We invite high school students interested in biomedical sciences to participate in leading-edge cancer research and career exploration at the Georgia Cancer Canter (GCC) at Augusta University.
Participants will spend 6 weeks alongside top cancer researchers and help advance novel research projects in cell and molecular biology, cancer immunology, metabolism, clinical investigation, developmental therapeutics, genomics, population science, health disparities, or other focus areas. Students will learn key principles of cancer biology and laboratory investigation, gain hands-on laboratory experience, explore possible career paths, and benefit from individual mentoring and ongoing interactions with multidisciplinary researchers, students, and colleagues in the GCC community.
DeadlinesEligibility & QualificationsApplication, Mentoring Match & AdmissionSRE Alumni
2025 Summer Research Experiences Flyer
Tour of the Biorepository Core Facility with Dr. Roni Bollag
Ade and Emily Practice Their Presentation
GCC Annual Retreat, Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center
Students applying for the GCC SRE Program must:
Applicants are not required to have prior research experience.
Priority will be given to students from Richmond, Columbia and Aiken Counties.
Students from groups underrepresented in the U.S. biomedical research and health care workforce, including African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indian, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply.
A complete online application, including your most recent transcript, a personal statement (up to 250 words) describing what cancer research means to you and why you are interested in this SRE opportunity, and two letters of recommendation (at least one letter should be from a teacher/guidance counselor) must be submitted by 11:59 pm on January 15, 2025.
Students interested in a specific GCC research program such as Cancer Immunology, Inflammation and Tolerance, Molecular Oncology & Biomarkers or Cancer Prevention, Control & Population Health should include this information in their personal statement. Although we make every attempt to match students with mentors in accordance with the students' declared interests, matches are based on faculty availability.
Admission to the program is selective and based upon interest in the program, personal qualifications, letters of recommendation, and space available.
* Note : for the letters of recommendation, after you submit your online application form: (1) log into your applicant status portal and (2) submit the names and current email addresses for 2 individuals that you have asked as your recommenders. Once you submit your recommender contact information, each recommender will receive an email notification directing them to the online site where they can complete their recommendation.
Read experiences from our past SRE alumni
2024
My experience under the GCC SRE program instilled a foundation of knowledge in me about the ever-changing topic of cancer. I was able to apply this knowledge in the presence of incredible instructors and good friends. This experience allowed me to see the worth of putting long term effort into something while gaining a long-lasting, valuable reward. I fully recommend the program to anyone looking to broaden their horizons whether it be in research or the medical field. - Ade
After completing this program, I have such an admiration for scientific research. I had so much fun during the 6 weeks at the Georgia Cancer Center and I could really put myself in the shoes of an actual researcher- because that’s what I was! It was a great experience that opens your eyes to so many aspects in the field of medicine you may not have even thought of before. I also made so many friends who aspired to have the same or similar future career as me. It’s so important to grow connections with people who will help you grow into what you dream to be - Carolyn
This is my 3rd year being at the GCC SRE Program, and I have loved every single minute of it. I have had the opportunity to work with 2 amazing mentors and learn so much from them. I can’t wait to start working here soon! - Kamani
My participation in the 2024 GCC SRE far surpassed my expectations in terms of content knowledge and actual research experience, insight into the life and expectations of a researcher, and guidance towards pursuing a career in research. The many opportunities afforded throughout the SRE to not only observe research in the lab and be exposed to ongoing research efforts by attending seminars, but also engage in casual conversation with researchers from various fields and at every level, including the Director of the GCC himself, have yielded invaluable information which has been extremely helpful as I plan my future. I would highly recommend the GCC SRE to anyone who is interested in laboratory research and wants to learn more, as much of what I learned could only come from people who have experienced what research is like in the real world and will not be found anywhere else. - Anonymous
I learned so much during this program. It has improved my confidence immensely in what I would like to do as my career. Thank you so much! - Nadine
The Georgia Cancer Center Summer Research program was an amazing experience that is a great introduction for anyone who is interested in research or cancer. I learned a great deal throughout the program and it was a very memorable experience. I received a lot of hands-on experience working with researchers and their teams, while learning about cutting-edge research that is still in progress. I wish the program lasted longer, as I looked forward to going in every day. – Dylan
The GCC SRE program broadened my horizons greatly; not only did it allow me to get interested in the field of oncology, but it has allowed me to meet so many people with the same interests as me and has allowed me to make several connections in the field and outside the field. This program has been such a crowning jewel for my experience and is a great additive to my resume. I will carry the memories I made from this program for the rest of my life and I am so glad for the kickstart this program has given me on my journey in medicine. - Monisha
I cannot thank the SRE Program enough. I applied and decided to attend not truly knowing what to expect, especially coming from a few hours away. I was extremely impressed with the organization, the planning, and the execution of the entire program. It allowed me to delve deeper into cancer-related topics in a way that inspired me to want to continue along a path in research (after medical school). Overall, the program solidified my love of science, and it gave me hope for a bright future in cancer research and research as a whole. - Anonymous
