The world of biomedical research is full of exciting opportunities. As the field continues to evolve, early exposure to hands-on research in labs and mentorship is becoming increasingly important. For some undergraduates, especially those who may not have easy access to research at their home institutions, finding these opportunities can be challenging.
The University of Nebraska Medical Center Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) is more than a summer internship. The SURP program is a carefully built bridge between curiosity and career, designed to give undergraduate students the chance to step into the world of discovery and begin to see themselves as scientists. Through meaningful, hands-on research experiences, students build skills, confidence, and lasting connections that extend far beyond a single summer.
Each year, the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center hosts undergraduate students through SURP, offering opportunities to work alongside renowned cancer research scientists and gain hands-on training and education. Students don’t just observe the science—they actively contribute to it. SURP students work in labs and clinical research spaces, develop technical and analytical skills, and participate in professional development activities. SURP ends each summer with the UNMC SURP Poster Symposium, where students present their projects and contributions to ongoing cancer research.
“By engaging students early through SURP, we are building the next generation of scientists who will shape the future of cancer research,” said Joann Sweasy, PhD, director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.
For Ethan Lorenson, a Creighton neuroscience major, SURP offered a chance to turn classroom curiosity into real discovery. Working with Hamid Band, MD, PhD, Ethan explored cancer biology at a deeper level. “It’s really devastating but awesome to study.” Growing up in Omaha, Ethan had long been aware of UNMC’s reputation. “UNMC is the place for cancer research,” he shared—and SURP gave him the opportunity to be part of it.
For some students, SURP becomes a longer journey of growth. Sophie Pacheco, a Creighton biology major, returned to the program for a second summer after studying cancer cell metastasis with Ray Bergan, MD in 2024. In summer 2025, she joined Grinu Mathew, PhD’s lab, where her role felt more independent and her understanding more refined. “Here you work at a higher level with more connections,” Sophie said. “It’s cool to make a difference at a young age.”
Kate Galvin, a UNL biology major preparing for medical school, was drawn to SURP by both a family history of cancer and her interest in oncology and dermatology. Working in Jennifer Black, PhD’s lab, she found a supportive environment that emphasized persistence and resilience. “It’s hard to not see immediate results,” she said, “but I’m learning to be okay with being uncomfortable and persevering.”
Across labs and disciplines, students consistently highlight one defining aspect of the program: “mentorship”. The outcomes reflect that impact. “Of the cancer research SURP students tracked, 93% are currently in research or healthcare training positions or careers,” said Joyce Solheim, PhD, associate director for Cancer Research Training and Education at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.