Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC)
The overall goal of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center - Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) Office is to create an integrated and innovative pipeline of activities to inspire and develop the next generation of cancer researchers and provide diverse workforce career training and mentorship across the research spectrum. Our commitment to excellence in training and education is central to the SKCCC scientific mission, and directly aligned with our goal to serve as a leading NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in a highly diverse region that has persistently high cancer burdens. SKCC believes that investment of effort and resources into our trainees perpetuates a virtuous cycle wherein the research and clinical missions of our Cancer Center benefit proportionally to the growth and productivity of our trainees.
| Nicole L. Simone, MD Associate Director for Cancer Research Training and Education Professor of Radiation Oncology Sidney Kimmel Medical College Thomas Jefferson University |
| Srinivas Somarowthu, PhD Assistant Director for Cancer Research Training and Education Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology College of Medicine Drexel University |
|
Anuradha Shastri, PhD
Program manager for CRTEC and Translational Integration |
CRTEC Initiatives
SKCCC Summer Research FOCUS Program
Future Oncologists and Clinicians United in Science
The Office of Cancer Research Training, Education Coordination (CRTEC) at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center is offering the annual Summer Research FOCUS Program.
This summer experience is designed to further students' interest in oncology and consists of a research project, didactics, and shadowing. During the summer, students are assigned a research mentor who develops an oncology research project with them to be largely completed during their summer externship. There will also be a small discussion/seminar series for students, who will receive a multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary view of several different oncology subspecialties. Students will also have the opportunity to shadow radiation/medical/surgical oncology faculty during this experience.
In the fall, SKCCC, along with the Department of Radiation Oncology, will host a research symposium highlighting the trainees’ success in oncology research. Here, students will be able to highlight the summer research experience. Students are expected to return to Jefferson for the poster session, where posters are judged and awards are presented.
Eligibility
Medical students who will be rising second-year students
Stipend
We will be providing each student with a stipend. We are not able to provide any assistance with travel, housing, meals, or other expenses.
Requirements
Students are required to conduct research on-site in Center City Philadelphia, on the TJU campus for at least 6-8 weeks. We are unable to accommodate virtual research options, nor a term shorter than 6 weeks. Students are expected to present their research at the annual SKCCC Oncology Research Symposium, which takes place in the fall, following the summer externship.
How to Apply
Please use the following link to apply: https://redcap.link/uo9n4vxdApplication Deadline
January 5, 2026 (11:59 PM)
Please reach out to Anuradha Shastri, SKCCC CRTEC Program Manager, with any questions regarding the program.
Penn State/Jefferson BRIDGE Program
Building Readiness In Developing Great Oncologists & Educators
Interested in a career in oncology?
Want to make a difference for cancer patients by researching new therapies/pathways/prevention techniques/imaging/cancer disparities?
The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Experience for the Penn State BS/MD students in this BRIDGE Program will provide a 3 prong learning experience in oncology:
- Research. We will identify mentors who have availability to mentor and have you work on a project where you can present your data at a research symposium. Most will have an opportunity to publish a paper, which can help prepare you for residency interviews!
- Shadowing. We will have you shadow in all oncology subspecialties: medical, surgical, and radiation oncology.
- Didactics. We will provide a curriculum to help you learn more about cancer specialties and other key lessons to help you be successful in research.
Eligibility
Students should be enrolled in the Penn State Accelerated BS/MD Program and will be completing their bachelor's degree either one or two semesters prior to starting Jefferson Medical School.
How to Apply
Please use the following link to apply: https://redcap.link/ez93u0vbApplication Deadline
January 5, 2026 (11:59 PM)
Please reach out to Anuradha Shastri, SKCCC CRTEC Program Manager, with any questions regarding the program.
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