Field of Study:
Cancer Immunology, Immuno-Oncology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Cancer Research
Department:
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James
Rank of Student:
Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are encouraged to apply. Exceptions may be considered for senior undergraduates with prior research experience, exceptional qualifications, or demonstrated potential to make meaningful scientific contributions.
Desired Majors:
Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Genetics, Microbiology, Biomedical Science, Neuroscience, Chemistry, and related fields.
Hours per Week:
17
Compensation Type:
Voluntary Experience
Application Deadline:
Contact:
Dr. Hakimeh Ebrahimi-Nik, Principal Investigator
Private
Public
Project Description
Our laboratory investigates the fundamental mechanisms that regulate immune responses against cancer, with a particular focus on CD8⁺ T-cell function. We seek to understand why immune cells succeed or fail in eliminating tumors and how these discoveries can be translated into more effective cancer treatments. Our research integrates molecular and cellular immunology, genetics, and translational approaches to address important questions in cancer biology.
Undergraduate researchers will have opportunities to participate in ongoing projects investigating T-cell activation, migration, exhaustion, and antitumor immunity. Students will initially receive hands-on training in techniques such as cell culture, flow cytometry, molecular biology, and functional immune assays. Those who demonstrate strong scientific aptitude, technical proficiency, reliability, and the ability to conduct experiments rigorously may progress to leading independent research projects under faculty supervision. Students will also participate in laboratory meetings, scientific discussions, data analysis, and experimental planning. Opportunities for scientific independence and authorship will depend on each student’s initiative, intellectual ability, dedication, and meaningful contributions to the research. Students who demonstrate exceptional commitment, scientific rigor, and sustained contributions may take increasing ownership of projects and qualify for co-authorship on scientific publications. Our laboratory values scientific contributions regardless of academic rank or position, as demonstrated by research staff who have earned first authorship on manuscripts submitted to prestigious scientific journals through years of exceptional dedication and rigorous scientific work.
This position is intended for highly motivated undergraduate students who are genuinely passionate about scientific discovery, including those planning to pursue careers in biomedical research and premedical students with a strong interest in science and research. Applicants should be eager to make meaningful, long-term contributions to our research program.
Undergraduate researchers will have opportunities to participate in ongoing projects investigating T-cell activation, migration, exhaustion, and antitumor immunity. Students will initially receive hands-on training in techniques such as cell culture, flow cytometry, molecular biology, and functional immune assays. Those who demonstrate strong scientific aptitude, technical proficiency, reliability, and the ability to conduct experiments rigorously may progress to leading independent research projects under faculty supervision. Students will also participate in laboratory meetings, scientific discussions, data analysis, and experimental planning. Opportunities for scientific independence and authorship will depend on each student’s initiative, intellectual ability, dedication, and meaningful contributions to the research. Students who demonstrate exceptional commitment, scientific rigor, and sustained contributions may take increasing ownership of projects and qualify for co-authorship on scientific publications. Our laboratory values scientific contributions regardless of academic rank or position, as demonstrated by research staff who have earned first authorship on manuscripts submitted to prestigious scientific journals through years of exceptional dedication and rigorous scientific work.
This position is intended for highly motivated undergraduate students who are genuinely passionate about scientific discovery, including those planning to pursue careers in biomedical research and premedical students with a strong interest in science and research. Applicants should be eager to make meaningful, long-term contributions to our research program.
Additional Information
Our laboratory provides a stimulating, collaborative, and intellectually challenging research environment with opportunities for hands-on training, scientific mentorship, and professional development. We place a strong emphasis on critical thinking, scientific rigor, independence, and personal responsibility.
We welcome students at different stages of their scientific training and are committed to mentoring individuals who demonstrate exceptional potential, dedication, and enthusiasm for discovery. Students seeking a meaningful, long-term research experience are especially encouraged to apply.
We welcome students at different stages of their scientific training and are committed to mentoring individuals who demonstrate exceptional potential, dedication, and enthusiasm for discovery. Students seeking a meaningful, long-term research experience are especially encouraged to apply.
Required Applicant Information
Interested students should submit:
A current résumé or CV.
An unofficial academic transcript.
A brief statement (maximum 300 words) describing their interest in cancer immunology, motivation for pursuing research, and what they hope to contribute to and gain from the laboratory experience.
Their anticipated graduation date, weekly availability, and expected duration of commitment.
Prior research experience is not required.
A current résumé or CV.
An unofficial academic transcript.
A brief statement (maximum 300 words) describing their interest in cancer immunology, motivation for pursuing research, and what they hope to contribute to and gain from the laboratory experience.
Their anticipated graduation date, weekly availability, and expected duration of commitment.
Prior research experience is not required.
Required or Desired Skills
We are seeking exceptionally motivated, intellectually curious, and dedicated students with a strong interest in scientific discovery and cancer immunology. Ideal candidates will demonstrate:
- Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and intellectual curiosity.
- Exceptional motivation, a strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for research.
- Ability to learn quickly, think critically, and develop increasing independence.
- Initiative, attention to detail, reliability, and a strong sense of responsibility.
- Willingness to embrace challenges, troubleshoot problems, and persevere through experimental setbacks.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.
- Commitment to sustained involvement in research and continued scientific development.
Previous laboratory experience is not required but is considered an advantage. We are particularly interested in students with outstanding potential who are eager to learn, willing to work hard, and committed to making meaningful contributions to scientific research.
- Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and intellectual curiosity.
- Exceptional motivation, a strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for research.
- Ability to learn quickly, think critically, and develop increasing independence.
- Initiative, attention to detail, reliability, and a strong sense of responsibility.
- Willingness to embrace challenges, troubleshoot problems, and persevere through experimental setbacks.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.
- Commitment to sustained involvement in research and continued scientific development.
Previous laboratory experience is not required but is considered an advantage. We are particularly interested in students with outstanding potential who are eager to learn, willing to work hard, and committed to making meaningful contributions to scientific research.
Faculty Member Lead:
Hakimeh Ebrahimi-Nik, DVM, PhD
Starting Semester:
Autumn,
Spring,
Summer
Length of Project (in semesters):
3