Science Coach is excited to announce the summer of 2024 cancer or neurology research internship opportunity for registered Science Coach students.

This internship is an incredible opportunity for Science Coach students interested in cancer or neurology research to work alongside professional researchers on a component of their larger project, which can be presented as the student’s research for the 24-25 school year.


CRISPr (Cancer Research Inspiring future Scientists Program) at Siteman Cancer Center

Washington University of St. Louis (WUSTL) Cancer Research Club, the Siteman Cancer Center, and the Washington University Department of Biology have partnered with Science Coach to provide at least three (3), and potentially five (5), registered students internship opportunities at Siteman Cancer Center during the summer of 2024. There is also one (1) neurology internship opportunity available.

To be considered for this competitive internship opportunity:

  1. Registered Science Coach students must complete this Google form to sign up for the Cancer Biology Pathway Series.
    (Students who are not registered with Science Coach, click HERE for information on how to become a Science Coach student.)
  2. Participate in the Cancer Biology Pathway Series of six (6) workshop lessons starting in February, 2024.
  3. Submit a written application at the end of the workshop series to apply for the summer internship opportunities.

You could be eligible and selected for one of the summer internships if you are:

  • a registered Science Coach student for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years
  • age 16 years and up (as of 6/5/24)
  • able to obtain a place of residence in the St. Louis metro area, if selected for a summer internship
  • a high-achieving and self-motivated student who demonstrated excellence in this current-year’s authentic research project
  • able to participate in the Cancer Biology Pathway Series via Zoom. (While all Science Coach students can participate in the Cancer Biology Pathway Zoom Series, students competing for the internship have required attendance. This includes participating in journal clubs, speaker events, and a research support structure. Students will get to hear from guest speakers such as distinguished Wash U professors and Siteman faculty, and learn about relevant topics. Some outstanding student groups will get to participate in laboratory tours and rotations.)

Workshop Dates for the Cancer Biology Pathway Series:

    • Workshop 1: Intro to Cancer Biology – February 13th, 4:00 – 5:00 pm (CST)
    • Workshop 2: Cancer Treatments – February 19th, , 4:00 – 5:00 pm (CST)
    • Workshop 3: Approaching Scientific Literature – February 27th, 4:00 – 5:00 pm (CST)
    • Workshop 4: Lab Techniques & Etiquette – March 4th, 4:00 – 5:00 pm (CST)
    • Workshop 5: Journal Club/Guest Speaker – March 19th, 4:00 – 5:00 pm (CST)
    • Workshop 6: Journal Club/Guest Speaker – March 25th, 4:00 – 5:00 pm (CST)

If you are unable to attend a workshop, recordings will be posted after each workshop, but synchronous attendance is highly preferred.

Internship applications will be released to workshop attendees on March 8, 2024, and are due on April 1, 2024. Final decisions will be made and released on April 15, 2024.

The selected internship students will receive:

  • A 10-week internship working full-time in the lab at Siteman Cancer Center, Monday through Friday, (dates to be determined)
  • Be paired with Siteman faculty mentors and learn about careers in science from leaders in their fields
  • Gain research experience, perform basic science research at a Siteman lab, learn key laboratory techniques, and assist in ongoing projects at the lab
  • Receive access to WashU social events and professional networking opportunities
  • Weekly check-ins to assist students on their projects and allow them to meet other students in the program
  • An end-of-program symposium where students will have the opportunity to present their research
  • Earn a $4,000.00 stipend for time in the lab during summer internship

Additional Details:

  • Students will be required to present their summer research work at the Science Coach Virtual Symposium in spring of 2025.
  • Students may request Metrolink transportation to the lab on a daily basis (M-F). The student is responsible for getting to a Metrolink station.

Science Coach volunteer and a WUSTL Cancer Research Club member Arjun Nair has been instrumental is setting up this summer opportunity for Science Coach students.

Science Coach Students Sign up TODAY

Mentors working with summer interns:

1) Dr. Angela Hirbe, MD, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics
Director, Adult Neurofibromatosis Clinical Program|Division of Oncology, Sarcoma Section
Washington University School of Medicine

2) Jessica M. Silva-Fisher, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Medicine
Oncology Division
Stem Cell Biology

3) Milan G. Chheda, MD
Associate Professor
Department of Medicine
Oncology Division
Molecular Oncology


Please email Shawn@ScienceCoach.org with any questions.