About

The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute Ted R. Lilley CURE Program is an eight-week, paid summer research internship for high school students interested in biomedical science and cancer research. Sponsored by the Knight Cancer Institute and the OHSU Center for Diversity and Inclusion, the program matches students with faculty researchers in active laboratories to provide hands-on experience in laboratory methods, data analysis, and scientific inquiry.

For the 2026 cycle, the CURE Program runs from June 22 to August 14, 2026. Interns work a full-time schedule (up to 40 hours per week) alongside graduate and faculty mentors on projects in cancer biology, genetics, and biochemistry. In addition to laboratory work, the curriculum includes weekly seminars on math, statistics, and scientific writing, as well as professional development workshops. The program culminates in a formal poster symposium where interns present their findings to the OHSU community.

Eligibility is limited to students who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program and are currently enrolled in an Oregon or Washington high school. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and have completed at least one science course, such as biology. Preference is given to students from socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The application process requires an online form, an unofficial transcript, a resume, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation (one must be from a science teacher or research mentor). For the 2026 session, all materials must be submitted by January 8, 2026.

The CURE Program is a paid internship; participants receive a stipend but are responsible for their own housing and transportation. To participate, interns must adhere to OHSU’s 2025–2026 vaccination policies for COVID-19 and the flu. By embedding students into a world-class research environment, the program serves as a critical pipeline for Pacific Northwest students from diverse backgrounds to pursue future careers in medicine and health sciences.