PACR Education
One of the primary goals of the PACR is recruiting, educating, and training researchers from underrepresented populations. New Mexico State University is a majority-minority institution, with more than 14,000 students enrolled in programs at the main campus. Nearly 3,000 students are in graduate and professional degree programs.
We offer internship opportunities for NMSU students to conduct independent research projects at Fred Hutch. We also provide training opportunities for Fred Hutch post-docs at NMSU, and professional development and scientific workshops in both New Mexico and Washington.
Internships for NMSU Students
Undergraduate Students
Cancer Research Internship for Undergraduate Students (CRI-U)
This intensive, nine-week program is designed to provide research experience and mentorship for underrepresented undergrad students interested in biomedical research. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, interns will complete an independent research project and present their findings at a competitive poster session.
The application for the 2023 CRI-U/SURP is now closed.
Applications are due by midnight (PST) Friday, January 6, 2023 and letters of recommendation for up are due by midnight (PST) Friday, January 13, 2023.
The program runs from Monday, June 12 through Friday, August 11, 2023. Students must be able to commit to this entire period in order to participate.
While we are planning to hold an on-site experience in 2023, we are monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and assessing the safest way for students and staff to conduct the program next summer. We will post all relevant program updates here.
Please feel free to reach out to program staff at surp@fredhutch.org with any questions.
If you are looking for an alternate summer programs, please check out our Catalog of Biomedical Research Internships.
Areas of Research
Interns are paired with a faculty mentor after selecting one of the following areas of interest:
- Basic Science
Structural, genetic, molecular, cellular, developmental and evolutionary biology.
- Human Biology
Interdisciplinary research; lab-based and computational research in basic, clinical and population sciences.
- Public Health Sciences
Large populations serve as a "laboratory" to look for links between cancer and its possible triggers, from diet and lifestyle, to environmental and genetic factors. Conducts statistical, epidemiological and prevention studies around the world.
- Clinical Research
Development and analysis of new treatments for cancers and other diseases.
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease
Computational, laboratory and clinical research methods advance the understanding of microbial pathogenesis and infectious disease processes.
Learn more about the specific research interests of Fred Hutch faculty.
Program Components
In addition to completing a mentored research project, interns participate in professional development workshops designed to facilitate preparation of competitive applications to graduate/medical school.
Workshops include:
- Preparing a personal statement, resume and abstract
- How to successfully apply to graduate or medical school
- Preparing and presenting a scientific poster
Interns will also attend weekly research seminars regarding a broad array of scientific topics. The program culminates with a competitive poster session.
The program also sponsors a number of activities designed to foster interaction among interns and their mentors. Past activities include:
- Attending a Mariners game or Sounders match
- Riding the Seattle Great Wheel
- Touring the Theo Chocolate Factory
- Taking a ferry to scenic Bainbridge Island
- Hiking the trails on Mount Rainier
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Enrolled at NMSU at the time of application submission
- Entering the summer BEFORE the final year (or semester) of undergraduate studies
- Underrepresented student*
- Strong background in the sciences or a related area of interest
In our ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fred Hutch continues to require on-site safety measures for anyone on our campus. Additionally, consistent with our obligations as a Federal Contractor and following Governor Inslee’s vaccination proclamation, we are also aligning with our partners at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) and are requiring all students participating in an educational program or internship and working on-site at any Fred Hutch facility to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please note that only the primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine is required; booster vaccines are not required at this time.
While your school or current employer may allow medical, religious, or other exemptions for COVID-19 vaccination, Fred Hutch will allow only students who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to work onsite at the Fred Hutch campus and participate in educational programs and/or internships.
*Includes racial and ethnic groups traditionally underrepresented in health sciences, persons with disabilities and persons raised in economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Compensation, Travel, Housing and Local Transportation
Interns will receive $4,938 (minus taxes) for participating in the program.
The PACR provides roundtrip travel (up to $450) to and from Seattle. Travel arrangements will be coordinated by program staff unless otherwise requested. If the cost of airfare is less than $450, interns may also request reimbursement for the cost of luggage fees and/or ground transportation to and from the airport. Interns who drive to Seattle are eligible for mileage reimbursement, up to $450.
Interns are responsible for their housing, meals, and local transportation costs. Housing is available at the University of Washington’s Stevens Court for approximately $2,800* for the duration of the program. Housing applications for Stevens Court will be available to students who are selected to participate in the program in early March. For more information about the amenities offered at Stevens Court, please visit UW Student Housing. Interns are also welcome to make their own housing arrangements.
* Estimate based on 2022 housing price
Participants are eligible to purchase a subsidized transportation pass for $45. There is a free shuttle between Fred Hutch and the University of Washington campus, departing every 15 minutes.
How to Apply
The Cancer Research Internship for NMSU Undergraduate Students is fully integrated with Fred Hutch’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP).
