Cancer Research

Summer program for high school and college students with a deep interest in pursuing careers in medicine and the life sciences.

Hands-on cancer immunotherapy exploration

Students will dive deeper into experimental design and execution with a focus on cutting-edge techniques in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Building on the foundational skills acquired in Molecular Biology 1, students will explore the mechanisms of how immune cells can be engineered to target and destroy cancer cells.

The course covers the principles of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) design, genetic modification techniques, and the latest developments in cancer treatment. Through hands-on experiments, students will gain practical insights into the therapeutic potential and challenges of CAR-T cell therapy, preparing them for further studies focused on optimizing treatments for cancer patients.

At the end of the program, students will present their research to industry professionals and mentors at ROCK the Science on August 7th.

Proudly supported by Thermo Fisher Scientific - Tagline logo

Course Info and Schedule

Prerequisite: Student must have taken Molecular Biology 1 @ ULP to be eligible

Virtual Orientation: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Mondays & Wednesdays: June 9, 2025 - August 7, 2025 | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

ROCK the Science Showcase: August 7, 2025 | 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM

No class the week of June 30th

Location: University Lab Partners, 5270 California Ave., Suite 300, Irvine, CA 92617

The deadline to apply is Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 11:59 PM PST

For High School and College Students

This experience will offer students the next step in training by providing meaningful molecular biology skill development.

Learn cutting-edge
life science research techniques

Hands-on research methodology training and mentorship alongside industry professionals.

Gain a competitive advantage when entering higher education or the workforce

Gain hands-on technical training so you have that relevant 1st experience on your resume.

Prepare a poster presentation with your curated research

Participants have the unique opportunity to present their research to industry professionals & researchers at ROCK the Science on August 7, 2025.

Scholarship Opportunities Available

Our mission is to develop the next generation of life science talent through education and workforce development programming, focused on engaging high school and college student populations historically underrepresented in STEM careers.

All students are considered for need-based scholarships at the time of application. There is no additional application.

The tuition is $1,950 (includes all laboratory materials).

What are the program dates?

Virtual Orientation: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Mondays & Wednesdays: June 9, 2025 - August 7, 2025 | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Rock the Science Showcase: August 7, 2025 | 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM

No class the week of June 30th

Location: University Lab Partners, 5270 California Ave., Suite 300, Irvine, CA 92617

What are the program deadlines?

The deadline to apply is Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST or when the cohort is filled.

ULP will be reviewing applications and sending email notifications of acceptance on a rolling basis.

How do I apply?

You can use the Yellow Button at the top of the page to apply.

The deadline to apply is Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST or when the cohort is filled.

ULP will be reviewing applications and sending email notifications of acceptance on a rolling basis.

What is the tuition for the program?

All students are considered for need-based scholarships at the time of application. There is no additional application. ULP will notify scholarship recipients at the time of acceptance.

The tuition is $1,950 (includes all laboratory materials).

What are the prerequisites?

Students must have taken Molecular Biology 1 at ULP
Undergraduate and high school students with a deep interest in pursuing academic research opportunities and/or careers in biotechnology.

What will I learn?

Students will explore the mechanisms of how immune cells can be engineered to target and destroy cancer cells. The course covers the principles of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) design, genetic modification techniques, and the latest developments in cancer treatment. Through hands-on experiments, students will gain practical insights into the therapeutic potential and challenges of CAR-T cell therapy, preparing them for further studies focused on optimizing treatments for cancer patients.

Where is the class taught?

The class is taught at University Lab Partners.

5270 California Ave., Suite 300, Irvine, CA 92617

Who is the program taught by?

Click here to view the Education Team.

View More FAQs