This summer, small groups of high school students will review a specific aspect of cancer research and develop a question that can be investigated through the access of peer reviewed science journals and online databases. Students who are interested in participating can apply for a free summer hybrid program. Weekly online and in-person group meetings will take place in the Santa Clarita area, culminating with a visit to the UCLA Liquid Biopsy Laboratory on Friday, July 31, 2026 where student groups will present their project in front of a panel of UCLA professors and research professionals. A tour of the campus along with a meet-and-greet will be provided by our sponsor, UCLA Liquid Biopsy Laboratory.
6 Weeks Program
June 16 - July 31, 2026
Tuesdays: 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. via Google Meets
June 16, June 23, June 30, July 7
July 13-24 - no classes - groups meet to complete research presentations
Mon - Fri: In-person group meetings (day and time determined by individual groups)
Projects are due Fri, July 24 for Mock Presentations
The five top teams will be selected to present on July 31 before UCLA's Liquid Biopsy Lab.
All student participants are welcome to watch.
Trip to UCLA Liquid Biopsy Laboratory
Friday, July 31, 2026 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Mandatory trip
Students must arrange their own transportation to and from the site. No exceptions.
Signed field trip permission slips will be required.
Introduce students to oncology research with emphasis on asking questions and pursuing the answers via peer-reviewed literature.
Learn basic principles of cell biology and oncology medicine.
Introduce literature searching and provide actionable skills to follow.
Show what science and research looks like outside the classroom.
Additionally, provide insights and reference materials for college applications / considerations.
Basic Principles of Oncology Biology
What is cancer?
Hallmarks of Cancer / Causes
Signal transduction / Cell cycle / Regulation / Apoptosis
Proto-oncogenes vs. tumor suppressors
Types, metastasis, and staging
Introduction to Oncology Medicine and Translational Research
Screening, diagnostics, prognostics, therapeutics, clinical trials
Development and application of novel therapies
Types of cancer treatment:
Chemical, radiation, immune, surgical, targeted
Conducting literature searching/reviews
Types of literature (primary vs. review)
Skills in literature review:
Dissecting paper title, abstract, introduction/background, discussion
Interpreting figures and conclusions
Create and present specific, directed, evidenced, and concise presentation
Writing specific slide titles
Good practices for presentation cleanliness and communication
Consistent appearances
Addressing all information displayed
Speaking clearly, confidently, and responding to / speculating on scientific questions