Undergraduate Programming

Careers in cancer research and care are ever-expanding and evolving. Our programming for undergraduates involves summer research experiences to gain exposure and understanding of what careers in oncology can look like.

Programs Designed for Undergraduate Students

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center's undergraduate education programming has been developed to expose undergraduates to the ever-evolving career opportunities in cancer care and research. These programs integrate with the normal academic calendar and are available to students enrolled as an undergraduate at any accredited collegiate institution.

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Vanderbilt-Villanova (V²) Rowen Scholars Program

The Rowen Scholars Program is an 8-week summer research experience hosted by the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in partnership with the Rowen Family, exclusively for rising juniors and seniors at Villanova University. The 2027 program will be held June 8 - July 30, 2027. The application window for summer of 2027 is October 1, 2026 through December 1, 2026.

Designed to strengthen the cancer research workforce, the program offers mentored research experiences, career development, and educational enrichment. Participants work alongside Vanderbilt faculty in cancer labs, engage in community outreach, and receive support for graduate school preparation—including financial assistance for MCAT/GRE prep. The program includes a stipend and on-campus housing and aims to inspire and prepare students for careers in cancer medicine and research. The program offers up to two summers of immersive training, with the possibility of extending for an additional two years as a post-baccalaureate fellow. Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center onboarded its first cohort of three undergraduates in summer 2026 and integrated them with existing programs at the center to enhance their community of practice.

Apply for the 2027 Rowen Scholars Program

V-EXCEL Program

Vanderbilt-Excellence in Cancer Research, Education, and Leadership (V-EXCEL) Program

The V-EXCEL Program at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center provides a unique training experience that builds upon Vanderbilt's extraordinary record of research. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the program’s specific objectives are to provide:

Mentored cancer research experiences for students pursuing a bachelor's degree
A robust set of structured career development activities to support the acquisition of knowledge and skills to pursue higher education leading to future careers in cancer research or medicine
Opportunities for community engagement to support a community of practice

V-EXCEL interns participate in an in-person, 10-week summer program of mentored basic, clinical/translational, and/or population science cancer research, cancer education, professional development, and community outreach activities. The overall program activities are individually tailored to meet the needs of each V-EXCEL intern.

Program Details

2027 V-EXCEL program dates: May 24-July 30, 2027

Leveraging the strengths of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University, and Vanderbilt Health, this program will immerse eight interns in a research laboratory for 10 weeks working with a Vanderbilt faculty member on a cutting-edge cancer research project.

Selected participants will receive a competitive stipend to support housing and living expenses. Through this internship, participants will gain the knowledge, skills, and community to further their education and career in cancer research or medicine. In addition to their research, interns will participate in:

Responsible Conduct in Research training
An individualized research development plan
Meharry Medical College-Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center-Tennessee State University Cancer Partnership (MVTCP) online modules
Cancer Research presentation
MVTCP Annual Research Symposium
Career Path Lunch & Learn Sessions
Online resources from Vanderbilt University, Nature Masterclass

Activities after the summer session — such as the Professional Skills Development Workshops, the MVTCP Annual Research Symposium, and Community Engagement events — are not required.

Eligibility

Eligible candidates for the V-EXCEL program will be:

• Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors pursuing full-time bachelor’s degrees from nationally accredited colleges or universities
• Able to commit to the full-time, 10-week summer program from May through August in Nashville, Tennessee
• In good academic standing with at least a 3.0 overall GPA
• Individuals who are interested in pursuing higher degrees and careers in science or medicine, with a focus on cancer, will benefit most from the program

Application Information

The application window for summer of 2027 is October 1, 2026 through December 1, 2026. The following materials are required:

• One-page statement of interest
• Copy of college transcript (does not need to be official)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Resume or CV

Apply for the V-EXCEL Program

2024 Interns

Chukwuanugo Obiaga
Gracey Suggs
Hundaol Huluka
Jared Googel
Mary Tasket
Reagan Sellers
Saleban Gabure

2025 Interns

Ahmed Abdul Mumeen
David Brankovic
Blen Hadgu
Arwa Kheda
Ayati Lala
Natalie Lovell
Jessica Martin
Nancy Mbomson
Amy Salvador

2026 Interns

Dani El Minaoui
Jael Miller
Kelwyn Ixcoy
Muhammed Ibrahim
Natalie Hammond
Maite Collier Marinho
Roselyn Arthur
Sara Martin

V-EXCEL Testimonials

Testimonials submitted by 2025 program participants.

Pathways and Mentorship

“The V-EXCEL program is unique since it does not only allow focus on research, but also seeks to improve your knowledge, understanding, and professionalism. It gives you the opportunity to meet physicians and scientists who are working in the various fields you are interested and learn from their experience and the different route they all took. This is important because no two routes are the same. All these are very instrumental to upcoming physicians and scientists, especially in cancer. I come in expecting to do only research, but I left with improved confidence in conducting research by myself, professional insights, an extensive knowledge about cancer, exceptional mentorship, and a lot more.”

Research Independence

“I would recommend this program to my peers because it is a very valuable learning experience that strengthened my research and professional skills. It provided a lot of support with lunch sessions and project workshop, but I still had enough independence to focus on my project, which really helped me gauge what it is like to be a full-time researcher.”

Skills Beyond the Lab

“I would recommend the V-EXCEL program because it is a great way to learn not only about cancer research, but also about conducting research. The professional development from the program and other lab members is a great way to teach other skills that they could use in a number of fields.”

A Professional Network

“This program was an incredible opportunity to broaden my research experience while becoming involved with a network of medical professionals and scientists working exactly where I'd like to one day.”

Immersed in Research

“I would recommend this program to my peers because it has been a great opportunity to be immersed in research and build my network.”

Guidance and Resources

“I would recommend it because it is very helpful for people interested in research, as it provides valuable guidance, resources, and opportunities to develop essential skills.”