Students Pursuing Undergraduate Research (SPUR)
The Students Pursuing Undergraduate Research (SPUR) program offers undergraduate students hands-on research experiences at Moffitt, aiming to deepen their understanding of cancer research and research methodologies while guiding them toward careers in oncology research.
Under the guidance of Moffitt faculty, SPUR trainees receive training in either basic wet laboratory or dry laboratory research, developing their skills and expanding their knowledge. Managed by Moffitt’s Research Education and Training (RET) office, the program includes career development activities and networking opportunities to further enrich the training experience.
The SPUR program may include limited opportunities for clinical shadowing.
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Learning objectives
Emphasis is placed on the importance of basic research principles that form the foundation for scientific investigation that are unique to the field of oncology. Students will learn to formulate scientific research questions and how fundamental questions in laboratory research are translated to address clinical challenges in oncology. The specific learning objectives are:
- Learn and practice lab safety procedures.
- Learn and understand the Responsible Conduct of Research principles and application
- Develop skills in accurate and reproducible data collection.
- Learn techniques for data analysis
- Develop skills in critical reading and analysis of research reports and manuscripts.
- Learn and practice effective oral and written presentation of scientific data.
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Structure
- Gain wet and/or dry laboratory research experience under the mentorship of Moffitt faculty
- Interact with Moffitt research faculty, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students
- Participate in lab meetings and seminars presented by Moffitt researchers
- Attend additional institutional lectures, departmental conferences and career development sessions
- Present their research projects to program peers and Moffitt faculty
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Eligibility
- Actively enrolled in an accredited domestic college or university or within their gap year (18 months after high school graduation) with intentions to apply to a college or university or within their gap year (18 months after college graduation) with intentions to apply for graduate or medical school
- In good academic standing at their school
- Interested in cancer research field and/or related biomedical sciences and demonstrate an interest and aptitude for scientific investigation
- Agree to and meet all Moffitt required screenings for participation with the Moffitt Cancer Center
- Participants must comply with all institutional policies regarding conduct, academic honesty and lawful behavior
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Selection and recruitment process
It is the student’s responsibility to identify a research faculty mentor who is willing to train them in their lab. Search the Research section to learn more about the faculty and their research. Students are encouraged to reach out to faculty directly via email and inquire about a research internship. Students should attach a copy of their CV/resume. RET can occasionally assist with mentor matching, but a match cannot be guaranteed.
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Timing and duration limits
- The SPUR program has rolling admissions throughout the year.
- Applicants selected must commit to a minimum of eight weeks.
For more information, contact ret@moffitt.org.