The IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center offers a Diversity in Cancer Research (DICR) internship, supported by the American Cancer Society.
This program aims to increase the number of undergraduate students from underrepresented populations pursuing clinical and research careers in cancer by providing positive and meaningful first-hand exposure to these fields.
Selected participants will be paired with a research mentor. Research projects may involve laboratory-based research, computer-based database research or clinical research.
Students will learn about research methodology and will complete a project over the summer months. They will present their findings at poster as well as oral presentation sessions.
In addition, participants will attend two networking and professional development evening sessions in each of Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 to maintain longitudinal engagement with mentors and the program.
As an DICR participant, you will:
If necessary, we will provide assistance in identifying campus housing options but housing and transportation will be the responsibility of each student.
The DICR program is designed to serve undergraduate students from populations underrepresented in biomedical and clinical research in any summer before they complete their degree program.
Although most past participants have resided in the metropolitan Indianapolis area, the program accepts applications from students all across the United States. Eligible applicants who are not selected for this program will automatically be considered for the other summer programs.
Eligible students include those who:
Medical students and residents are not eligible.
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.
Personal Statement: Please prepare a document in which you describe why you are interested in participating in a summer research program. You will upload it to the application.
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.
We follow the National Institutes of Health (NIH) definitions of populations underrepresented in biomedical and clinical research (NOT-OD-20-031).
Uziel Rivera-Lopez, an IU student, used technology to measure and capture data. We asked him a few questions about his summer experience.
Siji Ketiku, a Howard University student, conducted research on pancreatic cancer. We asked her a few questions about her summer experience.
Contact the Research Outreach Team at SimonEdu@iu.edu.
