Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Summer Research

In 2009, Whitman College entered into a summer research partnership with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle. This paid internship allows two students each summer to work in a laboratory through the center's intensive, nine-week  Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP). Areas include basic sciences, human biology, public health, vaccine and infectious diseases or clinical research.

Previous recipients have worked on projects ranging from HIV cures and design of universal influenza vaccines, to cancer immunotherapy and T-cell responses in bone marrow/stem cell transplants, targets for novel anticancer therapies, and disparities in cancer treatments. Funding initially came from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and has continued with generous support of alumni and an endowed science research gift.

The stipend for the program is $4,938, with an additional travel allowance of up to $450.

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.

Apply for the 2023 Summer Undergraduate Research Program

The Fred Hutch SURP Steering Committee at Whitman College is now soliciting applications from students who will graduate from Whitman College in December 2023 or May 2024. The intern program runs from Monday, June 12, 2023, through Friday, Aug. 11, 2023. Students must be able to commit to the entire program. 

A complete application will include:

From the APPLICANT, the electronic submission of one document containing:

1. The seven-page application form
2. A one-page statement of research interests and career goals
3. An updated UNOFFICIAL transcript (courses/grades) to include courses completed in Fall 2022 semester. A download from your MyWhitman page is sufficient. (Note: if you have been on OCS in the fall, you do not need to include grades, but please list courses taken during OCS).  
4. A list of courses you are enrolled in for Spring 2023

From TWO EVALUATORS, the submission of a signed evaluation form AND a letter of support. Evaluators must include at least one Whitman faculty member who has served as a course instructor, advisor or research mentor in the sciences. A research mentor at another institution may serve as a second evaluator. 

All application materials must be submitted to Jim Russo by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023.

A selection committee of science faculty will evaluate the applications and two students will be selected and notified in late January. We will then forward your application to the FHCRC program directors for placement in a laboratory.