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University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
2026 Partnership Research Summer Training Program (PRSTP)

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) invites highly motivated undergraduate or post-baccalaureate students majoring in scientific disciplines and with an interest in cancer medicine, basic or translational cancer research, to apply to the hands-on eight-week Partnership Research Summer Training Program (PRSTP). The program will run from May 27 to July 22, 2026 (8 weeks).

Eligible Applicants: We welcome applications, for this paid internship, from students currently enrolled at UAB or other neighboring, regional, national colleges/universities, including institutions with limited research infrastructure. Master’s level students may also apply. Selected participants will receive a stipend based on 30 hours of participation per week.

Application Deadline: Friday, February 27, 2026, by 5:00 PM CST.

Program Goals: The primary goal of PRSTP is to foster interest and facilitate training in laboratory-based, clinical, and/or translational cancer research. Through structured laboratory experience and educational seminars, interns will acquire practical research skills (scientific techniques) and enhance their understanding of cancer biology and cancer research. Program alumni are well-positioned to pursue advanced degrees (e.g, master’s, PhD, MD) and careers in biomedical and health-related sciences.

Program Components:

  1. Educational Seminars: Weekly noon seminars delivered by UAB faculty focused on cancer education and professional development.
  2. Research Lab-Based Training: Each participant will be paired with a UAB faculty mentor and embedded in a cancer research project aligned with the student’s interests. This may include bench science, clinical research, or data-driven research.
  3. Cancer Research Symposium: All participants will attend the two-day Cancer Research Symposium (CRS) hosted by Tuskegee University. Interns will present an abstract and poster summarizing their summer research project and experience. The program covers poster printing and travel expenses, including one overnight stay in Auburn, AL.

Application Requirements:
1. Completed application form
2. Personal essay
3. Two letters of recommendation

Although the final deadline is Friday, February 27, 2026, early submission is strongly encouraged.

For more information or to apply, please contact Dr. Dennis Otali, Program Manager, at dennisotali@uabmc.edu.

Regards,
Upender Manne, MS., PhD
Professor of Pathology, Surgery & Epidemiology
Senior Scientist, UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
upendermanne@uabmc.edu


INSTRUCTIONS: All application materials must be received by Friday February, 27 2026

  1. Complete ALL sections of this application. It is your responsibility to ensure that your transcript(s), one-page essay (Arial 11, 1-inch margins), and letters of recommendation are submitted by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
  2. Transcripts: Official sealed transcripts are not required. Unofficial transcripts are accepted.
  3. Letters of Recommendation: Please request letters from two individuals familiar with your academic performance or potential. Each recommendation letter may be submitted in a sealed envelope with the recommender’s signature across the back flap and mailed to the address below, OR it may be emailed directly to Dr. Dennis Otali (dennisotali@uabmc.edu).

Attention:
PRSTP 2026
1825 Univ. Blvd.
Shelby Building 812
Birmingham, AL 35233-1913


PRSTP Summer Research Training Application – 2026

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Are you a U.S. Citizen?
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If not a U.S. Citizen, are you a Permanent Resident?
If not a U.S. Citizen, are you a Permanent Resident?
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Sex(*)
Sex
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Will you have use of a car if public transportation is not available?
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Have you ever participated in a Summer Training/Enrichment Program in the past?
Have you ever participated in a Summer Training/Enrichment Program in the past?
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Do you have any special needs to be considered?
Do you have any special needs to be considered?
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Please list the names of people to be notified in case of emergency:

 

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Recommendations

Give the names, positions, and addresses of the two persons whom you have asked to write letters of recommendations.

 

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II. Educational Background

Colleges and Universities attended - please list most recent first.

 

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Academic information for current enrollment

 

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Most recent science courses

 

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VII. AREA OF RESEARCH INTEREST

 

Indicate your top three choices regarding the types of research project, research program areas, and cancer types that interest you. You may select up to three options.

Category of Project:(*)
Category of Project:
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Type of Cancer:
Type of Cancer:
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Research Program Area:
Research Program Area:
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VIII. AVAILABILITY FOR ASSIGNMENT

 

Student trainees are expected to work for the entire 8-week training period:

Wednesday May 27th, through Wednesday July 22nd, 2026

Your schedule will include approximately 30 hours a week of required course work and time to

work with your mentor to develop a research project. This schedule will be determined with your

mentor during the first week of training.

Tentative PRSTP course dates are:

• Weekly -- Research seminars (dates TBA)

• Cancer Research Symposium hosted by TU (Tues-Wed, July 21-22, 2026)

 

IX. RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

Have you participated in any type of internship program in the past?
Have you participated in any type of internship program in the past?
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How did you learn about the UAB Partnership Research Summer Training Program?
How did you learn about the UAB Partnership Research Summer Training Program?
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X. STATEMENT OF INTENT ESSAY

Please submit a one-page essay (250 words) attached to this document. It must be typed (Arial 11 with 1-inch margins). Your writing will be evaluated for clarity, grammar, spelling, and coherence. The essay should address the following:

  • Why would you like to participate in the UAB Partnership Research Summer Training Program (PRSTP)?
  • How does this training program relate to your academic and career goals?
  • What qualifications distinguish you from other potential applicants?

The UAB Partnership Research Summer Training Program will review applications. Final selections will be made by Friday, May 1, 2026.

I certify that the information submitted in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I give the UAB PRSTP permission to share this information for recruitment and placement.

If selected, I authorize and release UAB to videotape, photograph or otherwise record my participation in this program.

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