Introduction
The Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG) offers a summer research experience for students interested in exploring careers in cancer epidemiology, biostatistics, 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.
DCEG Research
Most DCEG Researchers work on analyses of large populations, cohort studies, and case-control studies.
Laboratory Research
DCEG offers a limited number of summer laboratory research positions, mostly in the Laboratory of Translational Genomics. Students who are interested in laboratory research should visit the Research and Training web site for information about lab research at NIH.
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 is the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG) located?
DCEG is located in Rockville, a suburb north of Washington D.C. The address is 6120 Executive Blvd. in Rockville, Maryland, 20852, which is part of Montgomery County, Maryland. Parking is available at our office building, free of charge. Public transportation, either by bus or Metro, is also available. The closest Metro stop is "White Flint" on the Red Line and is within 15 to 20 minute walking distance from the office building.
Where can students live?
There are a variety of housing resources (see below) in the nearby surrounding areas, including Rockville and Bethesda, Maryland, and Washington, DC.
Housing Information
Below are web sites which have information about available housing in the area.
NIH Fellows Handbook - Housing Information
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
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.
Review of applications will begin in mid-January. To apply for the DCEG Summer program, students must submit the following two applications:
- Summary Application For the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics
Fill out this online brief summary application. The information on your summary application is circulated to the researchers in the Division for review.
- NIH Online Application
Apply online through the following website: NIH Research and Training Opportunities web site. Online applications are accepted beginning in mid-November through the NIH application web site.
This NIH application allows you to pick your field of research interest and preferred Institute. To choose the "Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics" include the following selections for one of your three options:
- Scientific Methodology - select "Epidemiology and biostatistics"
- Medical Entity/ Disease - select "Cancer"
- Institute - select "National Cancer Institute"
