The University of Notre Dame’s Harper Cancer Research Institute invites current sophomores and juniors in good standing enrolled in Gonzaga Preparatory School, Rogers High School, The Oaks Classical Christian Academy, Ferris High School, North Central High School, Saint George's School, Chesterton Academy of Notre Dame, Coeur Du Christ Academy, and Coeur d'Alene High School in Coeur d'Alene, ID, and Spokane, WA, to apply for the Ella McKeirnan Memorial Fellowship (EMMF). This unique opportunity, part of the Harper Cancer Research Institute's Research Cures Cancer Corps (RC3) program, aims to build a stronger and more inclusive pipeline to careers in cancer research. Cancer researchers emphasize that diversifying the next generation of scientists is essential to developing effective treatments for all populations.
Selected fellows will take part in transformative, hands-on cancer research under the mentorship of Notre Dame faculty and research teams, gaining first-hand experience in how science can change lives.
Program Overview
In addition to conducting laboratory-based cancer research, EMMF participants engage in enrichment activities designed to support both academic and personal growth. These include:
- One-on-one mentoring with researchers and faculty
- Exposure to post-secondary education and career pathways in science
- Workshops on problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills
Fellowship Highlights
The Opportunity
- Eight weeks of immersive, hands-on cancer research
- Work alongside Notre Dame faculty and research mentors
- $5,000 stipend awarded to each scholar
- Roundtrip travel to Notre Dame provided
Living & Learning at Notre Dame
- Room and board provided on campus
- Scientific workshops and professional development
- Weekend excursions and enrichment activities
- Opportunities to build friendships and independence
Eligibility
Open to current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors in good standing at the following high schools:
- Chesterton Academy of Notre Dame
- Coeur d’Alene High School
- Coeur du Christ Academy
- Ferris High School
- Gonzaga Preparatory School
- North Central High School
- Rogers High School
- Saint George’s School
- The Oaks Classical Christian Academy
Commitment to Inclusion
Notre Dame Research is dedicated to fostering a community that values equity, inclusion, and belonging. We strive to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds feel safe, welcomed, and empowered to succeed. Students from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Information
To apply, complete the application and recommendation requirements by 11:59 p.m. (PST) on Wednesday, January 6, 2027.
- One required recommendation must be submitted by a science teacher, academic advisor, professor, or counselor.
- One optional recommendation may be submitted by any adult (excluding relatives) from your school or community.
Recommendation requests are automatically emailed to your references and can/should be sent before you submit your application. You are responsible for ensuring your recommenders receive and submit their forms by the deadline.
All applicants will be notified of admission decisions via email no later than February 28, 2027.
Program Dates: June 7, 2027 - July 30, 2027
**Note: This fellowship does not offer high school or college credit.
The Harper Cancer Research Institute (HCRI) at the University of Notre Dame invites current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors in good standing enrolled in high schools within St. Joseph County (Indiana) and its adjacent counties to apply for the Research Cures Cancer Corps (RC3) program.
This immersive summer experience gives high school students the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge cancer research while learning firsthand how science and discovery can change lives. RC3 aims to build a strong and inclusive pipeline for careers in cancer research, empowering the next generation of scientists who will help advance cancer prevention, detection, and treatment for all communities.
Program Highlights
The Opportunity
- Eight weeks of immersive, hands-on cancer research
- Work alongside Notre Dame faculty and research mentors
- $5,000 stipend awarded to each scholar
- Gain valuable laboratory and scientific research experience
Learning & Growing at Notre Dame
- Scientific workshops and professional development
- College and career exploration
- Cultural excursions and enrichment activities
- Build friendships with fellow scholars and researchers
Eligibility
Open to current high school sophomores and juniors in good standing enrolled in schools within St. Joseph County, Indiana, and surrounding communities. All applications are subject to review for eligibility and completeness. The RC3/EMMF Program reserves the right to decline consideration of applications that are incomplete, contain inaccurate information, or do not meet the established eligibility and application requirements.
Commitment to Inclusion
Notre Dame Research is committed to fostering a community that values equity, inclusion, and belonging. We strive to ensure that members of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome, and supported. Students from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Information
To apply, complete the application and recommendation requirements by 11:59 p.m. (EST) on Wednesday, January 6, 2027.
- One required recommendation must be submitted by a science teacher.
- One optional recommendation may be submitted by any adult (excluding relatives) from your school (e.g., academic advisor, professor, or counselor) or community.