The GCC SRE Program was a very hands-on, informational experience. I really learned a lot about current cancer research and research in general. I had amazing mentors and peers and the whole experience really helped further my understanding of careers in research and medicine. - Lily
The GCC SRE program was an incredible opportunity. The program offered hands-on research experience and access to leading experts in the field of cancer research. It significantly enhanced my understanding and skills, preparing me for a future in the medical field. - Sai
The program was very beneficial in providing hands-on experiences and opportunities to improve research and public speaking skills. - Anonymous
I came to GCC because I was interested in the lab aspects of cancer treatment, and I was placed into bioinformatics instead. There was never a time, though, that I wished I was working in the lab instead of with my lab partner, Pradyun, and Dr. Coombes. I came to Augusta expecting to gain knowledge on lab techniques but came out a full-fledged R coder instead. Displaying my finished product to my mentor and the postdocs that worked with me for the six-week duration of this program was the cherry on top. I really believe I got the best of both worlds at the Georgia Cancer Center and made a lot of permanent connections along the way. Thank you for everything. - Keefer
My experience with the GCC SRE Program was incredibly beneficial, as it allowed me to explore cancer research and expand my understanding of cancer. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the biological mechanisms of different types of cancers and the latest advancements in treatments. Although I was a little nervous going into the program, the kindness and support of the faculty allowed me to learn so much through this program. Engaging in hands-on research allowed me to experience what it truly means to be a researcher and deepened my passion for my future career. - Jagraj
The GCC SRE Program was a wonderful experience and a great way to spend my summer. I was able to get hands-on experience with encouraging mentors who were happy to explain what they there doing and was also to carry out some lab procedures myself (flow cytometry, gel electrophoresis, cell culturing and counting, cell staining). I also got to attend lectures by GCC staff and visiting specialists on their research. Throughout the program, we had some training on preparing for an oral presentation, which we did at the end of the program to our peers, family, and mentors. – Épée
The SRE Program is a valuable experience for any high school student. It’s a great way to gain exposure to performing research, at a young age, and is constantly filled with exciting seminars, tours, etc., when you’re not busy with your own work! I highly recommend it. - Anonymous
This is an amazing opportunity for those interested in the medical world or research in general. You’ll gain beneficial skills, learn interesting information, and get connections from mentors, presenters, and peers that can help boost and prepare yourself for a future career. v– Ally
My time at the Georgia Cancer Center was very eye-opening to all the options of future careers and gave me first-hand knowledge on how research works. The weekly seminars helped me greatly throughout the program and allowed us to learn about research efforts going on in other labs in the cancer center as well as labs across the country. I learned so much with this six-week program and believe it will definitely help me in the future. – Ryan
This program was probably one of my favorite ways I could impact some way or another- the future of sciences. Though like many others, I am not fully into the research aspect- this SRE program has really opened up a new world for me of possibilities. At first it may be a little concerning like the first few days of school or a new job but eventually this program will become family to you and that will determine your impact. I personally was a big fan of the on-hands research process but, because of this program I now have a similar opinion to other processes. Which just shows how many possibilities are given to you for free. Also the fact you get to learn and communicate with experts and understand how they learn/work is great for the future of anyone’s career. As a whole, this program is great and an excellent starter for anyone who has interests in research or in the University itself. - Anonymous
2023
The GCC SRE was an amazing program that I am so thankful I got to be a part of. I got to meet a wonderful group of people who helped me through the whole process of getting into the labs and anything after that. We got to go see a lot of cool things as a group like the simulation center for medical students and my personal favorite the biorepository. I got to work in a lab with some amazing scientists and experience what it truly means to be a researcher. – 2023 GCC SRE Participant
I was quite nervous going into the program but everyone I met was extremely nice! I learned so much through this program and couldn’t have asked for anything better. I have gotten so many opportunities to meet people and build relationships, that I wouldn’t have been able to do until later in my college career. I am so glad I was able to experience such a great program! I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the AU Summer Research Experience! – 2023 GCC SRE Participant
I loved my time with GCC and in the lab! I was able to experience a true lab setting, and I felt like I was contributing to something really important that could impact so many lives! – 2023 GCC SRE Participant
My experience with the SRE was an excellent learning opportunity and allowed me to gain experience in an academic research setting. I had wonderful mentors, who provided support that gave me the confidence to pursue a medical career. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to learn and contribute to the field. – 2023 GCC SRE Participant
The SRE Program, in my opinion, is an extremely valuable opportunity. This program truly lets high school students get into the depths of what real professional research is like, teaching us so many key skills. In addition to that, it also served to be fun and enjoyable, making me look forward to each and every day. – 2023 GCC SRE Participant
The GCC SRE Program allowed me to gain a hands-on experience in professional research labs while learning and practice lab techniques. Not only did this experience provide me with a wonderful opportunity, it also gave me the ability to gain first-person insight of what it is like to work in research professionally. – 2023 GCC SRE Participant
Kamani looks through a microscope
Learning about Cancer Bioinformatics from Dr. Jake Reed
