Introduction
The Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG) offers a summer research experience for students interested in exploring careers in cancer epidemiology and genetics. The program is open to high school, college, and graduate students, including medical and dental students. Successful applicants join the Division for at least 8 weeks between May and September. Under the supervision of a Division researcher, summer students conduct research in selected areas of epidemiologic investigation. Students are encouraged to attend lectures offered under the NIH Summer Seminar Series, participate in DCEG meetings and seminars, attend formal NIH lectures and symposia, and participate in the NIH Summer Research Program Poster Day and the DCEG Poster Day.
What is Epidemiology?
Epidemiology is often called the science of public health. It is described as the study of the distribution and determinants of disease risk in human populations. Epidemiologists study a diverse range of health conditions as well as the impact that various exposures have on the manifestation of disease. See the American College of Epidemiology.
Laboratory Research
DCEG does not offer summer laboratory research positions. DCEG Researchers work on analyses of large populations, cohort and case-control studies. Students who are interested in laboratory research should visit the Research and Training web site for information about lab research at NIH.
Previous Summer Student Projects
Biostatistics
- Assessing the chance that the finding of a report is false
Clinical Genetics
- Inherited bone marrow failure syndromes study databases
- Utility of the colored eco-genetic relationship map for assessing social functioning of women in HBOC families
Genetic Epidemiology
- Differential gene expression in gastric cardia cancer: comparison of two methods
- Immunophenotypic and clinical protein features of monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) in unaffected relatives from B-CLL kindreds
Hormonal and Reproductive Epidemiology
- Increased non-hodgkin lymphoma risk in association with family history of hematopoietic malignancies
- MBL2 haplotypes and clearance of hepatitis C among injection drug users
Nutritional Epidemiology
- Association of the CYP17 MspA1 gene polymorphism with prostate cancer in the ATBC Study
- A prospective investigation of height and prostate cancer risk
Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology
- Analysis of 1-carbon metabolism in the Spanish Bladder Cancer Study
Radiation Epidemiology
- Merkel cell carcinoma and multiple primary cancers
- Analyzing and interpreting data on two projects involving the U.S.
- Radiologic Technologists' Study: (1) discrepancies between state registry data and cancers identified by self-report and death certificates; and (2) physical activity and all-cause mortality
Infections and Immunoepidemiology
- Elevated risk of lung cancer n people with HIV/AIDS in the United States
- HHV-8 viral and ntibody profiles in patients with Kaposi's sarcoma in Uganda
- Association of smoking and oral lesions with HHV-8 in the U.S. population
Areas of Research
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the application process start?
The application process begins in mid-November.
How long is a summer fellowship?
A typical summer fellowship lasts 8 to 10 weeks with a minimum requirement of 8 weeks. There is some flexibility depending on the student's schedule.
When does the summer fellowship start and end?
The fellowship begins in late May or early June and ends in August or September, but exact dates depend on the student's and the mentor's schedules.
Is the summer fellowship a paid position?
Yes. Summer fellows receive a stipend based on academic level.
Where can students live?
There are a variety of housing resources available in the area with access to Rockville, Bethesda, and Washington, DC. The Division of Cancer Epidemiology (DCEG) is located at 6120 Executive Blvd. in Rockville, Maryland, which is part of Montgomery County.
Housing
The Division of Cancer Epidemiology (DCEG) is located at 6120 Executive Blvd. in Rockville, Maryland, which is part of Montgomery County. Parking is available at our office building. Public transportation is accessible via bus or metro. The closest Metro stop is White Flint - on the Red Line. By foot it is a 15 to 20 minute walk to the Metro.
Information on NIH Web Pages
NIH Fellows Handbook - Housing Information
NIH Fellows Merchandise and Room Exchange
This page is a bulletin board for ads by and for the NIH Fellows community
Montgomery County Gazette Classifieds
Local county newspaper classified ads page with search capabilities for housing, employment, goods, and services.
Washington, DC Registry
The Washington, DC Registry is an Internet guide to the Washington, DC metropolitan area. It has a comprehensive directory listing of Washington, DC area web sites, including housing rental ads.
International Student House (For men and women. Students only.)
1825 R St., N.W.
Washington D.C., 20009
(202)387-6445 or (202) 232-4007
Fax: (202) 387-4115
Metro: Dupont Circle - Red line
University Summer Housing
American University
Phone: (202) 885- 2599 or (202) 885- 3370
Email: summerhousing@american.edu
Metro: Tenleytown/ AU - Red line
Open: Mid-May through mid-August
Catholic University
Phone: (202) 319- 5277
Email: cua-summer@cua.edu
Metro: Brookland/CUA Red line
Open: Mid May through mid-August
Georgetown University
Information about on- and off-campus housing.
George Washington University
Phone: (202) 994- 9193
Metro: Foggy Bottom Orange/Blue line
Open: Early May through mid-August
Howard University
Phone: (202) 806- 5661
Metro: Shaw/Howard - Green line
Open: June 1 through July 31
Summer Research Fellowship Program Catalog Living Arrangements
This list is provided by the NIH Office of Education to summer students.
Thompson-Markward Hall (For women aged 18 - 35 yrs. Mostly students and interns.)
235 2 nd Street, N.E.
Washington D.C., 20002
(202) 546-3255 Metro: Union Station - Red line
How to Apply
Thank you for your interest in our summer program. The application process is now closed for Summer 2008. Applications for Summer 2009 will be available in November 2008.