The Illinois Division of the American Cancer Society is now accepting applications for the 2009 Summer High School Research Program – an opportunity for up to 25 talented high-school juniors to spend 8 weeks working side-by-side with leading cancer researchers in our state.

Begun in 2003, this innovative program has helped more than 170 carefully chosen students gain real-world perspective as they consider careers in science, research and medicine. Our goal is to include outstanding students from every part of the state in a diverse group that includes young people of all backgrounds.

Here’s what some of our alumni have to say about their summer of research and their plans for the future.

Ezinnaya Ubagharaji (Class of 2004) says her study under Dr. Maryellen Giger at The University of Chicago strengthened her career interest in medicine. Now completing her bachelor’s degree in biology at Denison University in Granville, Ohio, she plans to enter medical school this fall.

Rachel Wang (Class of 2006) spent her summer of study with Dr. Jasti Rao at the University of Illinois at Peoria. Currently a sophomore at Northwestern University in Evanston studying biology and global health, she aspires to practice medicine abroad after earning her medical degree.

Jeremy Palgen (Class of 2008) worked with Dr. Devkumar Mustafi at The University of Chicago last summer. Now a freshman at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he will volunteer as a Society spokesperson and fundraiser this year.

Sarah Muralles (Class of 2008) will graduate from Northside College Preparatory High School this spring and plans to study biology when she enters college this fall. Her work last summer with Dr. Julie Hook at Rush University Medical Center gave her the chance to learn how chemotherapy affects cognition in breast cancer patients.

Questions? Please contact Tyharrie Hill, Manager, Research and Health Initiatives, at 312.279.7392 or ilhsprogram@cancer.org.