About the Internship
The 5 For The Fight (5FTF) Cancer Research Internship Program at Huntsman Cancer Institute is an intensive, 10-week internship for rising juniors and seniors from select Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It is designed to provide a research experience and mentorship for students interested in careers in cancers research and attending medical school or related PhD programs. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, interns will complete an independent research project and present their work at the Summer Research Symposium organized by the Office of Undergraduate Research.
Internship Benefits
- Hands-on research experience in a leading cancer research lab
- Mentorship from a world-renowned cancer researcher at Huntsman Cancer Institute
- Outdoor weekend social experiences in the beautiful Wasatch Mountains
- Research symposium where interns present their research
- Professional development workshops
- Housing and meals at the U's Lassonde Studios
- A competitive stipend
- Round-trip air transportation to and from Salt Lake City
Eligibility Criteria
- Students must be a rising junior, or senior studying at a partner HBCU
- They must have an interest in pursuing a career in the health sciences and biomedical research, with plans to continue on to medical school and/or a related PhD program.
- They must commit to the full 10-week program and live on the University of Utah (the U) campus for the duration of the internship.
- They must be willing to commit 40 hours per week to the program.
Program Expectations
- Students must commit 40 hours per work week to program activities, including individual research placements and attendance at weekly meetings, program events, and activities.
- All students are required to present their work at the Summer Research Symposium organized by the Office of Undergraduate Research.
- Students will also be asked to complete surveys during and upon completion of the program to help evaluate its impact.
How to Apply
Required Documents
Your application must include the following:
- College transcripts
- A one-page personal statement – include your research interests and career goals and how participation in the 5FTF program will advance your academic and career aspirations.
- Two letters of recommendation
Important Dates
Application Open: November 1, 2024
Applications Deadline: February 10, 2025
Research Program Dates: May 26 - July 31, 2025
Virtual Information Session
- Tuesday – January 28, 2025, at 6pm EST
Join Zoom Meeting - Tuesday – February 3, 2025 at 6pm EST
Join Zoom Meeting
Attend the virtual information session or contact the 5FTF Cancer Research Internship program manager if you have any questions.
Monica Salas Jimenez, MPH
Monica.Salas@hci.utah.edu
801-587-7885
Program Information
The 5FTF Research Internship is a partnership between Huntsman Cancer Institute, the U, Howard University, and 5FTF. Catalyzed by discussions between the presidents of the U and Howard University, the 5FTF Cancer Research Internship launched its inaugural program in the summer of 2023. Teams from 5FTF, the U, Huntsman Cancer Institute, and Howard University worked collaboratively to develop a competitive application process, ultimately selecting 10 Howard University students as the first 5FTF Cancer Research Internship cohort. These students spent 10 weeks living in dorms on the U campus, experiencing life in Salt Lake City and Utah and, most importantly, conducting independent research in Huntsman Cancer Institute labs.
The 5FTF Cancer Research Internship will be recruiting undergraduate students from Howard University and Morehouse College for its 2025 Cohort.
Learn more about the 5 For The Fight 501(c) nonprofit.
2023 Cohort Video
Watch the 5 For The Fight 2023 Cohort end of program video.