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Introduction to the Ted R. Lilley CURE Program

The Ted R. Lilley Continuing Umbrella of Research Education (CURE) Program is a research internship program at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, supported by a generous gift from the Lilley family. This program offers hands-on research experiences to Portland-area high school students who excel academically and come from socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The goal of this program is to address the issue of health equity by increasing participation of youth from underserved populations in biomedical research and other health-related fields.

Program Details

Hands-on Research Experiences

The program provides hands-on research experiences for Portland-area high school students. Students work a maximum of 40 hours a week (including seminars) for 8 weeks in a lab with a Knight Cancer Institute faculty member.

Stipend and Benefits

Participants receive a $4,000.00 stipend (approximately $12.50 an hour / 40 hours a week) and a Tri-Met pass for the duration of the program.

Program Structure

• Work in a lab with a Knight Cancer Institute faculty member
• Attend weekly seminars
• Adhere to faculty mentor expectations and curriculum
• Participate in a poster presentation attended by the lab employees, directors, and other staff of the Knight Cancer Institute

Internship Dates

The eight-week CURE Research Program is scheduled for Monday, June 22, 2026, through Friday, August 14, 2026. Interns will work a maximum of 40 hours per week (including weekly seminars).

Application Requirements

To apply, students must submit:

• A list of biology and chemistry courses taken
• A high school transcript (unofficial transcripts are accepted for the application process)
• A resume (including volunteer experience, extracurricular activities, community service, and work history)
• An essay (including career goals, extracurricular activities, intellectual interests, future educational plans, and the reason for participating in the program)
• Two references (one from a science teacher or research mentor and one from a community leader, teacher, coach, counselor, etc.)

Eligibility Criteria

• Students who are sophomores, juniors, or seniors from Oregon high schools (preference for selection is given to students with 2 years of high school remaining and those who attend public schools in the Portland Metro area)
• Students from disadvantaged backgrounds (as defined by the National Institute of Health)
• Must be 16 or older when the program begins in June
• Must have a 3.0 GPA or higher
• Must have taken at least one lab science class, preferably biology, and have an interest in research

Notification of Acceptance

Applicants can expect to be notified by the end of February regarding their acceptance into the program.

COVID-19 Policy

In compliance with Oregon law, OHSU's COVID-19 Immunization and Education policy requires visitors and volunteers to be fully vaccinated (14 days after the last dose). Exception requests will not be accepted. Participants must be prepared to provide proof of vaccination or receive a COVID-19 vaccination as a requirement for onboarding for their in-person assignment at OHSU.