May 26, 2026
</header><main><div class="content-top"><div class="section breadcrumbs"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><ul itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BreadcrumbList"><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><a href="../../index.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Home</span></a><meta content="1" itemprop="position"/></li><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><a href="../index.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Education & Training</span></a><meta content="2" itemprop="position"/></li><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><a href="index.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Summer Programs</span></a><meta content="3" itemprop="position"/></li><li class="current" itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><span itemprop="name">Next Generation Scholars Program</span><meta content="4" itemprop="position"/></li></ul></div></div></div><div class="section page-title bg-none"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><h1>Next Generation Scholars Program</h1></div></div></div></div><div id="main-content"><div class="bg-none section" id="content"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><h3 class="section-title">Learn & Earn with the Vera Bradley Foundation</h3><div class="text"><p>The Vera Bradley Foundation Next Generation Scholars Program is a 10-week paid internship program that is open to graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students from Adams, Wells, Huntington, Whitley, Noble or DeKalb counties OR for students who are attending any of the following Fort Wayne-area colleges and universities: University of Saint Francis, Trine University, Huntington University, Indiana Tech, Ivy Tech Community College – Fort Wayne or Purdue University Fort Wayne.</p></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="bg-crimson bg-dark section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><div class="text"><h3>May 26 - July 30, 2026</h3><p>10-week paid internship</p><p>Applications are now closed.</p></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="collapsed bg-none section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><div class="text"><p>When you participate in the Vera Bradley Foundation Next Generation Scholars Program at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, you’ll work directly with a mentor physician or researcher conducting studies in the most progressive areas of breast cancer research. You’ll gain hands-on experience in research labs in downtown Indianapolis.</p></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="collapsed bg-none section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><div class="text"><h3>About the program</h3><ul><li>10-week, full-time immersive cancer research program. Vera Bradley Foundation Next Generation Scholars will focus specifically on breast cancer research.</li><li><span>Open to students who are 18 or older as of May 26, 2026, AND are at least a rising college freshman.</span></li><li>Program will accept 2-4 students per summer.</li><li>Each student receives IU-provided housing and a $5,000 stipend.</li><li>Applications are currently open and close on Jan. 31, 2026.</li></ul></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="bg-none section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><h3 class="section-title">Eligibility </h3><div class="text"><p>There are two ways students can qualify to be a Next Generation Scholar:</p><ul><li>Student is from Allen County or one of the contiguous counties: Adams, Wells, Huntington, Whitley, Noble or DeKalb counties</li></ul><strong>OR</strong><br/><br/><ul><li>Student is attending any of the following Fort Wayne-area colleges and universities: University of Saint Francis, Trine University, Huntington University, Indiana Tech, Ivy Tech Community College – Fort Wayne or Purdue University Fort Wayne</li></ul></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="bg-gray section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><div class=" grid halves"><div class="grid-item"><figure class="media image" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject"><img alt="" src="../../images/logos/wera_bradley_foundaion_lockup-red_black-four_lines-500x98.webp"/></figure></div><div class="grid-item"><figure class="media image" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject"><img alt="" src="../../images/logos/vera_bradley_foundation_logo-500x86-l50.webp"/></figure></div></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div>
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May 26
<div class="bg-none section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><h3 class="section-title">For students (in-person 10 weeks per year; two-year commitment)</h3><div class="text"><p>Students will participate in 10 weeks of mentored laboratory research experience. Participating students will have the opportunity to make ongoing connections to the cancer center.</p></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="bg-secondary bg-dark section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><h3 class="section-title">For high school teachers (in-person four weeks)</h3><div class="text"><p>EPCR Teacher Training Program provides Indiana high school teachers with integrated laboratory research experience and curriculum development opportunities to enhance their biology and cancer-related teaching skills and to create excitement for their students for science-related careers. The program is offered at Indiana University Indianapolis in partnership with the Indiana University Bloomington School of Education.<br/><br/>High school science teachers will participate in four weeks of laboratory research experience and curriculum development activities that integrate cancer-related topics into the state curriculum. Participating teachers will have the opportunity to make ongoing connections to the cancer center and their schools throughout the year through field trips and school trips.