Recommendation requests are automatically emailed to your references and can/should be sent before you submit your application. You are responsible for ensuring your recommenders receive and submit their forms by the deadline. Applications missing the required science recommendation by 11:59 p.m. on January 6, 2027, will not be reviewed.
All applicants will be notified of admission decisions via email no later than March 31, 2027.
Program Dates:
- Program Begins: June 7, 2027
- Program Ends: July 30, 2027
**Note: This fellowship does not offer high school or college credit.
PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT
Across the sciences, the skills required to analyze large data sets, build statistical models, and simulate complex processes are becoming increasingly critical. For example, genomic data sets may consist of millions of sequencing reads from hundreds or thousands of samples. In ecology and earth sciences, researchers are applying new methods for modeling ecological data and assimilating data and models to improve forecasts of ecological and environmental change. In systems biology, scientists are modeling the emergent properties of interacting genes, proteins, cells, and tissues. All of these research areas depend on computational fluency.
The REACT program (Rapid Exposure to Advanced Computational Training) is a short-term initiative to support graduate students to receive the latest training in computational tools and techniques in their field. REACT is a joint effort between the Environmental Change Initiative (ECI), the Eck Institute for Global Health (EIGH), the Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility (GBCF), the Center for Research Computing (CRC) and the Harper Cancer Institute (HCRI). REACT will provide up to $1,300 to cover student tuition, registration, and board required to attend nationally-recognized workshops that provide the latest training in computational approaches.
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a PhD student or thesis Masters student enrolled at Notre Dame.
- The student's advisor/PI must be a member in good standing with either the Environmental Change Initiative, the Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame’s Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility, the Center for Research Computing, or the Harper Cancer Institute. Students should check with their advisors if they are not sure of their PI’s affiliations.
- Students attending workshops may be asked to share the knowledge they gain with local working groups, journal clubs, classes, or a symposium of fellow REACT awardees.
- REACT will cover costs for registration and tuition up to $1,300. REACT does not currently cover research expenses.
Application instructions
- Applications are considered on a rolling basis. All applications should be submitted online. Questions can be directed towards Beth Archie (earchie@nd.edu), Mike Pfrender (pfrender.1@nd.ed), Nydia Morales-Soto (nsoto@nd.edu), Alex hardy (alexhardy@nd.edu), or Andy Bullock (sabullock@nd.edu).
- Applicants will be required to:
- Create an account with Submittable in order to submit your online application.
- Provide information on the workshop they plan to attend.
- Explain the computational skill(s) they will learn at the workshop and how those skills will help their research.
- Provide information on the costs for workshop registration, tuition, and room and board. REACT provides up to $1,300 to cover these costs, including travel.
- Provide information on their admissions status in regards to the workshop (e.g. the student has not yet applied, the student has applied and the application is pending, or the student has applied and has been admitted to the workshop. If the latter, students will provide evidence of acceptance.)
- Upload a short letter from the student’s sponsoring advisor/PI that states:
- That the PI supports the student’s attendance at the workshop
- That the PI will help pay for any travel costs not covered by other sources
- Which of the following ND Centers, Initiatives, and Institutes the PI regularly affiliates with: ECI, EIGH, GBCF, CRC, or HCRI.
Grant Overview
The Harper Cancer Research Institute (HCRI) is pleased to
announce the availability of travel grants to support Graduate Students and
Post-Doctoral Fellows traveling to academic conferences. Each grant is worth
$250.
Eligibility
- Graduate Students and Post-Doctoral Fellows must be presenting at the conference for which they are requesting funding
- Graduate Students and Post-Doctoral Fellows must also present their projects at HCRI Research Day
- Graduate Students' and Post-Doctoral Fellows' participation in HCRI sponsored events will be taken into consideration when reviewing travel grant requests
Application Instructions
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING
AN APPLICATION
Application Deadline and Start Date:
- Applications
are reviewed on a rolling basis
Application Requirements:
- Formatting
- Single
spaced - Arial
11 font or larger - Margins
0.6" or larger - Assemble
all sections below into a single PDF for submission - Cover
Page (1 page) - Conference title, date, location
- Applicant name, institution, department,
position/title, email - PI name, institution, department,
position/title, email - Conference Overview (1 page maximum) should include:
- Provide a description of the conference and the
research that the candidate (Graduate Student or Post-Doctoral Fellow) will be
presenting. - Letter of support/recommendation from candidate’s
PI