Astera Summer High School Oncology Research Experience (ASHORE)
Program Dates: Please check back for the upcoming 2026 program dates
Ellen A. Ronnen, MD, Co-Founder and Director
Vanessa Fang, Co-Founder and Coordinator
The ASHORE program provides high school students with a unique opportunity to dive deep into oncology research while working alongside experienced physicians in a real clinical setting. Over the course of 6 weeks, students complete clinical oncology projects based on Astera's current patient data, while receiving training from physicians in research skills and methodology.
Students are paired one-on-one with physician mentors who guide them through their research journey. Throughout the program, students also shadow their physician mentors as they see patients, gaining invaluable exposure to the clinical side of oncology care. At the end of the experience, students have the opportunity to compose an abstract summarizing their research project, with the possibility of presenting their research at a national conference.
The program includes comprehensive learning through 6 specialized lectures covering the genetics of cancer, pathology and radiation therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy, new diagnostic technologies, and surgical procedures and techniques. The experience combines both in-person and remote work, with in-person components occurring at Saint Peter's University Hospital in New Brunswick as well as various Astera Cancer Care locations. Next year’s program will expand to include students who are interested in Social Work and Nursing/Advanced Practice Providers.
What Our Students Say
"What draws me to healthcare is not only the scientific side but also the social side, and understanding how health connects to people's everyday lives. The ASHORE program strengthened my motivation to pursue healthcare, as it gave me the opportunity to directly engage with patients and observe the first-hand impact that healthcare professionals have on individuals and communities." — Shriya Baumik
"I really enjoyed shadowing because my mentor challenged me to think through problems instead of giving me answers directly, which made the experience very engaging and helped me learn a lot." — Ria Badgujar
"Oncology is an ever-evolving field, with constant research and changes in the standard of care, so being in a profession where every year brings new opportunities to make a difference is extremely rewarding." — Ishaan Shah
Real Research, Real Impact
ASHORE students tackle meaningful research projects that contribute to cancer care understanding. Recent student projects have included analyzing usage patterns of molecular tests to improve personalized breast cancer therapy decisions, evaluating patient outcomes with specialized dietitian intervention during treatment, identifying data patterns that could help predict immunotherapy toxicity responses, and studying how emerging research influences real-world treatment decisions. These projects demonstrate how students can make genuine contributions to advancing cancer care while developing their research skills.
The program operates on a flexible schedule, with students expected to be on-site for two half-days per week. One day is dedicated to lectures, and the other to shadowing experiences. All in-person work takes place at Saint Peter's University Hospital in New Brunswick and various Astera Cancer Care locations, with transportation provided to support student participation. During the final week of the program, students share their research with one another and have the opportunity to work with their physician mentors to refine their research into polished abstracts that can be submitted to ASCO conferences.
To participate in the ASHORE program, students must be high school students in Middlesex County who have completed 9th grade and 1 year of biology, and demonstrate a significant interest in cancer and medical research. The program seeks students who are passionate about combining science with meaningful impact on patient care.
Astera Student Presenter GI ASCO 1/25
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times a week will in-person work occur? While scheduling may slightly vary depending on the preferences of the physician-mentor, students are expected to be on site 2 half days a week, one day for lecture and one day for shadowing.
Where will in-person work occur? All in-person work, both lectures and shadowing, will take place in Saint Peter's University Hospital in New Brunswick, as well as various Astera Cancer Care locations. Transportation stipends will be provided for in-person days.
Where will I be able to present my project? During the final week of the program, an additional lecture slot will be reserved for students to share their research with one another. After the culmination of the program, students will have the choice of working with their physician-mentors to refine their research into a polished abstract that can be submitted to one of several ASCO conferences.
Application to Apply Opening Soon!
Ready to combine your passion for science with real-world medical research? The ASHORE program offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore oncology while making meaningful contributions to patient care research. Join a program where students don't just learn about medicine—they actively contribute to advancing cancer care while developing the skills and experience needed for future careers in healthcare and biomedical research.