</p></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="collapsed bg-none section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><h3 class="section-title">EPCR for graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students</h3><div class="text"><p>The EPCR summer program provides mentored, high-quality, cancer-focused research experiences for graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students. Students from medically underserved populations are encouraged to apply.</p><p>Participants will develop skills to think analytically and critically; design, perform and troubleshoot experiments; interpret research data; formulate new ideas; and propose meaningful strategies for testing those ideas through experiments with guidance from mentors.</p><ul><li>Interact with one of the<a href="../../research/programs/index.html"> cancer center research programs</a>, <a href="../../research/shared-facilities/index.html">shared facilities</a>, and more than 100 world-renowned investigators</li><li>Gain exposure to a wide range of basic science, translational, and clinical research activities</li><li>Continually interact with and learn from other students, clinical and post-doctoral fellows, and faculty</li><li>Networking events</li><li>Receive a stipend (payment)</li></ul></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="collapsed bg-none section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><figure class="media image" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject"><img alt="" src="../../images/img_7856-enhanced-nr-768x512.webp"/></figure></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="collapsed bg-none section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><h3 class="section-title">How EPCR works for students </h3><div class="text"><p>Participants are paired with a research mentor. Research projects may involve laboratory-based research, computer-based database research or clinical research.<br/><br/> Students learn about research methodology and will complete a project over the summer months. They will present their findings at poster and oral presentation sessions.<br/><br/> Applicants are expected to actively participate in all aspects of the program, including professional development. During the 10-week program (May 26-July 31, 2026), participants work 40 hours each week. Full-time attendance is mandatory throughout the program’s duration.</p></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="collapsed bg-none section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><h3 class="section-title">Who should apply? </h3><div class="text"><p>EPCR is designed to serve students interested in biomedical and clinical research. Students from medically underserved communities are encouraged to apply.</p><p><span>It is open to graduating high school seniors entering their freshman year and undergraduate university students who are graduating any time after Summer 2026.</span></p><p>Although most past participants have resided in the metropolitan Indianapolis area, the program accepts applications from students across the United States.</p><p>All federally funded programs require candidates to be U.S. citizens or green card holders.  </p></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="collapsed bg-none section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><h3 class="section-title">How do I apply? </h3><div class="text"><p>Please read all of the instructions carefully to ensure accurate completion and correct processing of this application.</p><p>Academic Transcripts: Your application will require you to upload school transcripts. Please prepare by downloading them from your school or requesting a copy from your school’s administration. </p><p><span>Personal Statement: Within the application, you will be asked to write a statement of your interest in the summer programs and in cancer research more specifically (statement is limited to 300 words or less).</span></p><p>Recommendation Letter: All applicants must provide one (1) letter of recommendation. When you complete the General Information part of the application, you will receive a link to provide an email address for the individual who will be writing your letter of recommendation. This individual will then be automatically notified of your request. We strongly suggest that you speak with your recommender beforehand and get their approval before you provide their email on your application link.</p><p> </p></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="collapsed bg-none section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><h3 class="section-title">Housing and Transportation </h3><div class="text"><p>The cancer center provides housing support to a portion of accepted students based on need, but slots are limited. Housing is a shared apartment-style unit with full appliances. Applicants from outside central Indiana who do not receive and/or need housing support have the option to stay with family or friends who live within 40 miles of the IU Indianapolis campus. IU housing policy does not allow participants under the age of 18 (at time of program start) to stay in campus housing.</p></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="breakout collapsed bg-none section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><h3>Learn about the EPCR experience</h3></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="breakout bg-none section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><div class="float-left one-third"><figure class="media image" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject"><img alt="" src="../../images/stories/aastha-sharma_768x512.webp"/></figure></div><div class="text"><h4>2024 Participant</h4><p>We asked <strong>Aastha Sharma</strong> a few questions about her summer experience.</p><p><a class="button" href="../../about/news/stories/2024-07-25-epcr-spotlight.html">Read the Q&A</a></p></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="bg-gray section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><h3 class="section-title">Questions?</h3><div class="text"><p>Contact the Research Outreach Team at <span ery="absbyybj" uers="FvzbaRqh@vh.rqh">SimonEdu@iu.edu</span>.</p></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div>
