Twenty-six high school and college students, including and student from the Big Island, will conduct cancer research at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center this summer.
Twenty-six high school and college students, including and student from the Big Island, will conduct cancer research at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center this summer.
Sidney Vermulen of Hawaii Preparatory Academy and the other interns were chosen through a highly competitive process from public and private schools across the state and the nation. They will do everything from analyze bioinformatics to examine cancer prevention and control measures.
“It’s a great opportunity as a high school student to learn more about science and to see what it would be like in the workforce,” Vermulen said. “Science is my favorite subject, especially biology and chemistry. I like research because it gives you the ability to discover something new which I think is exciting.”
The UH Cancer Center’s program attracts a large pool of applicants. Out of 90 applicants, 26 were selected this summer, an increase from 19 chosen last session.
“This valuable opportunity connects students from Hawaii with faculty mentors who can assist them as they progress in their science careers and studies,” said Dr. Jerris Hedges, dean of the John A. Burns School of Medicine and interim director of the UH Cancer Center. “The experience hopefully will encourage these bright and determined young students to join Hawaii’s science and technology workforce.”
Nearly 70 percent of the interns this summer are underrepresented minority students in Hawaii interested in pursuing careers in cancer research.
The participating CURE students are comprised of 23 percent Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders, 46 percent Filipinos and 4 percent American Indian/Hispanic, with an average GPA of 3.92.
Of 67 previous interns interviewed in 2012, 23 received an advanced degree and 42 percent said they were pursuing a career in cancer research.
The interns will complete an independent project and receive a stipend for their work, which takes place during a two-month span.