Research Internships

GAMBIER, Ohio (January 5, 2012)

Six Kenyon students will have the opportunity to conduct cancer research this summer in internships at the Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center—the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and the Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

The opportunities are the result of a partnership between Kenyon and Pelotonia, a nonprofit, Columbus-based organization that generates money through donations to bike riders for cancer research at the Ohio State cancer center. Pelotonia has raised more than $25 million in three years through its annual bicycle-riding event, this year on August 10-12. Kenyon will host hundreds of Pelotonia riders on August 11.

"This provides a new learning experience for students at one of the world's leading cancer research centers," Provost Nayef Samhat said. "It can be the foundation for a new collaborative relationship between the faculty at the James and at Kenyon. And it enhances our relationship with the state's flagship university."

Some of Kenyon's "brightest students," mostly rising sophomores and rising juniors who hope to engage in applied medical research, are expected to seek the internships, said Maureen E. Tobin, graduate school and preprofessional advisor. "I think it's going to be a great opportunity for them to get a close-up look, to participate in the top research being done in the country."

The ten-week internships will include a stipend. Tobin's office, working with faculty members, will recommend the students to the cancer center.

Chief Business Officer Mark Kohlman said that arranging research opportunities for Kenyon students was a primary goal as Kenyon entered the partnership with Pelotonia. "Cancer touches everybody," Kohlman said. "Being a partner with an organization working to solve some of these problems just fits with what Kenyon does. The giving and the resources are tied in with the academics here."

Kenyon students may also compete for a year-long Pelotonia fellowship for graduate research, Tobin said. "We're hoping to use these summer (internships) as a foot in the door to that," she said.