Summer Program Advancing Research Knowledge, Education and Development

THE TISCH CANCER INSTITUTE

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SPARKED is sponsored in part by the Phylis M. Esposito Charitable Fund, and the Maida Chicone Charitable Fund.

For high school students aged 16-18 who are passionate about science and interested in exploring the world of biomedical research, The Tisch Cancer Institute (TCI) Summer Program Advancing Research Knowledge, Education and Development (SPARKED), provides hands-on research experience.

SPARKED offers a structured and supportive environment to develop strong laboratory research skills or data analysis skills, under the supervision of an assigned mentor selected from a diverse group of distinguished faculty at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Students work on developing their technical skills, learn to think critically and read scientific literature, and experience working with a mentor and as a team member.

In 2026, SPARKED will offer students to participate in a summer internship performing experiments in one of the TCI experimental biology labs (wet lab), or exploring the world of bioinformatics utilizing computational tools in one of the TCI data science labs (dry lab).

Throughout the program, the team of co-directors provides ongoing support and assistance to ensure you get the most from this experience. The program further provides a workshop curriculum to enhance both your scientific knowledge and support you with college and career planning. A final presentation event gives you the opportunity to exchange ideas with your peers and colleagues and develop your presentation and team-working skills.

The program runs for a total of 10 months, with an initial four weekly pre-program preparation meetings, followed by six weeks over the summer (four days per week) in the lab, and then eight months part-time after school, to continue learning and developing your skills.

The 2026 application cycle is now open.

Curriculum

While the majority of time is spent conducting mentored research, the program offers a range of activities and lectures to enhance your scientific knowledge and help you navigate first steps toward a career in the biomedical field.

The internship will start with four weekly virtual pre-program preparation meetings, with introductions to The Tisch Cancer Institute, SPARKED program introduction (expectations, values, attitudes, goals), best laboratory practices, discussion about Mentor-Mentee relationship, and the fundamentals of cancer and developmental biology.

Lab internship in Experimental Biology

During the six-week full-time summer internship and into the school year, students participate in active experimental biology science projects in one of The Tisch Cancer Institute laboratories, while also learning best practices in biomedical laboratory research. Students will work on developing their technical skills performing experiments, learn to think critically, learn to read scientific literature, and experience working with a mentor and as a team member.

Lab internship in Data Science

During the six-week full-time summer internship and into the school year, students participate in active data analysis projects in one of The Tisch Cancer Institute laboratories, while also learning best practices in computational biology. Students will work on developing their technical skills running computational tools, learn to think critically, learn to read scientific literature, and experience working with a mentor and as a team member.

Students engage in scientific enrichment sessions as a group, visit The Tisch Cancer Institute shared resources (e.g. microscopy) and hear lectures from both clinicians treating cancer patients and leading scientists in cancer biology. Group meetings occur weekly and in person during the summer, and monthly on Zoom during the school year.

The program offers students the opportunity to discuss career planning and college applications including hands-on workshops focused on writing a resume and personal statement and conducting a successful admission interview. In addition, students further engage in group discussions on well-being and scientific research and medical care as it relates to our community.

Meet the Co-Directors

Jamilia Sly, PhD

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR | Population Health Science and Policy

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR | Family Medicine & Community Health

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR | Oncological Sciences

Dr. Jamilia Sly is an Assistant Professor of Population Health Science and Policy and member of the Tisch Cancer Institute’s Cancer...

LAYLA FATTAH

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR | Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology

Dan Hasson, PhD

Associate Professor | Oncological Sciences
Director TCI Bioinformatics for Next Generation Sequencing (BiNGS) Shared Resource
Co-Director Summer Program Advancing Research Knowledge Education and Development (SPARKED)

Samia Orva, Student, Das Lab

“As an aspiring biomedical engineer/scientist, I had an amazing time with SPARKED. It gave me the opportunity to work on real, ongoing projects and gave me a better feel for what research actually entails. This internship further cemented my interest in biomedicine and I now feel that I can see myself in this line of work in the future, pursuing research in college and beyond.”

Samia Orva, Student, Das Lab

Aliana Guzman, Student, Bernstein Lab

“Not only did this experience reinforce my commitment to the science field, but it also made me aware that achieving my goals will require me to advocate for meaningful change.”

