Summer Research Experiences

I have learned so much throughout the 6 weeks I had at the GCC SRE program. My mentor was very understanding and explained concepts to me in a way that I could comprehend. By the end of the program, I had a very different understanding of what cancer research entailed and all of the pieces that go into it. 

Participating in the GCC SRE program has been an incredible experience that strengthened both my research skills and my confidence as a student scientist. The mentors were supportive, knowledgeable, and always encouraged me to think critically while learning advanced laboratory techniques. This program deepened my passion for cancer research and inspired me to continue pursuing a career in medicine and scientific research. I am truly grateful for the opportunity and would highly recommend the GCC SRE program to other students interested in STEM. 

The GCC SRE program is an amazing opportunity to open yourself up to new experiences. It will help guide you through conducting research at your own pace, and you will develop important skills you need along the way. Without a doubt, anyone can contribute to cancer research while also having a great time with the program. 

I had an amazing experience with the GCC SRE program and learned so much throughout the summer. I loved getting hands-on experience in a real research lab, meeting so many great people, and making new friends. This program gave me a better understanding of cancer research and introduced me to new career paths and opportunities that I hope to continue exploring in the future.

This experience has taught me so much on not only cancer, but also research, public speaking skills, and how to network. Being able to do research in the wet lab is something I'm truly grateful for, and it has definitely prepared me for my future. I highly recommend applying and joining this program. It's a summer filled with fun, friends, and knowledge.

The GCC SRE program has significantly changed my perspective on the different avenues of research. Everyone is very friendly and always making sure that we are well taken care of. It was a great pleasure to be able to learn under such esteemed and knowledgeable mentors who gave us the necessary resources we would need to complete the program successfully. One of my favorite aspects was being able to ask the researchers specific questions about their research during our Q&A sessions. And even though many of us did not fully understand much of the concepts they were exploring, I still felt welcomed and comfortable enough to ask any questions I wanted. I am so grateful for this experience! 

This program is one of the best I’ve ever encountered! It allowed for exposure to the lab environment, provided experience with top notch researchers, and introduced me to a realm of professions that I hope to join one day. This experience ensures a summer well spent, and I am so glad to have completed it! 

Participating in GCC SRE was my very first time actually working hands-on in a lab, and I would like to say, it was an amazing opportunity. Not only were we allowed to work in research labs, but we were also able to connect with our peers through lunches, attend many classes, and even debate our peers! I am incredibly grateful for all the GCC staff that gave me this valuable experience, and I would really recommend applying for this program! Thank you for this amazing 6 weeks GCC, and I'm so grateful to have spent my summer in this program! 

Going into this program, I had the perception that research was just working in a lab. This program changed my perception and opened my eyes to more areas of research, like population-based, under the guidance of experienced researchers. I greatly enjoyed connecting with peers and mentors. It was truly a great experience. Thank you for this amazing opportunity. 

The SRE program at GCC made me think deeper and ask myself questions I wouldn’t have otherwise. It pushed me to be more forward about what I want to pursue and lead me to a more confident mindset. I learned a lot about cancer research, but also about the significance of bench to bedside research and how impactful any participation in cancer research can be. 

My experience with the GCC SRE program truly exceeded my expectations. It is such an exciting and eye-opening program because you get to experience science up close, explore current and emerging cancer research, ask questions, and learn directly from mentors and professionals in the field. What makes GCC SRE especially meaningful is seeing how research can make an impact beyond the lab, from “bench to bedside.” The mentors and faculty are incredibly supportive, and the connections you build make the experience even more special. I would absolutely recommend GCC SRE to anyone interested in science or research! 

The GCC SRE program changed my life. The first year I did it, it brought me several opportunities that I could pursued as a high school student that I typically wouldn't be able to. However, this year, there were so many improvements that made the quality of the program outstanding. Developments such as the addition of the Alumni Luncheon truly made the program one I won't forget. Furthermore, I was able gain experience in wet lab techniques while presenting a 3MT I could confidently and accurately deliver only due to the mentorship of the GCC SRE Team. Thank you GCC SRE. The connective, scientific, and communication skills provided to me through this program will always be invaluable in my journey. 

The Augusta University slogan is “Life-Changing, Life-Saving Education” and Its accurate in every aspect. This experience has shown me how to be more confident and learn skills I will use in my future jobs including soft skills. The mentors are incredible and passionate individuals who I look up to. Even if you are not interested in research, this program was phenomenal and I will recommend it to all of my peers.

My GCC SRE experience surpassed all of my expectations! It was an incredible opportunity to learn more about cancer research and the progress that has been made. It was also an amazing way to build connections with not only the SRE team but also my mentors. I am truly grateful that I got a chance to be a part of something so important.

