Download the CURE Brochure
About the CURE Program
CURE is a paid research training program in the summer for high school and college undergraduate Native American and Hispanic students. Eligible students must be:
- Sixteen years or older
- In good academic standing
- Strongly interested in science
Help the Fight Against Cancer…
Take part in ongoing research at the University of New Mexico Cancer Center. Here are some examples of ongoing projects:
- Understanding how arsenic and uranium in water sources may cause cancer (Lewis and MacKenzie)
- Using data to discover what Hispanic and tribal communities have done and can do to further improve the health of their members (Shah and Cook)
- Identifying causes and treatments for breast and ovarian cancer
(Prossnitz/Hathaway/Adams/Steinkamp/Hudson/Wandinger-Ness)
- Learning how schools can help students to improve diet choices, reduce obesity and reduce the risk of getting cancer (Davis)
- Genomic and data analyses for personalized cancer therapies (Ness/Lee/Guo)
Work in a Lab with Our Research Experts
…And Help Yourself, Too!
Learn important skills that will help you in college and beyond!
- Complete a one-week introductory course on cancer (high school students) or professional development course for college credit (undergraduate students)
- Conduct scientific research in community, public or environmental health — learn from the scientists themselves!
- Work with research teams
- Learn from mentors, peers and diverse groups of people
- Explain science to family, community, teachers, peers
- Learn how to prepare applications for college and graduate school
- Discover career opportunities where you can apply your science knowledge
Cancer affects people everywhere, of every age and every race. You can join the fight against it. You can help scientists and doctors learn more about cancer. And you can share what you learn with other students, cancer scientists and doctors, and the people in your community.
How it Works
CURE provides paid internships for students participating in 40 hours per week during the summer.
Students are required to:
- Make a commitment to completing the program
- Attend UNM seminars, lectures, training sessions and activities
- Select UNM Faculty and “near-peer” mentors
- Choose a research project in community, public or environmental health
- Consult with UNM Faculty and near-peer mentors
- Final Project Presentation - Share what was learned with the school and/or community in a unique presentation, such as a poster or calendar, or a painting, musical piece, poem, or dance
The Continuing Umbrella of Research Experience (CURE) program is supported through partnerships between UNM and branch campuses, Native American Community Academy, Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, Navajo Technical University, and Santa Fe Indian School.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will Students be Paid?
CURE provides paid internships for students participating in 40 hours per week during summers.
The payment amount is determined at the start of each program year by CURE funding sources, and can vary from year to year.
Is Housing Available?
- Housing is not available for high school students.
- Housing in the dormitories on the UNM campus is available for undergraduate students during the first year.
What Fees Do Students Have to Pay?
- High School students will have to pay for a parking permit if they plan to park on UNM Campus.
- Undergraduate students will have to pay tuition for one credit hour. They will also need to pay for housing and food if they elect to live on campus or a parking permit if they will not be living on campus.
- Additional fees may be required.
How can I learn more?If you have more questions about the CURE program, please contact:
- Loretta Esquibel at (505) 272-4539 or laesquibel@salud.unm.edu
- Dr. Angela Wandinger-Ness at wness@unm.edu
Applying to the Cure Program
High School Applicants
- 2021 applications will be open November 2020
- High school students can find the Application documents as PDFs on the CURE 2021 High School page or contact Loretta Esquibel by phone: (505) 272-4539 or by e-mail: laesquibel@salud.unm.edu to request an application packet.
- 2021 tentative High School program dates: June 11 to August 6, 2021.
College Applicants