</header><main><div class="content-top"><div class="section breadcrumbs"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><ul itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BreadcrumbList"><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><a href="../../index.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Home</span></a><meta content="1" itemprop="position"/></li><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><a href="../index.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Education & Training</span></a><meta content="2" itemprop="position"/></li><li class="current" itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><span itemprop="name">Summer Programs</span><meta content="3" itemprop="position"/></li></ul></div></div></div><div class="section page-title bg-none"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><h1>Summer Programs</h1></div></div></div></div><div id="main-content"><div class="bg-none section" id="content"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><div class="text"><h2>Explore oncology and focus your future with world-renowned scientists</h2><p>When you participate in a summer program at IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, you’ll work directly with a mentor physician or researcher conducting studies in the most progressive areas of cancer research.</p></div><figure class="media image" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject"><img alt="" src="../../images/edu_summer_programs-768x512.png"/></figure><div class="text"><p>You’ll gain exposure to a wide range of basic science, translational, and clinical research activities—and you’ll have great experiences and references to add to your CV.<br/><br/>To qualify for the upcoming summer research programs, students need to be currently attending a school in the United States.</p></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="bg-crimson bg-dark section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><div class="callout"><div class="content"><p>Applications for 2027 will open late 2026.</p></div></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="breakout collapsed bg-none section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><div class=" grid thirds"><div class="grid-item"><div class="panel--interactive"><a href="acs-cancer-research-internship.html"><h3 class="title">Cancer Research Internship Summer Program (CRISP)</h3><p>Aims to increase the number of undergraduate students interested in pursuing clinical and research careers in cancer by providing positive and meaningful first-hand exposure to these fields.</p></a></div></div><div class="grid-item"><div class="panel--interactive"><a href="cupid.html"><h3 class="title">Cancer in the Under-Privileged Indigent or Disadvantaged (CUPID)</h3><p>For second-year medical students interested in shadowing oncologists working in underserved communities.</p></a></div></div><div class="grid-item"><div class="panel--interactive"><a href="epcr.html"><h3 class="title">Educational Pathways for Cancer Research (EPCR)</h3><p>Provides cancer research pathways for students interested in medicine and cancer-related fields. With experiences for undergraduate students and high school teachers, EPCR aims to increase the number of highly skilled workers in the biomedical workforce.</p></a></div></div></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="breakout collapsed bg-none section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><div class=" grid halves"><div class="grid-item"><div class="panel--interactive"><a href="future-scientist.html"><h3 class="title">Future Scientist Program (FSP)</h3><p>For high school juniors at Indianapolis and all Marion County public schools, providing an opportunity to spend eight weeks on a research project under the mentorship of a university researcher.</p></a></div></div><div class="grid-item"><div class="panel--interactive"><a href="index.html"><h3 class="title">Future Deaf Scientist Program (FDS)</h3><p>For high school students at the Indianapolis School for the deaf. Over four weeks, interns shadow with physicians and scientists in clinical and lab settings and participate in daily discussions with deaf physicians.</p></a></div></div><div class="grid-item"><div class="panel--interactive"><a href="jsu.html"><h3 class="title">Jackson State University Program</h3><p>A program just for Jackson State University students that provides mentored, high-quality, cancer-focused research experiences.</p></a></div></div><div class="grid-item"><div class="panel--interactive"><a href="sparc.html"><h3 class="title">Summer Program for Academic Research in Cancer (SPARC)</h3><p>Provides cancer research career pathways for undergraduate and medical students.</p></a></div></div></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="bg-none section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><h3 class="section-title">Q&A on 2026 Summer Programs</h3><div class="text"><p>Interested in our summer programs? Read this Q&A to learn everything you need to know before applying.</p></div><div class="accordion" data-accordion="" id="accordion-0-1161161081"><div class="accordion-item"><h4><button aria-controls="panel-0-1161161081-1" class="accordion-title" id="panel-0-1161161081-1-heading"><span class="accordion-label has-content">Q: What are the 2026 program dates? </span><span aria-hidden="true" class="accordion-icon"></span></button></h4></div><div aria-labelledby="panel-0-1161161081-1-heading" class="accordion-content" data-tab-content="" id="panel-0-1161161081-1" role="region"><p><strong>A:</strong> Four of our programs — <a href="acs-cancer-research-internship.html">Cancer Research Internship Summer Program</a> (CRISP), <a href="epcr.html">Educational Pathways for Cancer Research</a> (EPCR), <a href="jsu.html">Jackson State University</a> (JSU), and the <a href="sparc.html">Summer Program for Academic Research in Cancer</a> (SPARC) — begin on May 26 and end on July 31, 2026. The <a href="future-scientist.html">Future Scientist Program</a> begins on June 8 and ends on July 31, 2026.