The "Translational Cancer Research: bench-to-bedside-and-back" lecture series and small group analysis of ongoing clinical trials with UMGCCC Fellows provides interns with specific examples of a translational pipeline in action. Interns gain direct exposure to clinical oncology through shadowing UMGCCC clinicians.

Social activities provide an opportunity for informal interactions with mentors and lab mates. These events allow interns to learn more about the UMGCCC research community and discover Baltimore attractions. At the conclusion of the internship, the interns deliver oral and poster presentations of their research to the mentors, program sponsors and research faculty