Future Deaf Scientists Summer Internship Program Structure

The Future Deaf Scientists Summer Internship Program is a four-week program that meets three days per week for half-day sessions (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.). The program includes short didactic lessons, hands-on shadowing experiences, and networking sessions with Deaf scientists and medical professionals nationwide. Students are assigned a team of dedicated interpreters to work with throughout the four weeks. Each week focuses on a different cancer topic and research area. Below is a brief description of the program's significant components.

Didactic Lessons

45-minute-long presentations where students learn about various medical and research topics. Lectures range from translational science topics to DNA and language deprivation.

Fireside Chats

Fireside chars are a hallmark of the FDS program. Students can hear the stories of deaf researchers and medical professionals. Students can ask questions to gain insight into how to become scientists themselves. Below is a list of some of our previous fireside chat presenters.

Shadowing Experiences / Tours / Hands-On Demonstrations

Students take advantage of hands-on experiences, such as learning to close a wound, analyzing bacteria under a microscope, and practicing operating room etiquette.

Future Deaf Scientists Summer 2023 Schedule

Week 1: Pluta Cancer Center 

Week 2: Pathology and Basic Science Laboratories

Week 3: Surgical Oncology

Week 4: Cancer Disparities and Community Engagement