</p></div><div class="accordion-item"><h4><button aria-controls="panel-0-1161161081-2" class="accordion-title" id="panel-0-1161161081-2-heading"><span class="accordion-label has-content">Q: What is the application process? </span><span aria-hidden="true" class="accordion-icon"></span></button></h4></div><div aria-labelledby="panel-0-1161161081-2-heading" class="accordion-content" data-tab-content="" id="panel-0-1161161081-2" role="region"><p><strong>A:</strong> Summer Research Program applications will open on Nov. 15, 2025. You will be required to complete an online application. Information required includes information about you, your research experience, and short essay questions regarding why you want to participate in the program. The application must be completed fully in one session. If you cannot finish in one session, you will be asked to start again from the beginning.</p><p>You must have a letter of recommendation submitted as part of your application. To prepare, please ask your recommender to write the letter in advance and notify them to expect an email request. Recommenders can be anyone of your choosing. Previous applicants have had letters from previous or current teachers (either science teachers or non-science teachers), employers, research mentors, service work supervisors, and clergy persons. We do not recommend using family members for recommenders.</p><p>After submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting your recommender’s email address and a description of their relationship to you. Once you have submitted this information, your recommender will receive an email with instructions to submit their recommendation. Your application will not be complete until this recommendation is received. Therefore, it is important for you to communicate with your recommender beforehand.</p><p>The application for <a href="acs-cancer-research-internship.html">ACS Cancer Research Internship Program</a> (ACS), <a href="epcr.html">EPCR</a>, <a href="jsu.html">JSU</a>, and <a href="sparc.html">SPARC</a> will close on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026. The application for <a href="future-scientist.html">FSP</a> will close on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. During the evaluation process, you may be asked to participate in a 15-minute Zoom interview with the summer programs team. The team will work with you to determine a convenient time to schedule this interview. Students will be notified of a decision no later than April 1, 2026. If more information or a possible interview is needed, you will be notified by the cancer center’s research outreach team via <span ery="absbyybj" uers="fvzbarqh@vh.rqh">simonedu@iu.edu</span>.</p></div><div class="accordion-item"><h4><button aria-controls="panel-0-1161161081-3" class="accordion-title" id="panel-0-1161161081-3-heading"><span class="accordion-label has-content">Q: If I have been a participant in the past, do I have to apply again?</span><span aria-hidden="true" class="accordion-icon"></span></button></h4></div><div aria-labelledby="panel-0-1161161081-3-heading" class="accordion-content" data-tab-content="" id="panel-0-1161161081-3" role="region"><p><strong>A:</strong> Yes. We have an alternate application process for returning participants. Please contact <span ery="absbyybj" uers="fvzbarqh@vh.rqh">simonedu@iu.edu</span> for further information.</p></div><div class="accordion-item"><h4><button aria-controls="panel-0-1161161081-4" class="accordion-title" id="panel-0-1161161081-4-heading"><span class="accordion-label has-content">Q: What qualities are you looking for in an applicant? </span><span aria-hidden="true" class="accordion-icon"></span></button></h4></div><div aria-labelledby="panel-0-1161161081-4-heading" class="accordion-content" data-tab-content="" id="panel-0-1161161081-4" role="region"><p><strong>A:</strong> The cancer center takes a holistic approach when selecting our interns. While we do consider GPA, transcript, and previous experience, we are looking for individuals who have the passion and desire to learn about cancer research. We value students who are dedicated to learning, work well with others in the lab, and are interested in learning about cancer research as a potential career path.</p></div><div class="accordion-item"><h4><button aria-controls="panel-0-1161161081-5" class="accordion-title" id="panel-0-1161161081-5-heading"><span class="accordion-label has-content">Q: What is a day in the life of a summer research intern like?</span><span aria-hidden="true" class="accordion-icon"></span></button></h4></div><div aria-labelledby="panel-0-1161161081-5-heading" class="accordion-content" data-tab-content="" id="panel-0-1161161081-5" role="region"><p><strong>A:</strong> As a paid internship, this program is a full-time position and should be considered like a Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. job. Typical days will involve you working with your mentor to design experiments or conducting supervised research in your mentor s lab. Social and professional development opportunities are held regularly throughout the course of the program. You can expect multiple meetings, seminars, and/or lunches each week.</p></div><div class="accordion-item"><h4><button aria-controls="panel-0-1161161081-6" class="accordion-title" id="panel-0-1161161081-6-heading"><span class="accordion-label has-content">Q: How does the mentorship process work over the summer?