As summer comes to a close, we say goodbye to our latest cohort of undergraduate students in the ASSURE (Academic Summer Student Undergraduate Research Experience) program. With new funding in 2026 from an NIH R25 grant and support from an ASSURE coordination team, this program expanded to include 17 undergraduate participants from across the country. This impressive group spent 11 weeks exploring advanced radiological sciences at the University of Wisconsin and the broader community.
ASSURE students participated in a variety of activities throughout the summer:
- Scientific lectures including machine learning, radiation delivery, theranostics, precision medicine, and others
- Career talks highlighting the roles of both clinical medical physicists and academic medical physicists, as well as entrepreneurship
- Professional development featuring responsible and ethical conduct of research, research documentation, literature reviews, developing your online identity, and a scientific poster workshop, offered in partnership with the Wisconsin Institute for Science Education and Community Engagement, Ebling Library, and the Morgridge Institute for Research
- Industry tours including Standard Imaging, Leo Cancer Care, GE Healthcare, Accuray, and others
Not only did the ASSURE program increase its number of participants this summer, but it also received robust support from a larger team of mentors who helped make the program a success.
“Support from the National Cancer Institute has been transformative for the ASSURE program,” says Principal Investigator Ivan Rosado-Mendez. “In addition to recruiting 17 exceptional students, it allowed us to create meaningful professional development opportunities for both students and mentors. The impact was evident in the outstanding poster presentations delivered at the end of the program. Even more importantly, the mentorship and peer relationships formed through ASSURE will continue to support these trainees throughout their academic and professional journeys.”
On Friday, August 7, the students presented their research projects at a poster session, and a panel of judges selected top awards. Congratulations to the following winners:
- First place – Madison Wilson
- Second Place – Madelyn Tavelli
- Third Place – Janice Amornthanomchoke
As summer wraps up, several students will continue collaborating with their research group, extending their research experience beyond the program.
The program is also already looking forward to next year. Applications for the 2027 ASSURE program will open in November.