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

The V-EXCEL Program at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center sponsored by the American Cancer Society provides a unique training experience that builds upon Vanderbilt's extraordinary record of research, training, and fostering diversity in biomedical science with the goal of promoting a pathway to cancer research and medicine careers for undergraduate students who are underrepresented in science and medicine (URM). 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.

About the V-EXCEL Program

Program Details

Leveraging the strengths of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 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 stipend of $5,500. 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 (MMC)-Vanderbilt-Tennessee State University (TSU) Cancer Partnership (MVTCP) online modules
Cancer Research presentation
MVTCP Annual Research Symposium
Career Path Lunch & Learn Sessions
• Online resources from Vanderbilt University, Nature Masterclass, and the National Institute of Health
URM program student mentorship
Science & Community Impact Talks

The activities after the summer session are not required. These include the Professional Skills Development Workshops, the MVTCP Annual Research Symposium, and Community Engagement (CE) events.

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
Priority selection will be given to those who identify as underrepresented in medicine (URM) as defined by the NIH.

Application Information

The summer 2024 application deadline is January 24th at 11:59 pm CST and includes the following materials:

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

Apply here: https://redcap.link/V-EXCEL_Application

Contact

Please contact us at V-EXCEL@vumc.org.

2024 V-EXCEL Interns


	Chukwuanugo Obiaga Chukwuanugo Obiaga was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and he is a rising senior studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Fisk University. At a young age, he developed an interest in science and mathematics because he was driven by his curiosity to understand the world around him. During the school year, Chukwuanugo works in a lab that focuses on characterizing the dopaminergic neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans for better treatment and therapy against neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, etc. He was also a 2023 summer intern at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals where he worked on cell line characterization in the protein expression sciences department. His experience at Regeneron further solidified his desire for a career at the intersection of clinical research and translational science. Chukwuanugo's sights are set on medical school after graduation, with the ultimate goal of becoming a licensed physician. In his free time, Chukwuanugo enjoys playing soccer, watching movies, and spending time with loved ones.
	Gracey Suggs Gracey Suggs was born and raised in Clarksville, Tennessee. She is an undergraduate student at Austin Peay State University studying Medical, Cellular, and Molecular Biology and minoring in Psychology. Gracey is part of the Austin Peay State University President’s Emerging Leaders Program, Honors Program, National Society of Leadership and Success, Omicron Delta Kappa, Alpha Lambda Delta, and President of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society ETA PI Chapter. While excelling at her studies she was also an Austin Peay State University Cheerleader and has participated as the Student Government Association's junior senator and a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee member. She was also a Peer Mentor of ELECT (Elevating Leaders and Enhancing the Collegiate Transition Program). Gracey was one of seven individuals competitively selected to participate in the Vanderbilt Excellence in Cancer Research, Education, and Leadership (V-EXCEL) Program at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center for the summer of 2024. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in Pediatric Oncology.
	Hundaol Huluka Hundaol Huluka is a Biomedical Engineering student at Vanderbilt University, driven by a strong passion for enhancing healthcare systems in underdeveloped communities. She is committed to designing and developing medical technologies that are both affordable and effective, aiming to make quality healthcare accessible to all. Her work aims to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility and quality, ensuring that even the most marginalized populations can benefit from advanced medical care.
	Jared Googel Jared Googel was born in New York City, New York but moved to and was raised in Somers, New York. He is currently attending Lafayette College in Easton, Pennslyvania, working to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He plans to pursue a career as a medical doctor, specializing in Allergy and Immunology. In high school, he was a part of the Presidents Junior Leadership Council at Northern Westchester Hospital in New York where he served as the head chair of the recruitment committee. He was a youth group cadet at the Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Corps in Yorktown, New York. He was also an All-State track and field athlete and he is on the track and field team at Lafayette College. He worked in a lab the previous school year cataloging bacteriophages. Outside the lab, Jared enjoys going to the gym, skiing, and playing sports.
	Mary Tasket Mary Tasket was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville where she is a Chancellor's Honors student. As an undergraduate, she has worked as a Research Assistant with Dr. Elizabeth Barker in the Engineered Designs for Biomedicine lab, gaining drug delivery and biomaterials research experience, focusing primarily on local drug delivery of chemotherapy to pediatric brain tumor models. This experience has sparked her specific research interest in targeted therapies for treatment of breast cancer. Upon completion of the V-EXCEL program, she plans to obtain her PhD and pursue a career in cancer research, innovating and improving therapies for cancer patients.
	Reagan Sellers Reagan Sellers is from Burns, Tennessee, and is a rising junior at Belmont University in Nashville. She is on track to graduate from Belmont in the spring of 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Her dedication and passion for science are fueled by her enthusiasm for learning, critical thinking, problem-solving, and discovery. Reagan loves how science unites the world and benefits others. Her campus involvement includes serving as the current Vice President of the Tri-Beta Biological Honors Society. She is also an active member of Belmont's Pre-Health Club, the Belmont Office of Leadership and Student Development (BOLD), and Belmont HOSA (Future Health Professionals). Reagan was selected for the 2022-2023 Summer Undergraduate Research for the Sciences (SURFS) program at Belmont. Under the mentorship of Dr. Andrea Florian, she conducted research aimed at advancing therapies for cancers like leukemia. Additionally, she interns at Vanderbilt University’s Huntington’s Disease Clinic, where she works alongside neurologists during patient care visits, inputs research data, attends journal club meetings, and engages with patients. Moreover, Reagan serves as the Tennessee coordinator for the Team Hope Walk under the Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA), demonstrating her commitment to community involvement and advocacy. Outside of her academic pursuits, Reagan enjoys running, weightlifting, traveling, and eating delicious food. Upon completing the V-EXCEL Program, she plans to apply to medical school and pursue a career in pediatric oncology.
	Saleban Gabure Saleban Gabure was born and raised in Nashville, TN. He currently attends Tennessee State University studying Biochemistry. Having fallen deeply for the science of Chemistry at first exposure in high school, Saleban was amazed at how subatomic, chemical and molecular interactions amount to large-scale, tangible physical and biological changes in a measurable, predictable manner. Because of these sentiments, Saleban became fascinated with projects concerning cancer research, biomedical engineering, and the broader immunological sciences, and aspires to attain a PhD related to these fields to join the drive towards positively impacting the longevity and quality of all life by upholding curiosity and inquiry. In his spare time, as an iOS and long-time ROBLOX developer, Saleban is driven by software and game development passion projects.