Research and Innovation
NEXCITE Prepares Future Cancer Researchers Through Hands-On Training
By: Debby Teich | August 11, 2026 | 9 min. read |
At Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, NEXCITE gives undergraduate students hands-on cancer research experience, mentorship and a clearer path toward careers in science, medicine and patient care
For many undergraduate students, cancer research is something they read about in textbooks. At Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, NEXCITE (Next-Generation Cancer Internship & Training Excellence) gives students the opportunity to experience it by stepping into the laboratory, working alongside leading scientists and discovering how research drives better care for patients
Funded this year by Sylvester and modeled after the American Cancer Society internship that launched the program four years ago, NEXCITE underscores Sylvester’s commitment to developing the next generation of cancer researchers and physician-scientists while strengthening South Florida’s biomedical workforce
“By the end of the summer, participants leave with much more than research experience,” said Sophia George, Ph.D., a professor in the Miller School’s Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and lead principal investigator for the NEXCITE grant. “They leave with mentors, professional networks and the confidence that comes from contributing to meaningful research.”
Training Tomorrow’s Cancer Leaders
Unlike many undergraduate research programs, NEXCITE prepares students for careers as physician-scientists, cancer researchers and other health professionals. This year, eight undergraduate students were selected from more than 100 applicants
Each student was paired with a faculty mentor and conducted cancer-focused research while gaining exposure to clinical shadowing, clinical trials, career development, bioinformatics, computational approaches and professional networking. At the program’s conclusion, students presented their findings during a scientific symposium through poster and oral presentations before faculty, peers and judges
While research is the foundation of NEXCITE, mentorship is its defining feature. Faculty mentors provide daily guidance, while investigators and trainees share their own career journeys, helping students envision themselves in academic medicine and scientific discovery
“We equip trainees with hands-on cancer research experience and a clear understanding of how lab discoveries move into patient care and how patients and communities help shape research priorities,” said Kerry Burnstein, Ph.D., associate director for education and training at Sylvester and professor and chair of molecular and cellular pharmacology at the Miller School
Connecting Cancer Research to Communities
For Sebastian Lara, a rising junior at University of Michigan, NEXCITE provided an opportunity to combine his passion for science with research that directly impacts the community. His project examined how Miami’s urban fishers perceive sun exposure, skin cancer risk and preventive behaviors
Under the guidance of Kilan Ashad-Bishop, Ph.D., an assistant professor of environmental science and policy at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, along with co-mentor Asha Peddada, Sebastian interviewed recreational anglers and analyzed qualitative data to identify themes that could help shape more effective skin cancer prevention strategies
Beyond his project, Sebastian gained a deeper appreciation for the collaborative nature of academic medicine and how research can drive meaningful change
“Being surrounded by people who are passionate about discovery changes the way you think about your own future,” Lara said. “The program reinforced my decision to pursue medicine and gave me a greater appreciation for how research can improve patient care.”
As someone whose own career began with undergraduate research, Dr. Ashad-Bishop sees NEXCITE as an opportunity to create the same pathway for future scientists
“These programs are the reason I became a scientist,” she said. “I wanted to create the same opportunity for students who are just beginning to discover research. Seeing them become invested in public health research and contribute to our work while preparing for their own careers is incredibly rewarding.”
Discovering the Impact of Cancer Research
For Susanne Lopez, a rising senior at Florida International University, NEXCITE expanded her understanding of what a career in biomedical science could become. A double major in behavioral neuroscience and natural and applied sciences, Lopez joined the program to build her oncology research skills and gain her first laboratory experience
Working in the laboratory of surgical oncologist Nagaraj Nagathihalli, Ph.D., an associate professor in the DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, she studied the genetic factors that drive pancreatic cancer, research that could help guide more personalized approaches to treatment
The experience challenged Lopez to lead a project, analyze data and present her findings while building confidence through mentorship and collaboration
“The experience deepened my appreciation for the role research plays in advancing patient care,” Lopez said. “Through this program, I established a mentorship and network I can rely on while gaining a deeper understanding of clinical research and the work that takes place behind the scenes in laboratories. I am truly grateful for this opportunity.”
For students like Lara and Lopez, NEXCITE is an introduction to the possibilities of cancer research and a launching point for the future scientists, physicians and health care leaders who will shape tomorrow’s discoveries
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