The Georgia Cancer Center hold their 3rd Summer Research Experience

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – The future of cancer research is front and center at the Georgia Cancer Center this week.  

The Summer Research Experience has nearly doubled in size since it began three years ago. This year, the program received almost a hundred applications with some from around the world. While worldwide attention is welcome, there are only a limited number of spots available for students from outside our area.  
 
“This is just the students find out about us online. Because we thought, oh well, they must be related to somebody, and they weren’t,” said Rhea-Beth Markowitz, Director of Grant Development at Georgia Cancer Center. 
 
Students are in the program for 6 weeks. They learn not only how to conduct cancer research but also how to speak and communicate effectively through science, including the responsible conduct of research and more.  
 
“These students are here to learn about cancer research, and it’s one of the missions of the National Cancer Institute to grow the cancer research workforce of the future, and that’s what we’re doing here,” said Markowitz.  
 
Gloria Antoun will soon be a senior at Lakeside High School. She has been around medical professionals her entire life. She told me that when she heard about this program from her uncle, who works at the cancer center, she knew she wanted to be a part of it.   
 
“I’ve always been interested in this field of study and science and applying it to the real world and definitely helping people,” said Gloria Antoun, Rising Senior at Lakeside High School. “It’s such a great opportunity to know that your career can directly influence people and improve their lives.”  
 
Carolina Moon, another student, said this program has shown her the different career paths she can take.  
 
“I have originally wanted to be a doctor like clinical instead of PhD doctor, but this program has definitely let me think about other career choices,” said Caroline Moon, Rising Junior, Davidson Fine Arts School.  

At the end of the 6 weeks, students put their presentation skills to the test and present their cancer research to their classmates, faculty, and parents.