Moffitt Seeks Interns for Summer Research ProgramTAMPA - Moffitt Cancer Center is offering motivated high school graduates or college undergraduates interested in a career in biomedical science an opportunity to gain professional research experience by participating in the 2008 Summer Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK). "Moffitt has a mission - to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. A central component of that mission is to train the next generation of scientists," said Doug Cress, Ph.D, SPARK program director. "Our summer interns become involved in research at a level normally not available to students until graduate school." The SPARK internship is a 10-week research study program consisting of 40 hours per week of intensive faculty-led research at Moffitt. Interns will design and execute a research project under the guidance of an assigned mentor while gaining hands-on laboratory experience by conducting experiments and collecting and analyzing data in a high-tech environment with access to professional resources. Participants will document, report and present their findings. In addition, students will have the opportunity to attend weekly seminars exploring the latest developments in cancer research technology, methods and application. "Students benefit from SPARK through greater knowledge of laboratory procedures and investigative techniques," said Rebecca Koransky, SPARK program coordinator. "They become acquainted with the academic side of curing and healing patients with cancer. Basic science, beginning at the cellular level is where we start." Enthusiasm for research as a career, as evidenced by a student's GPA, extracurricular activities, and written statements, set a candidate apart during the application process. A faculty committee will select 20 students to participate in the summer internship program. Students can apply by submitting an application including a letter of recommendation and an official transcript by February 15, 2008. Complete information about the program can be found on the Web site at www.moffitt.org/spark
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