Student-Centered Pathway to Advance Research and Cancer Careers (SPARCC) Internship
SPARCC (Student-Centered Pathway to Advance Research and Cancer Careers) is a 12-week hybrid educational program/internship at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Designed for undergraduates interested in careers in the biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research fields. Our transformative learning experiences encompass faculty-mentored individual research projects, interactive workshops, journal clubs, and clinical practicums.
The program November 2025 through August 2026 and is designed to provide a structured progression of cancer research education and hands-on training:
- November – December 2025: Participants begin with Cancer Education and Intro-Research through three 90-minute virtual workshops.
- January 2026: Students attend an intensive Winterim at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) (5 days in-person).
- February – March 2026: The program continues with an Introduction to Clinical Trials series consisting of three 90-minute virtual workshops.
- April – May 2026: Participants complete a self-paced virtual Research Prep module.
- June 1 – August 14, 2026: The program culminates with Mentored Research Practicum Rotations held in-person at MCW, providing immersive, hands-on research experience.
This sequence blends virtual learning with in-person training, preparing participants with foundational knowledge, clinical trial exposure, research preparation, and mentored practicum experiences.
Upon completion of the program, SPARCC scholars will be able to:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of translational science and its role in cancer research
- Apply techniques that bridge basic, preclinical, and community research to patient care, including understanding the purpose and process of clinical trials
- Contribute to culturally responsive care in clinical trial research
- Work effectively as part of complex, multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating communication and collaboration skills
- Gain a deep understanding of the Clinical Research Professional’s (CRP) role and responsibilities
Topics
- Cancer Biology
- Translational Research
- Multidisciplinary Cancer Care
- Application of Emerging Technologies
- Research Skills and Methodologies
- Mentorship and Career Development
- Culturally Responsible Research
- Journal Club
Eligible SPARCC students...
- Must be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents
- Are juniors, seniors, or recent graduates from a four-year college
- Have health insurance
- Are passionate about: biomedical, behavioral, and clinical cancer research fields, community engagement, collaboration, and leadership!
Financial & Housing Support
- Weekly monetary stipend to support research and learning efforts during the Winterim and summer research experience
- Housing support during in-person sessions for learners who live outside the Milwaukee area
- Loaner computers for scholars who do not have access to the necessary hardware
Benefits
- Access to a wide professional network, including nationally renowned experts in cancer research, and MCW resources
- Network with like-minded peers from across Wisconsin and beyond
- Academic/scholarly advising and career counseling
- Public speaking skill development
- Hands-on experience with cancer research and clinical trials
- And so much more!
SPARCC scholars selected for the program are expected to
- Dedicate 40 hours per week to the on-campus summer mentored research and practicum rotations (June–August) and the one-week Winterim session (January)
- Attend six 90-minute live virtual sessions (November, December, February, and March)
- Actively participate in scholarly activities throughout the program
- Develop and implement a summer research project with a faculty mentor, and prepare a two-page research proposal by March 1
- Prepare and present their experiences at the SPARCC Cancer Networking and Research Summit
- Collaborate with SPARCC colleagues on research and learning activities