I greatly enjoyed my experience being a part of the GCC SRE program. I was able to take my passion for cancer research and translate it into real, hands-on work. Being able to conduct actual wet lab research in this program is something that I think will really prepare me for any future research I choose to pursue in college or beyond. Through this program, I was exposed to different career options, many current research projects, and so much more. I gained mentors, friends, and so much knowledge. I really recommend applying to this program, and spending your summer in the lab.

Considering that it was my very first research opportunity, I don't think I'll ever really forget the GCC SRE Program. I met an incredible group of people, both faculty and peers, and was able to work with them daily! Besides the social dynamics, being able to attend countless presentations and lectures on a vast of different topics opened my mind up to the amazing world that is Cancer Research! I'm incredibly grateful to Drs. Middleton, Mamouni, and Markowitz among other amazing faculty, and I'll definitely miss all of our cohort! GCC created memories, strengthened knowledge, and above all, helped all of us make a little bit of a difference.

I LOVE THIS PROGRAM!!! Definitely a program that I will not forget, seriously. All the important life skills I've learned are invaluable. Prior to this program, I used to be clueless about what cancer was specifically, except that it was "uncontrolled growth." Also, you don't just learn about cancer, I learned so much about public speaking and improved my oral speaking skills so much! Thank you so much GCC SRE!!! 

The GCC SRE program enabled me to experience the fundamentals of basic science and the research process firsthand. The SRE staff were so active and involved with the students. I gained valuable experience in conducting research, making my own poster project, and more.

After completing this program, I have a much greater understanding and respect for research. I had a lot of fun during my 6 weeks here researching and also making friends and connections here.

This program not only taught about the values and the variety of work in cancer research but also developed close friendships.

The GCC SRE program is an opportunity anyone and everyone has to take. It can really help one develop their goals in life and help guide you to your future.

The GCC SRE program gave me a deep and helpful insight into how cancer research is conducted. With the guidance of expert researchers, I was able to gain great experience and knowledge in the cancer research field. Along with the lab work, the additional sessions/lectures informed me about more scientific information such as cancer genetics and immunology. - Krish Patel

 My time at GCC SRE was incredibly impactful. I gained valuable research experience, improved my public speaking skills, and had the opportunity to network with peers and mentors. This experience has greatly influenced my future goals and academic interests.

I truly enjoyed participating in the GCC SRE program as it was an inspiring and enriching experience. I loved learning how to read and structure research papers, which gave me a deeper understanding of the scientific process. Exploring current and emerging research in cancer was especially exciting and eye-opening. The mentors, guest speakers, and everyone involved were incredibly supportive, knowledgeable, and passionate, which made the program even more meaningful.

The GCC SRE program was a very beneficial and insightful research experience. It allowed me to gain a better understanding of how cancer research is conducted and how that research can possibly translate to patient care for cancer patients. I received strong mentorship, and I was given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the laboratory. Furthermore, I was able to attend talks by many accomplished scientists and doctors, inspiring me to explore the field of oncology. At the end of the program, I was able to present the work I conducted in my research lab to my peers, mentors, friends, and family. I really loved how this experience taught me how to effectively [communicate], especially toward a more diverse audience. 

This experience is a perfect way to gain great research experience under the guidance of amazing individuals. The skills that you acquire in this program, although focused on cancer research, are essential for any field and will help you regardless of what you choose to pursue in the future.

 My experience under the GCC SRE program instilled a foundation of knowledge in me about the ever-changing topic of cancer. I was able to apply this knowledge in the presence of incredible instructors and good friends. This experience allowed me to see the worth of putting long term effort into something while gaining a long-lasting, valuable reward. I fully recommend the program to anyone looking to broaden their horizons whether it be in research or the medical field.        - Ade

 After completing this program, I have such an admiration for scientific research. I had so much fun during the 6 weeks at the Georgia Cancer Center and I could really put myself in the shoes of an actual researcher- because that’s what I was! It was a great experience that opens your eyes to so many aspects in the field of medicine you may not have even thought of before. I also made so many friends who aspired to have the same or similar future career as me. It’s so important to grow connections with people who will help you grow into what you dream to be    - Carolyn

 This is my 3^rd year being at the GCC SRE Program, and I have loved every single minute of it.  I have had the opportunity to work with 2 amazing mentors and learn so much from them.  I can’t wait to start working here soon!      - Kamani

 My participation in the 2024 GCC SRE far surpassed my expectations in terms of content knowledge and actual research experience, insight into the life and expectations of a researcher, and guidance towards pursuing a career in research.  The many opportunities afforded throughout the SRE to not only observe research in the lab and be exposed to ongoing research efforts by attending seminars, but also engage in casual conversation with researchers from various fields and at every level, including the Director of the GCC himself, have yielded invaluable information which has been extremely helpful as I plan my future.  I would highly recommend the GCC SRE to anyone who is interested in laboratory research and wants to learn more, as much of what I learned could only come from people who have experienced what research is like in the real world and will not be found anywhere else. - Anonymous

