curelogo

What is the CURE Program?

The Ted R. Lilley Cancer CURE Program is a research mentorship training at the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Knight Cancer Institute. It is designed to offer research experiences to students from socially and economically disadvantaged populations from the Portland metropolitan area. The long-term goals of this program are to give hands-on research experience and science exposure to disadvantaged students in biomedical research and other health-related programs.

In high school, Alex Perepechaev worked in Dr. Joshi Alumkal's lab as a participant of the Ted R. Lilley Cancer CURE Program. Read his story (PDF)...

Who is Eligible to Apply?


Current high school juniors from Oregon high schools who are socially or economically disadvantaged are eligible to apply and will be given preference. 

* Economically disadvantaged students are defined as individuals who come from a “low income family,” using low income levels specified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a guideline.

* Socially disadvantaged students come from an environment that may inhibit them from obtaining knowledge, skills or abilities required to enroll and successfully complete an undergraduate course of study that could lead to a career in the health sciences. This category includes but is not restricted to students whose parents did not attend or complete college or students being reared by a single or divorced parent.
What Do I Need to do to Apply?

To apply for consideration for this program, you need to submit:

  • A completed application form. Download application form (PDF)

  • A one page essay describing your interest in the field. Submit a 1000 word maximum essay about your interest in the healtcare professions and why you want to be a CURE participant.

  • Your official high school transcript. Applicant must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0.

  • One letter of recommendation from a science teacher.

  • One letter of recommendation from someone who is able to comment on your abilities and potential.

These items must all be received in our office by the deadline date of May 4, 2009 (Postmark Date).

What will I need to do during the course of the program?

Students selected will work in research laboratories under the auspices of OHSU scientists conducting cancer research for a minimum of eight weeks. They are expected to read scientific literature in cancer research and attend special seminars highlighting various areas of biomedical research. There will be a presentation at the end of the program based on their research work.

Will I get paid?

Students accepted for research positions will be paid $10/hour and will receive bus passes for the duration of the summer project (8 weeks). The Ted R. Lilley Cancer CURE Program is funded by Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University and co-sponsored by the OHSU Center for Diversity and Multicultural Affairs.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Center for Diversity & Multicultural Affairs (CeDMA) at (503) 494-5657 or cedma@ohsu.edu.