Building on several pilot years of the program, the Academic Summer Student Undergraduate Research Experience (ASSURE) in Advanced Radiological Sciences is in its inaugural year of NIH R25 funding to support 17 undergraduate students. The 11-week summer program aims to equip future cancer researchers with the necessary skills to launch successful scientific careers. This multi-disciplinary program is led by Principal Investigators Carri Glide-Hurst, professor in human oncology, and Ivan Rosado-Mendez, assistant professor in medical physics, as well as a supportive team of contributors including Co-Investigator Michael Speidel, interim chair in the Department of Medical Physics.
Dr. Glide-Hurst shared, “We are thrilled to welcome an exceptionally talented and diverse cohort of ASSURE trainees to Madison this summer. Their enthusiasm and curiosity, combined with the extraordinary commitment of our faculty, staff, and graduate student mentors, are what make this program possible. To me, ASSURE represents our commitment at UW-Madison of the collective investment in the future of medical physics—one that will enrich the research training experience and help cultivate the next generation of academic and research leaders in our field.”
Dr. Rosado-Mendez added, “The ASSURE program seeks to inspire STEM undergraduates to pursue a career in radiological sciences through a full-on immersion into research and our medical physics community. But it goes several steps further: we have partnered with the Wisconsin Institute for Science Education and Community Engagement (WISCIENCE) to enrich the student’s experience with professional development workshops aimed at providing them with tools to help them succeed in their next career steps.”
Following a competitive application period with more than 130 highly-qualified applicants, students were selected from across the country to participate in this year’s program, which begins June 1.
We are delighted to welcome the 17 ASSURE students joining us this summer:
- Gabe Ambrose, University of San Diego
- Ben Ameku, Illinois Institute of Technology
- Janice Amornthanomchoke, UW-Madison
- William Cammin, Michigan Tech University
- Angelina Castillo, Southern Adventist University
- Giovani Cheema, Carleton College
- Riley Dachel, University of Iowa
- Jack Hintermeister, UW-Madison
- Anna Kavanagh, Santa Clara University
- Teegan Lannon, Xavier University
- Ramuny Lim, BYU-Idaho
- Katie Porter, George Washington University
- Alexander Rasmussen, Michigan Tech University
- Ryne Starnes, Florida State University
- Kevin Tanious, Yale University
- Madelyn Tavelli, Michigan University
- Madison Wilson, Berea College
Each ASSURE student will be paired with a faculty mentor and work on a research project led by one of 13 enthusiastic ASSURE mentors from the Departments of Medical Physics, Radiation Medicine, and Radiology.
ASSURE students will explore a wide and inspiring range of research opportunities across ultrasound, MRI, optical imaging, radiation therapy including proton therapy, and radiopharmaceutical therapy dosimetry, among other emerging areas in radiological sciences. The ASSURE program extends well beyond the research lab, offering a rich schedule of educational seminars, professional development workshops, guided laboratory and industry partner tours, and community‑building activities throughout Madison. Together, these experiences reflect the Wisconsin Idea—advancing knowledge through education, discovery, and engagement—made possible by a dedicated team of faculty mentors, administrative and communications staff, and graduate student coordinators committed to trainee success.