</span><span aria-hidden="true" class="accordion-icon"></span></button></h4></div><div aria-labelledby="panel-0-1161161081-6-heading" class="accordion-content" data-tab-content="" id="panel-0-1161161081-6" role="region"><p><strong>A:</strong> The program team pairs you with a principal investigator who will be your primary mentor over the summer. Your primary mentor may assign an in-lab mentor that will assist in your research project development. Additionally, you will have support from the program directors, managers, and high school teachers. You will receive mentorship in areas of research and professional development.</p></div><div class="accordion-item"><h4><button aria-controls="panel-0-1161161081-7" class="accordion-title" id="panel-0-1161161081-7-heading"><span class="accordion-label has-content">Q: What are the expectations for an intern? </span><span aria-hidden="true" class="accordion-icon"></span></button></h4></div><div aria-labelledby="panel-0-1161161081-7-heading" class="accordion-content" data-tab-content="" id="panel-0-1161161081-7" role="region"><p><strong>A:</strong> The program will be held in-person at the cancer center in Indianapolis. Interns are expected to be in attendance and engaged for all program activities, including but not limited to: lab-related activities, meetings, seminars, opening/closing banquet. We expect interns to reply to email correspondence and complete requested paperwork promptly.Computers will not be provided. We are expecting you to have a reliable source of transportation. On-campus housing is limited. We will provide housing on a case-by-case basis. We will provide bus passes for local Indianapolis interns. By the end of the program, participants will be expected to create and present a scientific poster in the cancer center s summer programs poster session.</p></div><div class="accordion-item"><h4><button aria-controls="panel-0-1161161081-8" class="accordion-title" id="panel-0-1161161081-8-heading"><span class="accordion-label has-content">Q: What are the different types of research? </span><span aria-hidden="true" class="accordion-icon"></span></button></h4></div><div aria-labelledby="panel-0-1161161081-8-heading" class="accordion-content" data-tab-content="" id="panel-0-1161161081-8" role="region"><p><strong>A:</strong> At the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, our investigators have expertise across every discipline as it applies to basic science, clinical trials, and outreach initiatives. There are opportunities for an intern to conduct research in a basic science laboratory that may use animal or cell culture models to answer a clinically relevant question; or a clinical or translational setting that may work with patients to develop or test interventions; or a bioinformatic science laboratory that analyzes data to understand and interpret basic or clinical studies; or an outreach research environment that studies the behaviors or patterns of patients and ways to effectively educate and provide treatment and care.</p></div><div class="accordion-item"><h4><button aria-controls="panel-0-1161161081-9" class="accordion-title" id="panel-0-1161161081-9-heading"><span class="accordion-label has-content">Q: How many vacation days can I take? </span><span aria-hidden="true" class="accordion-icon"></span></button></h4></div><div aria-labelledby="panel-0-1161161081-9-heading" class="accordion-content" data-tab-content="" id="panel-0-1161161081-9" role="region"><p><strong>A:</strong> Please do not schedule a family vacation, summer school (AP/online courses), or camp (band etc.), or a summer job that overlaps with the program hours and dates. There will be days off for Memorial Day, Juneteenth, and Independence Day. Excused absences such as college/university orientation, interviews for academic programs/employment, or health-related issues should be documented in writing to cancer center Summer Research Program leadership, your mentor, and your lab team as appropriate. Extensive absences may result in dismissal from the program or failure to receive a full stipend.</p></div><div class="accordion-item"><h4><button aria-controls="panel-0-1161161081-10" class="accordion-title" id="panel-0-1161161081-10-heading"><span class="accordion-label has-content">Q: Who is eligible for housing assistance?</span><span aria-hidden="true" class="accordion-icon"></span></button></h4></div><div aria-labelledby="panel-0-1161161081-10-heading" class="accordion-content" data-tab-content="" id="panel-0-1161161081-10" role="region"><p><strong>A:</strong> The cancer center provides housing to a portion of accepted students based on need. Applicants from outside central Indiana who do not receive and/or need housing support have the option to stay with family or friends who live within 40 miles from the IUI Medical Library (988 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN 46202). The IU housing policy does not allow participants under the age of 18 (at time of program start) to stay in campus housing. The cancer center does not permit participants to stay in unsupervised accommodations such as hotels, VRBOs, or Airbnbs during the duration of the program.</p></div></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div>
</header><main><div class="content-top"><div class="section breadcrumbs"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><ul itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BreadcrumbList"><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><a href="../../index.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Home</span></a><meta content="1" itemprop="position"/></li><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><a href="../index.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Education & Training</span></a><meta content="2" itemprop="position"/></li><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><a href="index.