Samia Orva, Student, Das Lab

image of Aliana Guzman and other student

Aliana Guzman, Student, Bernstein Lab

“Not only did this experience reinforce my commitment to the science field, but it also made me aware that achieving my goals will require me to advocate for meaningful change.”

Rachel Lau, Student, Wang Lab

“This experience has deepened my love for science and showed me the life of a scientist.”

Daniela Urgiles Piedra, Student, Pfleger Lab

"As a mentee, I am so grateful for having been a part of the program and having met all the lovely and awesome people I did at the lab and the program. The environment was so welcoming and the people made it a really enjoyable and fruitful experience."

WengRui Tong (Vi), Student, Arriaga Lab

“This opportunity opened my eyes to both the excitement of hands-on lab work and the connection between scientific research and the communities it serves. Being surrounded by an encouraging, collaborative environment, where my mentors were genuinely invested and enthusiastic in guiding me through the research process, made this experience truly meaningful.”

Daniel Dixon, Student, Bado Lab

“Working in Dr. Bado's cancer biology lab was such a fun and amazing experience I got to dive into real research, use cool imaging tools, and be part of a team that made every day in the lab feel rewarding and inspiring."

Ali May, PhD, Mentor, May Lab

"In the May Lab, Jay investigated a novel, rare cell type within the salivary gland system. She acquired hands-on experience with advanced techniques such as immunofluorescent protein staining, microscopy, and cell culture. Her dedication not only deepened her understanding of cellular mechanisms but also stimulated a new interest in pursuing biology as a career."

Meet the Faculty

Igor Bado, PhD

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Oncological Sciences

Emily Bernstein, PhD

PROFESSOR | Oncological Sciences

PROFESSOR | Dermatology

Elvin Wagenblast, PhD

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Oncological Sciences

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology

Jerry Chipuk, PhD

PROFESSOR | Oncological Sciences

PROFESSOR | Dermatology

Juan Arriaga, PhD

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Oncological Sciences

Dan Hasson, PhD

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR | Oncological Sciences

Tirtha K Das, PhD

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Cell, Developmental & Regenerative Biology

Samuel Sidi, PhD

PROFESSOR | Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology

PROFESSOR | Oncological Sciences

Poulikos Poulikakos, PhD

PROFESSOR | Oncological Sciences

Diego Chowell, PhD

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Artificial Intelligence and Human Health

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Immunology & Immunotherapy

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Oncological Sciences

Robert Sebra, PhD

PROFESSOR | Genetics and Genomic Sciences

SPARKED 2025

Join SPARKED

We welcome your application to SPARKED. If you have any questions, please contact us at, sparked@mssm.edu.

The SPARKED internship takes place Monday, July 13, through Thursday, August 20, 2026. Each week, students are expected to participate Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm.

Note that absences of more than two consecutive days cannot be accommodated—please ensure you can fully participate in the program.

The internship continues one or two afternoons weekly from November through May.

A stipend will be awarded for successful completion of the summer internship program.

The program is located at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai campus on the Upper East Side, at Madison Avenue between 98th and 102nd Streets.

Applicants to the Summer Program Advancing Research Knowledge, Education and Development should meet the following requirements. No prior research experience is necessary.

Be a rising junior or a rising senior in high school at the time the program starts
Be highly motivated and passionate about science and interested in experiencing biomedical research
Successful completion of at least one high school science course
80% grade point average in science subjects
Have a guardian permission
Have a science teacher recommendation
Be able to commit to the internship’s 10-month schedule

2026 application cycle is now open. Please follow up the link to submit your application: https://forms.gle/yzMLpsVLRvJkJuj59. Applications are due March 16, 2026.

A complete application includes:

Current resume

Unofficial transcripts

A personal statement that explains why you are interested in this program and how participation will advance your educational and career goals. This program is interested in serving students from all backgrounds. We invite you to share any barriers or challenges you have faced in pursuing your career goals and how this program can help you overcome those challenges.

Letter of recommendation, preferably from a current or former science teacher.

The selection process includes a 30-minute virtual interview of qualified candidates during the month of April. Final decisions are communicated in the first week of May.

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