Undergraduate Research Education Program (UREP)
Wood Hudson Cancer Research Laboratory has always remained dedicated to the education of our youth in regards to cancer research. In order to facilitate this goal, Wood Hudson Cancer Research Laboratory established an Undergraduate Research Education Program (UREP) in 1982 so that local and national college and university students would be able to participate in cancer research internships. Now in its 28th year of successful operations, the Undergraduate Research Education Program is still a great source of education and enrichment for both the undergraduate student participants and our highly trained senior staff scientists.

The Undergraduate Research Education Program is proud to report that:
  • 225 undergraduate science students have received training in cancer research
  • 35 different local and national college and university students have had a cancer research internship through UREP
  • Students have participated through internships, co-ops, and summer programs
  • Many of the student participants have been the first in their families to attend college
  • 90% of student participants have become scientists, physicians, or educators.


    • Cancer Research

    Undergraduate Research Education Program (UREP)

    Experience


    Julia H. Carter, Ph.D., and UREP Graduate, Jessica DeBrosse (University of Cincinnati) preparing histologic slides for examination in the pathology laboratory. After successful completion of her undergraduate studies and concurrent participation in UREP, Ms. DeBrosse was accepted into the University of Cincinnati Accelerated Masters Nursing Program.

    Dr. Carter stands among the more than 1,200,000 tissue specimens. These specimens enable the students to learn about cancer in a way that would not be possible at most of their schools.

    Student Assistant Elyse Hawkins does not participate in UREP directly, but she plays a pivotal role in the success of Wood Hudson by helping to keep the identities of tissue donors anonymous and confidential.

    UREP Student Participant, Kevin Murray (Xavier University) performs a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in preparation for genotyping.         		The success of UREP rests on three pillars:

  • Practical Experience
  • Cancer Research Education
  • Sharing of Knowledge


    • Practical Experience is achieved by enabling students participating in UREP to practice laboratory techniques and cancer research methodologies through hands-on training and individualized attention. This is a marked difference for many of the students that serve in the program, and therefore, students perceive a real benefit in participating in UREP.
    "Being able to participate in cancer research here at Wood Hudson has been an incredible experience for me. The people are great and [they] truly care about what they are doing. I can't think of a better place in Northern Kentucky that can prepare you for a career in science, medicine, or any other related field."

    --Sarah Specht, Student Research Assistant
    Students earn income while obtaining valuable laboratory experience which will foster their future careers as scientists, physicians, and educators. Many students leverage their experience in UREP in order to attend medical school or postgraduate educational experiences. Students also utilize their laboratory experiences in order to complete research assignments and thesis projects.

    Cancer Research Education takes place once a week when students participate in classroom discussions about cancer cell biology. Students are given a textbook and assignments throughout the term so that they will learn more information about the role cancer plays in human biological functions.

    Sharing of knowledge is an important element of scientific education, understanding, and development. The Undergraduate Research Education Program hosts a weekly journal club so that students can practice presenting current scientific discoveries to an audience of their peers and senior staff scientists. Students research a recent scientific discovery, and then they present their findings. Journal club is an excellent way of preparing students to make professional presentations, such as presentations at the Annual Kentucky Academy of Sciences Meeting and presentations given when applying for postgraduate educational experiences such as medical school.
    "I have learned more in my time at Wood Hudson than in any formal class I have taken [in college]. The experience working in the lab and the exposure to research articles has been valuable and has prepared me well for my future career."

    --Shane Mulvihill, Student Research Assistant

    If you or someone you know is interested in becoming involved in the Undergraduate Research Education Program, please feel free to contact Wood Hudson Cancer Research Laboratory today at 859-581-7249.


    UREP terms are available throughout the calendar year:

  • Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer term
  • Fall - Winter, Fall - Spring, Winter - Spring terms
  • Full year terms are also available



    • UREP Student Research Assistant Chad Lampl (University of Kentucky) presents research discoveries at the weekly journal club meeting. This week's presentation focused on BRCA1.

    UREP Student Research Assistant Stephen Love (University of Notre Dame) studies a handout on cancer cell biology.

    UREP Student Research Assistants attend their first class session of the UREP term. Dr. Carter gave a presentation on cancer cell biology.

    UREP Student Research Assistants Heather Grome (Xavier University), Robert Shields (Thomas More College), and Jessica DeBrosse (University of Cincinnati) display a cake purchased to celebrate UREP students many successes including graduating with honors from their respective colleges and universities.

    Web Shared Resources:

    The World Wide Web provides a unique communication medium for learning and understanding. The following are links to Cancer Related Research and Studies around the world.

    Please note that by clicking on one of these links you are leaving the Wood Hudson Cancer Research Laboratory website and we are not responsible for the content on these sites.

    CDC Home Page Kentucky Cancer Registry

    National Cancer Institute (NCI) CancerNet Database - Main Index

    National Library of Medicine

    The National Center for Biotechnology Information




    Wood Hudson Cancer Research Laboratory     • 931 Isabella Street • Newport, KY 41071
    Email: whcrl.discovery@yahoo.com • Phone: 859-581-7249 • Fax: 859-581-2392

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