Front (L to R): Clanessa Dumas, Tamar Bouzi, Imani Tookes, Samiyyah Hardison
This summer, 5 For The Fight (5FTF) and Howard University partnered to create an unparalleled internship opportunity for a group of talented undergraduates. Ten program participants worked in one of the world's leading cancer research laboratories, the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI), a top-rated cancer hospital serving the Mountain West. During the 10-week internship, all participants in the 5 For The Fight Cancer Research program were housed on campus at the University of Utah’s Lassonde Studios. Students were paired with a mentor at Huntsman Cancer Institute and received hands-on research experience in a leading cancer research lab.
Throughout the summer, interns participated in weekly professional development workshops and activities where they heard from different health professionals. They also engaged in workshops designed to expand their knowledge and interests in different areas of personal and professional development. At the end of the program the 5FTF interns participated in the undergraduate research symposium where they each had the opportunity to present their work.
Among the many benefits of the summer program, interns are exposed to weekend experiences throughout the state and along the beautiful Wasatch Mountain range, including social and outdoor activities. In one summer highlight, program participants visited Moab, where they went on a range hummer tour and a river expedition with Canyonlands Field Institute.
Many of this year’s participants remarked on the positive impact the 5FTF summer internship program had on their future plans—and several encouraged others to join. "Take the risk and apply,” said one student. “I’ve been able to grow my interest in the medicine field because of this program and [however] big your interest in science may be [this program] could make it even bigger." Another wrote "Take the opportunity, you don’t know where your blessing will come from. I found one here and it has helped me grow as a person, scientist, and a future medical practitioner."
To learn more about the program or eligibility guidelines for applicants, please visit the 5 For The Fight internship program website.
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