SHE Oncology

Summer Healthcare Experience (SHE) in Oncology

Summer Healthcare Experience (SHE) in Oncology is a synchronous virtual program that brings together high school students from multiple Midwest institutions. Current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors interested in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine) are encouraged to apply. Program activities are designed to foster an interest in oncology-related careers and provide experience with cancer research.  Programming is delivered in part through a partnership with eCLOSE Institute.  SHE in Oncology is funded by the American Cancer Society.

Program Description

Week one: hands-on (at-home) laboratory work studying Drosophila as a model organism to study the impact of nutrients on genes in cancers.  Model fly lines include those with mutations in genes linked to ovarian, breast, endometrial, and cervical cancer.  This work is synchronous and guided by eCLOSE instructors and students work in multi-institution groups to collect, analyze, and present their data.  All necessary lab materials will be provided.

Week two:

• Presentations from guest speakers covering topics across the cancer continuum.  Featured UW Carbone Cancer Center speakers include Dr. Kari Wisinski (oncology clinical trials), Dr. Nicci Owusu-Brackett (cancer disparities and social determinants of health), and Dr. Noelle LoConte (oncology research medical ethics through the lens of Henrietta Lacks).
• Breakout sessions to discuss a wide range of cancer-related careers
• Patient case study project to explore facets of cancer science and clinical care.  The case study is completed in peer groups and facilitated by near-peer mentors (undergraduate or graduate students).  Peer groups present their case study findings on the final day.

Eligibility

• Full-time Wisconsin high school student (freshman, sophomore or junior in the 2024-25 school year)
• Strong interest in scientific research, biomedicine, or other cancer-related careers
• Able to commit to the full two-week program and have reliable computer and internet access

Benefits

• Mentorship from researchers in the cancer science field
• Network of faculty and peers across program sites
• Targeted career exploration workshops with professionals in cancer research and care
• Lab kits for the experiments related to the program
• $500 taxable stipend

Program Dates

• Virtual orientation meeting- June 25 12pm OR July 8 6:30pm
• programming approximately 9am-1pm on weekdays July 21-August 1, 2025

Admission

Applications for Summer 2025 were due May 15, 2025.  Admission decisions will be communicated approximately June 12, 2025.

Application components:

• Online application form
• Personal statement- each prompt is limited to 250 words or less
  • Of the various learning opportunities related to careers in science and medicine, why have you chosen to apply to SHE? For example, you might discuss how the program relates to your academic and career plans, the nature of your interest in cancer, or what you hope to gain from the experience?
  • What qualities and experiences do you have that best prepare you for the scientific and professional demands of this program?
  • Scientific progress depends on diverse expertise and perspectives. Tell us about an aspect of your own perspective, viewpoint, or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it shapes the way you would learn from and contribute to the SHE in Oncology community.
  • Is there anything else important for us to know about you?
• Educational reference
  • From a non-family member that can reflect on your interest in science, your ability to work with other students in a (virtual) educational setting, and your ability to honor commitments and deadlines.
  • Once you complete your application, your recommender will receive an email to complete a reference survey due by 11:59pm CST May 22 (one week after the student deadline); please give your recommender sufficient time to complete this!

Questions?

Check out these Frequently Asked Questions or contact us: education@cancer.wisc.edu