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Summer Programs</span></a><meta content="3" itemprop="position"/></li><li class="current" itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><span itemprop="name">Next Generation Scholars Program</span><meta content="4" itemprop="position"/></li></ul></div></div></div><div class="section page-title bg-none"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><h1>Next Generation Scholars Program</h1></div></div></div></div><div id="main-content"><div class="bg-none section" id="content"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><h3 class="section-title">Learn & Earn with the Vera Bradley Foundation</h3><div class="text"><p>The Vera Bradley Foundation Next Generation Scholars Program is a 10-week paid internship program that is open to graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students from Adams, Wells, Huntington, Whitley, Noble or DeKalb counties OR for students who are attending any of the following Fort Wayne-area colleges and universities: University of Saint Francis, Trine University, Huntington University, Indiana Tech, Ivy Tech Community College – Fort Wayne or Purdue University Fort Wayne.</p></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="bg-crimson bg-dark section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><div class="text"><h3>May 26 - July 30, 2026</h3><p>10-week paid internship</p><p>Applications are now closed.</p></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="collapsed bg-none section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><div class="text"><p>When you participate in the Vera Bradley Foundation Next Generation Scholars Program at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, you’ll work directly with a mentor physician or researcher conducting studies in the most progressive areas of breast cancer research. You’ll gain hands-on experience in research labs in downtown Indianapolis.</p></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="collapsed bg-none section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><div class="text"><h3>About the program</h3><ul><li>10-week, full-time immersive cancer research program. Vera Bradley Foundation Next Generation Scholars will focus specifically on breast cancer research.</li><li><span>Open to students who are 18 or older as of May 26, 2026, AND are at least a rising college freshman.</span></li><li>Program will accept 2-4 students per summer.</li><li>Each student receives IU-provided housing and a $5,000 stipend.</li><li>Applications are currently open and close on Jan. 31, 2026.</li></ul></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="bg-none section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><h3 class="section-title">Eligibility </h3><div class="text"><p>There are two ways students can qualify to be a Next Generation Scholar:</p><ul><li>Student is from Allen County or one of the contiguous counties: Adams, Wells, Huntington, Whitley, Noble or DeKalb counties</li></ul><strong>OR</strong><br/><br/><ul><li>Student is attending any of the following Fort Wayne-area colleges and universities: University of Saint Francis, Trine University, Huntington University, Indiana Tech, Ivy Tech Community College – Fort Wayne or Purdue University Fort Wayne</li></ul></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="bg-gray section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><div class=" grid halves"><div class="grid-item"><figure class="media image" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject"><img alt="" src="../../images/logos/wera_bradley_foundaion_lockup-red_black-four_lines-500x98.webp"/></figure></div><div class="grid-item"><figure class="media image" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject"><img alt="" src="../../images/logos/vera_bradley_foundation_logo-500x86-l50.webp"/></figure></div></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div>
</header><main><div class="content-top"><div class="section breadcrumbs"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><ul itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BreadcrumbList"><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><a href="../../../../index.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Home</span></a><meta content="1" itemprop="position"/></li><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><a href="../../../index.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Research</span></a><meta content="2" itemprop="position"/></li><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><a href="../../index.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Shared Facilities</span></a><meta content="3" itemprop="position"/></li><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><a href="../index.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Biospecimen Collection and Banking Core</span></a><meta content="4" itemprop="position"/></li><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><a href="index.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Tissue Procurement & Distribution</span></a><meta content="5" itemprop="position"/></li><li class="current" itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><span itemprop="name">Manifold Platform</span><meta content="6" itemprop="position"/></li></ul></div></div></div><div class="section page-title bg-none"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><h1>Manifold Platform</h1></div></div></div></div><div id="main-content"><div class="collapsed bg-none section" id="content"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><h2 class="section-title">What is Manifold?</h2><div class="text"><p><a class="button" href="https://login.iu.sc.manifold.ai/">Log in to manifold platform</a>  <a class="button" href="manifold.html#office-hours">Manifold Office Hours for 2026</a></p><p>The Biospecimen Collection and Banking Core (BC²) has built a comprehensive data platform for the  IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center research community. This data platform combines clinical data, cancer registry data, biospecimen data, and genomic sequencing data into one user-friendly application. Further, this data has been harmonized and further enriched with additional annotations. For example, the platform uses public databases, such as NIH s ClinVar, to describe whether genetic variations are known to be likely benign or potentially harmful.