Training Tomorrow's Scientists — One Summer at a Time
For over 40 years, UREP has given undergraduate students what most never get: real cancer research experience in a working laboratory, mentored by professional scientists.
What Is UREP?
An intensive summer research program designed for undergraduate students interested in cancer biology, biomedical science, and medicine.
Running approximately 12 weeks from May through August, UREP combines hands-on laboratory work with structured academic learning — giving students a complete picture of what a career in research actually looks like.
Unlike a typical classroom lab, UREP students work directly alongside Wood Hudson scientists on active cancer research projects. Past students have contributed to studies in breast, colon, gastric, ovarian, and bladder cancers, as well as malignant melanomas — the same research areas where Wood Hudson is making new discoveries.
UREP is one of three core pillars of Wood Hudson Cancer Research Laboratory, alongside our Cancer Research program and Biospecimen Repository. It reflects our belief that advancing the fight against cancer requires not only discovering new knowledge, but also developing the people who will carry that work forward.
No prior research experience is required. For many students, UREP is their first direct involvement in scientific research — and that's exactly the point. We meet students where they are and give them the mentorship, skills, and confidence to pursue careers in science and medicine.
What Students Do at Wood Hudson
Three pillars of learning that prepare students for real careers in science and medicine.
In the Lab
Students learn and practice real research techniques including cell culture, immunohistochemistry, tissue staining, protein quantification, and microscopy. They work with specimens from Wood Hudson's Biospecimen Repository — a collection of over 2 million human tissue specimens representing more than 65,000 cancer patients.
In the Classroom
Alongside bench work, students study cancer biology through textbook-based learning, journal article discussions, and a seminar series featuring guest lectures from Wood Hudson trustees, collaborating scientists, and other experts in the field.
Presenting Their Work
Each student completes a final project — often designing an original experiment addressing a Provocative Question from the NIH National Cancer Institute. Students present at the Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS) and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).
Hear From Our Alumni
The personalized nature of the Wood Hudson Undergraduate Research Education Program has made it an invaluable experience for me, especially as my first experience in research. I gained a wealth of knowledge not only from the scientists but also from the many other experts who shared their insights with us through the seminar program.
Wood Hudson's UREP prepared me for a career in medicine by providing me with excellent mentors. The institute's collaborative environment fostered my growth as a scientist, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects while gaining invaluable insights into the complexities of cancer research.
I learned so much more about laboratory techniques and processes in a real-world environment, compared to my previous chemistry and biology classes. I focused on mRNA translation in breast cancer cells this summer. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn what UREP has provided for me.
Since joining the UREP program at Wood Hudson, I feel that this program has not only made up for any experience I may have missed out on, but surpassed what I would have been able to learn in a classroom setting. In the lab, I am able to work hands-on and gain invaluable experience.
UREP by the Numbers
the Program
Trained
Universities
Science Careers
Program
Who Can Apply?
UREP is open to undergraduate students from any college or university.
Students from Every Background
Over the years, the program has welcomed students from dozens of institutions across Kentucky, Ohio, and beyond. Wood Hudson also has a longstanding partnership with The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University, having hosted students from their program since 2009.
Why UREP Is Different
UREP exists because the next generation of scientists, doctors, and healthcare professionals needs more than textbook knowledge. They need mentorship. They need to understand what it feels like to work in a real lab, ask real questions, and pursue real answers. Wood Hudson's independent, nonprofit status means we can offer this experience without the bureaucratic constraints of larger institutions — students get personalized attention and meaningful responsibility from day one.
Partner Universities Include
Ready to Begin Your Research Journey?
UREP operates year-round, with the summer program as its centerpiece. Whether you're an undergraduate student interested in cancer research or a faculty advisor looking for a hands-on research opportunity for your students, we'd love to hear from you.
Wood Hudson Cancer Research Laboratory
931 Isabella Street, Newport, KY 41071