USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
An NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
NextGen Cancer Scholars
ACS Cancer Research Fellows
A paid post-baccalaureate research fellowship at USC Norris, funded by the American Cancer Society. The only ACS CICRT Post-Baccalaureate Fellows site in Southern California.
About the program
The NextGen Cancer Scholars program is a two-year post-baccalaureate research fellowship sponsored by the American Cancer Society’s Center for Innovation in Cancer Research Training (CICRT) and hosted at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only ACS CICRT Post-Baccalaureate Fellows site in Southern California.
Fellows are matched with USC Norris faculty mentors to design and conduct original, hypothesis-driven cancer research. Each fellow follows an Individualized Professional Development Plan (IDP) developed with their mentor, building the research skills, scientific record, and graduate school readiness needed to become competitive applicants to highly selective PhD and MD-PhD programs.
What the program includes
- Full-time mentored research (90–95% of time)
- Individualized Professional Development Plan (IDP)
- Original hypothesis-driven research project
- Manuscript preparation & scientific writing
- National conference presentations with travel support
- Graduate school application preparation & support
- Scientific seminars
- Career development opportunities
- Networking with other USC programs and external institutions
- USC Norris trainee community & ACS CICRT network
Who should apply
- Current senior or recent graduate (within one year) with a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or health profession
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- From a racial or ethnic group historically underrepresented in biomedical research, per NIH definition
- Intends to pursue a doctoral degree: PhD or MD-PhD in STEM or health professions
- Must participate full-time in person and be based in Los Angeles for the two-year program
- Cannot be simultaneously enrolled in a graduate degree program (up to two courses per semester are allowed)
- US work authorization required; OPT/CPT eligible; US citizenship not required
- Intellectual curiosity, motivation, and commitment to the cancer research field
Accepted fellows commit to the full two years, with 90–95% of their time (35–38 hours per week) dedicated to research. This is a full-time, in-person program based in Los Angeles.
Application process
Do not contact faculty mentors directly. Mentor matching is coordinated by the program review committee after application review. Applications are reviewed in five stages.
- 1
Submit your application
Due February 15, 2027Complete the application form, which includes a video recording and a short written answer.
- 2
Mentor matching
By mid-March 2027Selected candidates are notified and matched with a USC Norris faculty mentor based on research fit and availability.
- 3
First selection round
By mid-April 2027Based on feedback from mentor interviews, selected candidates are moved to the next round.
- 4
IDP and research proposal
Due mid-May 2027Candidates develop a research proposal and an Individual Development Plan (IDP) with their mentor.
- 5
Cohort finalized
By mid-June 2027Final selection of candidates is based on IDP and Research Proposal submission. The fellowship runs September 1, 2027 – August 31, 2029.
Questions? Contact Domenica Romaniello, MS at acs-dicr@usc.edu.
Voices from the cohort
Through the first year of my ACS Post Bacc fellowship, experience has been one of the most impactful things I have gained as part of this program.... participating in this program has impacted me is giving me the confidence to continue in academia.
Our Fellows
2026–2028· 2 fellows
Ekene Okolo
Research focused on breast cancer detection using mammographic imaging, making mammography a more powerful tool for detecting cancer risk earlier, particularly for underserved communities.
Selam Mehreteab
Research focused on developing agent-based models of the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumor microenvironment to understand the cellular interactions and spatial organization that drive resistance to CAR T cell therapy.
2025–2027· 2 fellows
Benjamin Alonzo
Research focused on acute lymphoblastic leukemia and cancer epidemiology. Expanding data analysis and wet lab skills to deepen his understanding of cancer research and its implications for underserved communities.
2024 ACS Summer Intern
Steve Soto
Research centered on colorectal cancer (CRC) and its physiological progression, with a focus on the disproportionate impact of CRC on minority communities in the Los Angeles area.
2023 ACS Summer Intern
For information about the ACS Post-Baccalaureate Fellows program nationally, visit the American Cancer Society CICRT website →
Two-year, full-time placement at no cost to your lab; ACS funds the $50,000/year stipend. Fellows develop an IDP with you and are positioned to enter doctoral programs. Interested in mentoring a fellow? Fill out this form by January 15, 2027. Questions? Contact acs-dicr@usc.edu.
Applications are now open
Up to 2 fellowship positions are available for the 2027–2029 cohort. The deadline is February 15, 2027. For questions, contact Domenica Romaniello, MS at acs-dicr@usc.edu.
Still an undergraduate? The ACS Cancer Research Summer Internship is a 10-week, $5,000 paid summer research experience at USC Norris.
Apply now