</p><p>Researchers can use this platform to generate <span>hypotheses</span>, build cohorts, share notes, access genomic files and find biospecimens. Discovering and identifying <span data-teams="true">BC² </span>resources has never been easier or faster.</p><p>The Manifold platform will integrate complex and disparate data pipelines (including Cancer Registry, sample availability, sequencing data, and medical history data sources) in one location, enhancing their use in sample and data storage and distribution. This integration will streamline biobanking efforts, improving usability and search functionality to better support both basic and translational research. Researchers will be able to search sample availability, create curated cohorts for research use, access sequencing data for a limited sample set, and conduct sophisticated data analysis within the platform.</p><p>These screenshots show examples of available data:</p></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="collapsed bg-none section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><figure class="media image" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject"><img alt="" src="../../../../images/bc2/manifold_sample_1-768x496-l50.webp"/></figure><figure class="media image" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject"><img alt="" src="../../../../images/bc2/manifold_sample_2-768x455-l50.webp"/></figure></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="collapsed bg-none section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><div class="text"><p>Additionally, Manifold offers another feature called Workbench.</p><p>The Workbench will act as a central hub for researchers to streamline their work. With this feature, users can carry out all their work in one place—with an integrated view of key project details such as data, transformations, notes, and comments. Researchers will have complete control over their projects, with options to manage private and collaborative workspaces within the same platform. They can assign access permissions and securely share their work with colleagues internally, ensuring seamless and secure collaboration. This enhanced environment will not only improve the flow of research but also foster collaboration by breaking down barriers between teams and departments.</p><p>These screenshots show examples of the Workbench feature.</p></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="bg-none section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><figure class="media image" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject"><img alt="" src="../../../../images/bc2/manifold_sample_3-768x379-l50.webp"/></figure><figure class="media image" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject"><img alt="" src="../../../../images/bc2/manifold_sample_4-768x404-l50.webp"/></figure></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="bg-gray section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><div class="text"><h4 id="office-hours">Manifold Office Hours for 2026:</h4><p>Presented by the Biospecimen Collection & Banking Core</p><p><a class="button" href="https://iu.zoom.us/j/2113403674" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Join the Office Hours</a></p></div><div class="accordion" data-accordion="" id="accordion-0-18411298"><div class="accordion-item"><h5><button aria-controls="panel-0-18411298-1" class="accordion-title" id="panel-0-18411298-1-heading"><span class="accordion-label has-content">March</span><span aria-hidden="true" class="accordion-icon"></span></button></h5></div><div aria-labelledby="panel-0-18411298-1-heading" class="accordion-content" data-tab-content="" id="panel-0-18411298-1" role="region"><p>March 24 @ noon (Tuesday)</p></div><div class="accordion-item"><h5><button aria-controls="panel-0-18411298-2" class="accordion-title" id="panel-0-18411298-2-heading"><span class="accordion-label has-content">April</span><span aria-hidden="true" class="accordion-icon"></span></button></h5></div><div aria-labelledby="panel-0-18411298-2-heading" class="accordion-content" data-tab-content="" id="panel-0-18411298-2" role="region"><p>April 2 @ noon (Thursday)</p><p>April 10 @ 10 (Friday)</p><p>April 16 @ 3 (Thursday)</p><p>April 28 @ noon (Tuesday)</p></div><div class="accordion-item"><h5><button aria-controls="panel-0-18411298-3" class="accordion-title" id="panel-0-18411298-3-heading"><span class="accordion-label has-content">May</span><span aria-hidden="true" class="accordion-icon"></span></button></h5></div><div aria-labelledby="panel-0-18411298-3-heading" class="accordion-content" data-tab-content="" id="panel-0-18411298-3" role="region"><p>May 7 @ noon (Thursday)</p><p>May 15 @ 10 (Friday)</p><p>May 21 @ 3 (Thursday)</p><p>May 26 @ noon (Tuesday)</p></div></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div><div class="bg-crimson bg-dark section"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><div class="text"><p>If you have further questions about Manifold uses or processes, please contact Emily Nelson at <span ery="absbyybj" uers="rztbbq@vh.rqh">emgood@iu.edu</span>.</p></div></div><!-- /.layout --></div></div>
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May 27