 I learned so much during this program.  It has improved my confidence immensely in what I would like to do as my career.  Thank you so much!     - Nadine

 The Georgia Cancer Center Summer Research program was an amazing experience that is a great introduction for anyone who is interested in research or cancer. I learned a great deal throughout the program and it was a very memorable experience. I received a lot of hands-on experience working with researchers and their teams, while learning about cutting-edge research that is still in progress. I wish the program lasted longer, as I looked forward to going in every day.     – Dylan

 The GCC SRE program was an incredible opportunity.  The program offered hands-on research experience and access to leading experts in the field of cancer research.  It significantly enhanced my understanding and skills, preparing me for a future in the medical field.      - Sai

 The program was very beneficial in providing hands-on experiences and opportunities to improve research and public speaking skills.      - Anonymous

 I came to GCC because I was interested in the lab aspects of cancer treatment, and I was placed into bioinformatics instead.  There was never a time, though, that I wished I was working in the lab instead of with my lab partner, Pradyun, and Dr. Coombes.  I came to Augusta expecting to gain knowledge on lab techniques but came out a full-fledged R coder instead.  Displaying my finished product to my mentor and the postdocs that worked with me for the six-week duration of this program was the cherry on top.  I really believe I got the best of both worlds at the Georgia Cancer Center and made a lot of permanent connections along the way.  Thank you for everything.      - Keefer

 My experience with the GCC SRE Program was incredibly beneficial, as it allowed me to explore cancer research and expand my understanding of cancer.  I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the biological mechanisms of different types of cancers and the latest advancements in treatments.  Although I was a little nervous going into the program, the kindness and support of the faculty allowed me to learn so much through this program.  Engaging in hands-on research allowed me to experience what it truly means to be a researcher and deepened my passion for my future career.      - Jagraj

 The GCC SRE Program was a wonderful experience and a great way to spend my summer. I was able to get hands-on experience with encouraging mentors who were happy to explain what they there doing and was also to carry out some lab procedures myself (flow cytometry, gel electrophoresis, cell culturing and counting, cell staining). I also got to attend lectures by GCC staff and visiting specialists on their research. Throughout the program, we had some training on preparing for an oral presentation, which we did at the end of the program to our peers, family, and mentors.      – Épée

This program was probably one of my favorite ways I could impact some way or another- the future of sciences. Though like many others, I am not fully into the research aspect- this SRE program has really opened up a new world for me of possibilities. At first it may be a little concerning like the first few days of school or a new job but eventually this program will become family to you and that will determine your impact. I personally was a big fan of the on-hands research process but, because of this program I now have a similar opinion to other processes. Which just shows how many possibilities are given to you for free. Also the fact you get to learn and communicate with experts and understand how they learn/work is great for the future of anyone’s career. As a whole, this program is great and an excellent starter for anyone who has interests in research or in the University itself. - Anonymous

 The GCC SRE program broadened my horizons greatly; not only did it allow me to get interested in the field of oncology, but it has allowed me to meet so many people with the same interests as me and has allowed me to make several connections in the field and outside the field. This program has been such a crowning jewel for my experience and is a great additive to my resume. I will carry the memories I made from this program for the rest of my life and I am so glad for the kickstart this program has given me on my journey in medicine.      - Monisha 

 I cannot thank the SRE Program enough.  I applied and decided to attend not truly knowing what to expect, especially coming from a few hours away.  I was extremely impressed with the organization, the planning, and the execution of the entire program.  It allowed me to delve deeper into cancer-related topics in a way that inspired me to want to continue along a path in research (after medical school).  Overall, the program solidified my love of science, and it gave me hope for a bright future in cancer research and research as a whole.      - Anonymous

 The GCC SRE Program was a very hands-on, informational experience.  I really learned a lot about current cancer research and research in general.  I had amazing mentors and peers and the whole experience really helped further my understanding of careers in research and medicine.      - Lily

 The SRE Program is a valuable experience for any high school student.  It’s a great way to gain exposure to performing research, at a young age, and is constantly filled with exciting seminars, tours, etc., when you’re not busy with your own work!  I highly recommend it.      - Anonymous

 This is an amazing opportunity for those interested in the medical world or research in general. You’ll gain beneficial skills, learn interesting information, and get connections from mentors, presenters, and peers that can help boost and prepare yourself for a future career. – Ally

My time at the Georgia Cancer Center was very eye-opening to all the options of future careers and gave me first-hand knowledge on how research works. The weekly seminars helped me greatly throughout the program and allowed us to learn about research efforts going on in other labs in the cancer center as well as labs across the country. I learned so much with this six-week program and believe it will definitely help me in the future. – Ryan