Welcome!

The Iowa Cancer Research Experience (ICARE) program aims to expand diversity in the cancer research workforce by  increasing the number trainees that come from backgrounds under-represented in the biomedical and cancer research field. The goal of this program is to expose participants to cancer research and provide career development activities that will help them prepare for a career in cancer research. This program is funded by the American Cancer Society and National Institutes of Health.

This program is for students:

• Graduating from undergraduate institutions fall 2023 or spring 2024
  • Preference given to applicants with a GPA of at least 3.0; applications accepted with minimum GPA of 2.5
• Who want to pursue a doctoral degree (PhD, PharmD, DrPH) in a cancer-related field
• Who are looking to gain more research experience and help strengthen their graduate school applications
• Who may identify in a population underrepresented in the biomedical workforce (see more info on our FAQ page)
• Have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency

Aspects of the ICARE program:

• Professional Development
• Bootcamp Skill Building Series
• Near-peer mentorship from PhD students in cancer-related fields
• 1-2-year paid research experience (this appointment is for a limited duration, anticipated length of one to two years - the fellow can be rehired into another type of position through the competitive search process)
• Travel to scientific conferences

Commitment:

The ICARE Post-Baccalaureate Fellowship Program is committed to providing compelling research experiences and creative educational activities to enhance the biomedical workforce. A top priority of ICARE is to implement robust research experiences and advanced coursework to transform less competitive post-baccalaureate students to highly competitive applications for admission into researched-focused cancer-related doctoral degree programs. The ICARE program has a diverse spectrum of program faculty to provide robust research experiences to trainees, and on completion of ICARE, our scholars will understand the culture of the biomedical research enterprise, and have skill sets to handle the challenges of pursing a doctoral degree in a research-intensive environment.

Benefits to ICARE Fellow:

• Working in the lab of a distinguished PI at a major national research institution provides invaluable experience and preparation for commencement of advanced studies
• Work experience prior to entering graduate school is highly desirable and helps strengthen the credentials of the applicant and their resume
• Strong letters of reference are an anticipated outcome of a successful fellowship as well as ability to articulate experience gained
• The laboratory experience will allow for close interaction with faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate research assistants and will provide mentoring opportunities and professional development through departmental seminars and presentations

Benefits to Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center:

• Advances the educational and research missions of the University by furthering the education and training of pre-doctoral, graduate or professional students
• Increases the pipeline of potential scientists for the State of Iowa and beyond
• Increases the cancer research workforce 
• Brings/Retains college graduates to the State of Iowa, furthering workforce development
• Alleviates administrative burden on faculty supervisors; reduces time to hire
• Allows for careful stewardship of scarce research dollars