The application for the 2023 SURP is now live! Click here to apply. Applications are due by midnight (PST) Friday, January 6, 2023 and letters of recommendation for up are due by midnight (PST) Friday, January 13, 2023.
We encourage students to submit their application before the deadline. An abundance of last-minute submissions can overwhelm the application portal, which may result in upload failure. The same suggestion applies to uploading letters of recommendation. We are unable to accept any late submissions. Notification of acceptance will occur in mid- to late-February.
The application consists of:
- A one-page Statement of Research Interests and Career Goals outlining the applicant’s scientific background, current research interests and how participation in the SURP will advance academic and career aspirations
- Transcripts
- Up to two letters of recommendation
- Identifying up to three faculty members the applicant would like to work with, and a short description of why their research is of interest
We recommend applicants start by reviewing the Recent Interns page to help identify faculty whose research is of interest. However, all Fred Hutch faculty are potential mentors. If applicants have a general sense for the type of research that interests them, the Faculty/Labs page can help determine the faculty within that scientific area of interest.
We encourage applicants to review our Tips for Submitting a Quality Application.
Contact Us
NMSU students can email Dr. Mary Alice Scott.
Non-NMSU students can email Dr. Julian Simon.
The Cancer Research Internship for Undergraduate Students is supported in part by NCI grants: 5 U54 CA132381 (Fred Hutch) and 5 U54 CA132383 (NMSU).
Graduate Students
Cancer Research Internship for NMSU Graduate Students (CRI-G)
This program provides experience and mentorship for NMSU graduate students who are interested in diverse aspects of cancer research in human populations. Accepted students, in coordination with their mentors, will design a project tailored to the student’s interests.
In addition to completing a mentored research project, students will also participate in weekly research seminars, professional development workshops and a competitive poster session.
The application for the 2023 CRI-G is now closed.
Applications and up to two letters of recommendation are due by midnight (PST) Friday, January 13, 2023.
The program will run from Monday, June 12 through Friday, August 11, 2023. In addition, accepted students must participate in a one-week NMSU Biostats Workshop to be held late May 2023. Students must be able to commit to the entire internship period, as well as the workshop, in order to participate.
While we are planning to hold an on-site experience in 2023, we are monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and assessing the safest way for students and staff to conduct the program next summer. We will post all relevant program updates here.
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Currently enrolled in an NMSU graduate program, such as, but not limited to: Public Health, Social Work, Physical Anthropology, Psychology, Physiology, Statistics or Computer Science
- Underrepresented student*
- Have a strong academic background
In our ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fred Hutch continues to require on-site safety measures for anyone on our campus. Additionally, consistent with our obligations as a Federal Contractor and following Governor Inslee’s vaccination proclamation, we are also aligning with our partners at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) and are requiring all students participating in an educational program or internship and working on-site at any Fred Hutch facility to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please note that only the primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine is required; booster vaccines are not required at this time.
While your school or current employer may allow medical, religious, or other exemptions for COVID-19 vaccination, Fred Hutch will allow only students who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to work onsite at the Fred Hutch campus and participate in educational programs and/or internships.
*Includes racial and ethnic groups traditionally underrepresented in health sciences, persons with disabilities and persons raised in economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Internship Logistics
Interns will receive $4,938 (minus taxes) for participating in the program.
The PACR provides roundtrip travel (up to $450) to and from Seattle. Travel arrangements will be coordinated by program staff unless otherwise requested.
Interns are responsible for their housing, meals and local transportation costs. Housing is available at the University of Washington’s Stevens Court for approximately $2,800* for the duration of the program. Housing applications for Stevens Court will be available to students who are selected to participate in the program in early March. For more information about the amenities offered at Stevens Court, please visit UW Student Housing. Interns are also welcome to make their own housing arrangements.
* Estimate based on 2022 housing price
Participants are eligible to purchase a subsidized transportation pass for $45. There is a free shuttle between Fred Hutch and the University of Washington campus, departing every 15 minutes.
How to Apply
The application for the 2023 CRI-G is now live! Click here to apply. Applications and letters of recommendation are due by midnight (PST) Friday, January 13, 2023.
Contact Us
Graduate student can email Drs. Julian Simon at Fred Hutch or Mary Alice Scott at NMSU.
The Cancer Research Internship for Graduate Students is supported in part by NCI grants: U54 CA132381 (Fred Hutch) and U54 CA132383 (NMSU).
Additional Training Opportunities
Postdoctoral Fellows
Undergraduate Teaching Experience for Postdoctoral Fellows
The Cancer Teaching Fellows (CTF) Program provides an opportunity for Fred Hutch postdoctoral fellows to gain mentored undergraduate teaching experience at NMSU. Working with Dr. Michèle Shuster, Cancer Teaching Fellows enhance their skills as undergraduate educators by completing preparatory assignments and executing an effective lecture series in a diverse undergraduate biology class at NMSU.
