The Basser Center for BRCA at the Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, has established an eight-week intensive research opportunity for undergraduate students interested in genetics.
 

Basser Summer Scholars and team members at the Abramson Cancer Center
Basser Summer Scholar conducting laboratory research
Woman holding pipette and test tube in the lab
Basser Summer Scholars taking a group selfie
Basser Summer Scholar conducting laboratory research
Basser Summer Scholars standing together outside the Basser Center for BRCA

Learn About the Program

This program was created to expand the pipeline of candidates with various backgrounds pursuing a career in genetic counseling, clinical genetics, nursing, and basic science. To increase access to talent by removing potential barriers to Basser Center’s recruitment of the most accomplished and promising candidates, all undergraduate students who meet the eligibility criteria are welcome to apply. 

Students from low to moderate income backgrounds, students who are the first to attend college, and students attending small liberal arts colleges and universities with limited research opportunities are encouraged to apply. 

2026 Basser Summer Scholars Internship Program Application

We are no longer accepting application submissions for the 2026 Basser Summer Scholars program.

 

Eligibility

  • Enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program
  • Expected graduation: spring 2027 and 2028 (rising juniors and seniors)   
  • Interest in careers in genetic counseling or related basic laboratory research in the genetics of cancer 
     

Program Dates

The internship will be an 8-week program located on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania.
 

Compensation

Interns will be paid an hourly wage of $23.44 subject to taxes. Interns are responsible for expenses such as housing and transportation.
 

Application Process

We are no longer accepting application submissions for the 2026 Basser Summer Scholars program.
 

Required Documents:

  1. Completed online application form (button below)
  2. Personal Statement - (no more than 2 pages) including:  
    1. Why do you want to participate in the Basser internship?
    2. How do you anticipate Basser internship contributing to your career path?
    3. Why should you be chosen to participate in Basser internship?
    4. What aspects of genetic research or counseling interest you?  
    5. Describe any research positions you may have held (no prior research experience is required)
  3. Undergraduate transcript
    1. Your transcript must include all semesters/terms attended at your primary institution. Please also include any study abroad transcripts.
    2. Unofficial transcripts will suffice.
  4. Resume
  5. Letters of recommendation:
    1. Two letters of recommendation are required.
    2. Letters from academic faculty who know you personally and can comment on your academic abilities and your aptitude for research are highly encouraged.
    3. Requests for letters of recommendation will be sent through the application portal to the email that applicants provide.
       

 

Basser Summer Scholar working with laboratory equipment
Woman in lab coat and mask leans over medical equipment
Emmett working an outreach event
Basser Summer Scholars working together in a research laboratory
Basser Summer Scholar conducting laboratory research in a laboratory

Contact

Please contact the Basser Center for BRCA with any questions regarding the Summer Scholars program by providing the information below.

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