</header><main><div class="content-top"><div class="section breadcrumbs"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><ul itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BreadcrumbList"><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><a href="../../../index.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Home</span></a><meta content="1" itemprop="position"/></li><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><a href="../../index.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Community</span></a><meta content="2" itemprop="position"/></li><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><a href="../index.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Simon Says Expert Series</span></a><meta content="3" itemprop="position"/></li><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><a href="index.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Recordings</span></a><meta content="4" itemprop="position"/></li><li class="current" itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><span itemprop="name">Combating Chemobrain</span><meta content="5" itemprop="position"/></li></ul></div></div></div><div class="section page-title bg-none"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><h1>Combating Chemobrain</h1></div></div></div></div><div id="main-content"><div class="bg-none section" id="content"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><div class="text"><h2>Combating Chemobrain: It’s Not Just in Your Head</h2><p>May 27, 2021</p><p>Following chemotherapy, cancer survivors often find it more challenging to learn new tasks, remember words or do things as efficiently or quickly as they once did.</p><p>Along with a colleague from the University of Pittsburgh, IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center researcher <a href="#">Brenna McDonald, PsyD</a>, recently received a $3 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to study this frustrating phenomenon.</p><p>In this Simon Says Expert Series session, Dr. McDonald discusses how her research seeks to help survivors identify their challenges and apply strategies to mitigate memory problems.</p></div><figure class="media video" itemprop="video" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/VideoObject"><div class="flex-video"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" aria-label="Combating Chemobrain: It’s Not Just in Your Head" content="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IOvNIxEPruA?modestbranding=0&rel=0&controls=1&showinfo=0&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" height="100%" itemprop="embedUrl" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IOvNIxEPruA?modestbranding=0&rel=0&controls=1&showinfo=0&cc_load_policy=1" title="Combating Chemobrain: It’s Not Just in Your Head" width="100%"></iframe></div></figure>
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May 2026
</header><main><div class="content-top"><div class="section breadcrumbs"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><ul itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BreadcrumbList"><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><a href="../../../index.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Home</span></a><meta content="1" itemprop="position"/></li><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><a href="../../index.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Community</span></a><meta content="2" itemprop="position"/></li><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><a href="../index.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Simon Says Expert Series</span></a><meta content="3" itemprop="position"/></li><li class="current" itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><span itemprop="name">Recordings</span><meta content="4" itemprop="position"/></li></ul></div></div></div><div class="section page-title bg-none"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><h1>Recordings</h1></div></div></div></div><div id="main-content"><div class="collapsed bg-none section" id="content"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><h2 class="section-title">Don’t miss our previous Simon Says conversations</h2><div class="float-left one-half"><div class="text"><h3>May 2026</h3><p><a href="cancer_research_101.html">Cancer Research 101</a></p><p><strong>Speakers:  <br/></strong>Kelvin Lee, MD<br/>Director, IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center<br/><br/>Rohan Maniar, MD<br/>Associate member, IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center</p></div></div><div class="float-right one-half"><div class="text"><img alt="Simon Says logo" class="" height="223" src="../../../images/simonsays-400x322.png" width="276"/>
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May 2026
</header><main><div class="content-top"><div class="section breadcrumbs"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><ul itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BreadcrumbList"><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><a href="../../../index.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Home</span></a><meta content="1" itemprop="position"/></li><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><a href="../../index.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Community</span></a><meta content="2" itemprop="position"/></li><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><a href="../index.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Simon Says Expert Series</span></a><meta content="3" itemprop="position"/></li><li class="current" itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"><span itemprop="name">Recordings</span><meta content="4" itemprop="position"/></li></ul></div></div></div><div class="section page-title bg-none"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><h1>Recordings</h1></div></div></div></div><div id="main-content"><div class="collapsed bg-none section" id="content"><div class="row"><div class="layout"><h2 class="section-title">Don’t miss our previous Simon Says conversations</h2><div class="float-left one-half"><div class="text"><h3>May 2026</h3><p><a href="cancer_research_101.html">Cancer Research 101</a></p><p><strong>Speakers:  <br/></strong>Kelvin Lee, MD<br/>Director, IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center<br/><br/>Rohan Maniar, MD<br/>Associate member, IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center</p></div></div><div class="float-right one-half"><div class="text"><img alt="Simon Says logo" class="" height="223" src="../../../images/simonsays-400x322.png" width="276"/>
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