Cancer Teaching Fellows complete a two-week residency at NMSU designed to:
- Provide mentored teaching experience and diversity training
- Enhance the cancer education curriculum at NMSU
To prepare for their residency, the Cancer Teaching Fellows complete between three and five assignments, taking an estimated 20 hours of time over the course of four to six weeks.
During residency, the Fellows will:
- Observe undergraduate biology lectures
- Develop interactive lectures including assessment activities
- Practice their lectures with Dr. Shuster
- Teach in one of Dr. Shuster's undergraduate courses
- Receive Dr. Shuster’s feedback on all lectures given
Fellows also host informal meetings with NMSU students to talk about the research opportunities available through the Fred Hutch/NMSU partnership, including the summer internships offered to undergraduate and masters level students. Cancer Teaching Fellows meet with several NMSU faculty members to discuss balancing research, teaching and service in academic positions.
In an effort to showcase some of the challenges and opportunities of teaching at a primarily undergraduate, minority-serving institution, Fellows may be invited to participate in activities with NMSU faculty. The activities can be tailored somewhat to accommodate the interests and desired learning and experience outcomes of the individual Fellow.
The start and end dates are flexible and can be negotiated between the Fellows and Drs. Michèle Shuster and Karen Peterson; however, the two-week residency must take place during the NMSU Spring 2023 semester.
Mentorship
Dr. Shuster will serve as the primary mentor for the Cancer Teaching Fellows. She is a tenure-track associate professor in the Biology department at NMSU, with extensive undergraduate teaching experience. Dr. Shuster is a recipient of the Donald C. Roush and Westhafer Awards for Excellence in Teaching at NMSU.
Dr. Peterson will serve as an informational and teaching resource prior to the two-week residency at NMSU. Upon completion, she will provide information about opportunities for additional teaching experiences at Fred Hutch, NMSU and regional undergraduate universities. In addition, she will counsel Fellows about their career path and offer mentorship during the job search process.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
- Post-doctoral fellow at Fred Hutch
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Cancer Teaching Fellows will be selected based on their interest in teaching, as evidenced by participating in teaching at Fred Hutch or other institutions.
Compensation, Travel and Housing
Cancer Teaching Fellows receive a $1,000 honorarium, as well as the local per diem for food and housing in Las Cruces. The program covers the cost of roundtrip airfare from Seattle to El Paso. Fellows are responsible for securing their airfare, housing and local transportation for their two-week residency; rental cars are available at the El Paso International Airport. The program managers, Helena Loest or Marilyn Drennan, will advise on making travel arrangements.
Housing options near the NMSU campus include:
The Extended Stay: Value Place
Weekly rates start at approximately $179 (including tax). A $100 refundable deposit is required.
Sleep Inn
Nightly rates start at approximately $55.
Comfort Suites
Nightly rates start at approximately $100.
Ramada Palms
Nightly rates start at approximately $55.
Note: Fellows should confirm rates before making a reservation.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can download and complete an application. Completed applications are due to Karen Peterson on or before November 28, 2022.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the Cancer Teaching Fellows program, please contact Drs. Karen Peterson or Michèle Shuster. For assistance with travel arrangements, please contact the program managers: Helena Loest and Marilyn Drennan.
Health Equity Field Experience (HEFE)
This two-week summer immersion experience is designed to give UW and NMSU graduate students the opportunity to observe and participate in various health settings serving underrepresented populations in New Mexico, including Native American/American Indian tribal lands. Students will receive formative experiences and the opportunity to develop research skills to critically assess health disparities and health education interventions. Activities include shadowing health personnel at their worksites and field data collection.
The program runs from June 16th, 2023 to June 30th, 2023. See the following flyers for more information:
Health Equity Field Experience (HEFE) Flyer UW
Health Equity Field Experience (HEFE) Flyer NMSU
HEFE participants will work with:
- Public Health faculty
- Local Health educators
- Community and clinical medical staff
These collaborations will help participants better understand the regional issues related to the existence of health disparities and inequalities in the US/Mexico border region.
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Health Sciences/Public Health graduate student enrolled at the University of Washington (UW) or New Mexico State University
- Successfully completed HSERV 555: Cancer Health Disparities (UW)
- Strong academic background
Travel and Housing
The PACR will cover the cost of airfare, ground transportation to and from the experience sites, and overnight accommodations. Participants will be responsible for any incidental expenses or any traveling costs not associated the Health Equity Field Experience.
Travel arrangements will be made by the Fred Hutch staff unless otherwise requested.
How to Apply
The application deadline is May 8th, 2023. Click here to apply.
Contact Us
Interested UW and NMSU graduate students can email Drs. Julian Simon or Ernesto Moralez with questions.
The Health Equity Field Experience (HEFE) is supported in part by NCI grants: U54 CA132381 (Fred Hutch) and U54 CA132383 (NMSU).