Are you an Augustana student with a passion for biomedical science, cancer research, public health, or medicine? This year brings an incredible lineup of fully immersive, nationally recognized research internships and fellowships—each designed to give you hands-on experience, professional mentorship, and a competitive edge for graduate school, medical school, or research careers.
Below are FOUR exceptional programs now accepting applications. Whether you’re a rising senior looking for a transformative summer or a recent graduate ready to launch your research journey, there’s an opportunity waiting for you.
1. Cancer Research Opportunities at Iowa (CROI) — Summer Undergraduate Research Program
Application window: November 1 – February 1
Program length: 10 weeks
Ideal for: Undergraduates exploring medical research, oncology, or biomedical sciences
The University of Iowa’s CROI program offers an outstanding summer dedicated to cancer-focused research. Students are paired with faculty mentors and complete an individualized research project, along with:
- Oral and poster presentation experience
- Mentoring from research professionals
- Clinical shadowing
- Career development workshops
This is an excellent program for students ready to dive deeply into cancer research while building skills that translate directly to graduate and professional programs.
Zoom information sessions:
https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/98809948563
- Tuesday, November 18th, 11am-noon CST
- Friday, December 12th, 2-3pm CST
- Wednesday, January 14th, 1-2pm CST
2. ICARE Postbaccalaureate Fellowship — University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center
Application opens: November 1
Deadline: February 13, 2026
Ideal for: Recent or soon-to-be college graduates preparing for graduate school or a research career
The Iowa Cancer Research Experience (ICARE) Fellowship is a one-to-two year, paid post-baccalaureate program funded by the NCI. Fellows work full-time on cancer research within the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center while preparing for advanced study.
Fellows receive:
- Full-time research placement with a dedicated mentor
- Professional development
- GRE/graduate application support
- Opportunities to build a strong research portfolio
- ICARE fellows would receive stipend, benefits, professional development, and career coaching
This is a powerful stepping stone for students pursuing PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or other biomedical graduate paths.
3. Pediatric Oncology Education (POE) Program — St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
NIH/NCI-funded (5 R25CA023944-41)
Ideal for: Pre-doctoral students interested in basic, translational, or clinical oncology research
The POE Program offers a world-class research experience at one of the country’s most renowned pediatric research institutions. Participants engage in:
- Basic or clinical oncology research
- A core lecture series tailored to emerging researchers
- Research and clinical conferences
- A final poster and PowerPoint presentation
Students gain exceptional exposure to pediatric oncology while working alongside leading scientists and clinicians focused on curing childhood cancer.
The POE home page contains links to the program application. The deadline for receipt of all 2026 application materials is February 1, 2026. Early application and submission of materials is highly recommended.
4. Fred Hutch Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP)
Ideal for: Rising seniors seeking biomedical research experience
The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center’s SURP is an intensive research program designed to immerse students in cutting-edge biomedical science. Participants join active research teams and receive structured mentorship while conducting real laboratory research.
The program features:
- Full-time laboratory research
- Training in scientific communication
- Weekly seminars
- A culminating presentation symposium
Fred Hutch is a leader in cancer research, infectious disease, and immunotherapy—making this program a standout for students interested in high-impact biomedical careers.
The program will run from Monday, June 22 – Friday, August 21, 2026. An online application for the 2026 SURP is now available on the SURP website. The application deadline is midnight Pacific Standard Time (PST) on Friday, January 9, 2026. Letters of recommendation for up to two references are due by midnight Pacific Standard Time (PST) on Friday, January 16, 2026.
Why Apply to These Programs?
These opportunities offer:
✅ Hands-on research in nationally recognized labs
✅ Mentorship from leading scientists
✅ Professional skill development
✅ Strong preparation for medical school, graduate programs, and research careers
✅ Opportunities to present your work
✅ Stipends or paid research options (varies by program)
Together, they represent some of the best undergraduate and post-baccalaureate cancer research experiences in the country.
Interested? Let CORE Help You Apply!
Not sure where to start? The CORE Office is here to support you with:
- Application guidance
- Resume and personal statement reviews
- Interview preparation
- Connecting you to faculty mentors
If you are passionate about scientific discovery, healthcare, cancer biology, or medical research, these programs could be life-changing next steps.
Stop by CORE or make an appointment to begin your application today!
