MHS junior Henry Deap is one of only six Chicago-area students selected for the CURE summer cancer research program at the University of Chicago. Deap will conduct research alongside faculty mentors who are University of Chicago scientists, physicians, and physician-scientists who have established research programs at the University. The program is funded by the National Cancer Institute and private donors.

Deap is excited about the opportunities the program will bring. “I’m looking to build that foundation with the hands-on projects that will be introduced and to meet the professors and mentors.”

During​ the eight-week summer program, students will follow their research interests as they develop a deeper understanding of the field. Some might explore the molecular and cellular events that cause cancer, some want to address medical imaging tool application, and others prefer to work on bioinformatics - the analysis and interpretation of genomic and other large-scale data to better understand cancer causes, risk and outcomes. Educational programs, skills-building and career workshops are part of the program which culminates in a symposium showcasing the students’ research.

“Our students complete projects related to areas at the forefront of cancer research:  cancer immunology, pharmacogenomics of anticancer agents, bioengineering, experimental cancer therapeutics, cancer disparities and more,” said Megan Mekinda, PhD, assistant director for cancer education at the University of Chicago. “About half of our second-year students choose to return to the same lab to deepen their level of expertise in a particular area. The other half elects to join a lab specializing in a different area of research to broaden their knowledge and skill,” Mekinda explained.