Research Engagement
Connecting students with faculty-led cancer research labs, providing structured pathways into computational, translational, and clinical oncology research across Harvard and its affiliated hospitals.
Harvard Undergraduate Cancer Association
Fostering a collaborative community of Harvard students passionate about cancer research, clinical mentorship, oncology education, and meaningful engagement with the fight against cancer.
Our Mission
Research.
Education.
Community.
The Harvard Undergraduate Cancer Association is dedicated to building a vibrant community where students can explore the frontiers of cancer science, connect with leading researchers, and support one another in their pursuit of knowledge and impact.
We work to increase exposure to oncology and cancer-related learning by hosting talks, case discussions, and workshops that bridge the gap between undergraduate education and the realities of clinical and translational research.
Through mentorship programs, research placement support, and partnerships with world-class institutions, HUCA empowers students to contribute meaningfully to cancer research, clinical innovation, and patient advocacy from the very start of their academic journeys.
What We Do
HUCA operates at the intersection of research, education, and community to create transformative learning experiences for Harvard undergraduates.
Clinical Education
Organizing grand rounds viewings, case study sessions, and clinical shadowing opportunities that expose students to the practice of oncology and the patient experience.
Mentorship & Community
Pairing undergraduates with graduate students, medical students, and faculty mentors to foster long-term relationships, career guidance, and a supportive peer network.
About Us
- Active Members
- 50+
- Research Partners
- 10+
- Core Programs
- 3
- Faculty Advisors
- 2
Bridging the Gap Between Classroom & Clinic
HUCA creates structured pathways for undergraduates to engage with cancer research and clinical medicine. Whether you are a pre-med student curious about oncology, a computer science major interested in computational biology, or a public health concentrator focused on cancer disparities, HUCA provides the resources and community to help you grow.
Our programs are designed to lower barriers to entry and ensure that every student, regardless of prior experience, can find their place in the cancer research ecosystem. From lab placements to clinical exposure, we make learning actionable.
Apply & Get Matched
Submit your interest and get paired with a mentor or research opportunity tailored to your goals.
Engage & Learn
Attend sessions, shadow clinicians, and participate in research seminars throughout the semester.
Make an Impact
Present findings, contribute to publications, and build a portfolio that reflects real-world experience.
Current Initiatives
Oncology Shadowing Program
An immersive program connecting Harvard undergraduates with practicing oncologists at Dana-Farber and MGH for structured clinical observation.
- Weekly shadowing sessions with oncologists
- Guided reflection journals and case analysis
- Direct mentorship from clinical faculty
Research Mentorship Initiative
A semester-long program pairing students with graduate researchers and faculty to support independent study and lab-based cancer research projects.
- 1-on-1 faculty and graduate mentorship
- Research methodology workshops
- End-of-semester research showcase
Clinical Case Study Group
A student-led discussion series analyzing real-world oncology cases to develop clinical reasoning, empathy, and interdisciplinary thinking.
- Bi-weekly case discussions with guest speakers
- Exposure to diverse cancer types and treatments
- Collaborative learning environment
Sessions
Interactive Case Study
Interactive Case Study: Learn About Blood Cancer
Andrew Castillo
MD-PhD Student at Harvard Medical School
Join us for an interactive case study session on blood cancer, led by Andrew Castillo. Explore real-world clinical scenarios, learn about hematologic malignancies, and engage with cutting-edge research in a collaborative setting.
Board of Advisors
Dr. Rizwan Romee
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Assistant Professor of Medicine, HMS
Hematologic Oncology & Cellular Therapy
Read biography
Dr. Romee is a leader in NK cell immunotherapy and cellular therapy research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. His work focuses on developing novel natural killer cell-based treatments for hematologic malignancies, advancing the frontier of cancer immunotherapy.
Dr. James J. Harding
Memorial Sloan Kettering
Gastrointestinal Medical Oncologist & Early Drug Development Specialist
Hepatobiliary & Gastrointestinal Oncology
Read biography
Dr. Harding is a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center specializing in liver and biliary tract cancers. His clinical and research efforts focus on developing targeted therapies and immunotherapies for hepatobiliary malignancies.
Meet the Team
Hover over or select a name to explore their story.
Co-President
Get to know Zahra- Hometown
- Miami, FL
- Concentration
- Neuroscience with a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy
- Past research
- Neuro-oncology research at Massachusetts General Hospital.
- CAR-NK cell immunotherapy research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
- Osteosarcoma research in outer space with the International Space Station National Laboratory.
- For fun
- I love practicing karate, lifting, watching sports, and exploring Boston with friends.
Neuroscience with a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy
zahraronizi@college.harvard.edu
Co-President
Get to know Sundas- Hometown
- Brooklyn, NY
- Concentration
- Neuroscience with a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy
- Past research
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: studying MDM2 amplifications in biliary tract cancers.
- Weill Cornell Medicine: investigating how 1-NBD-fructose and fructosamine interact in tumor metabolism and influence cancer-cell sugar uptake.
- Harvard Medical School: ALS/TDP-43 proteinopathy in Drosophila.
- For fun
- I love going on side-quests and embracing my Pakistani culture.
Neuroscience with a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy
sundasnasir@college.harvard.edu
Vice President
Get to know Emily- Hometown
- San Diego, CA
- Concentration
- Integrative Biology with a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy
- Past research
- Chemical exposure and health research at the Harvard Radcliffe Institute examining occupational exposure to carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and implications for breast cancer risk among female firefighters.
- Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes research at Massachusetts General Hospital investigating associations between diabetes, exercise, and bone health.
- Health economics research at the University of California.
- For fun
- I love baking, walking along the Charles, reading, and learning new languages!
Integrative Biology with a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy
emilykhossravi@college.harvard.edu
Director of Clinical Engagement
Get to know Maya- Hometown
- Boston, MA
- Concentration
- Chemical & Physical Biology with a secondary in History
- Past research
- CAR-T cell research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
- Studying adjacent segment disease rates in lumbar spondylosis at Massachusetts General Hospital.
- Periodontitis research at The Forsyth Institute.
- For fun
- I enjoy cafe hopping with friends and practicing kendo!
Chemical & Physical Biology with a secondary in History
mayakoreth@college.harvard.eduDirector of Programming
Mst Begum
Integrative Biology and Global Health and Health Policy
Mstbegum@college.harvard.edu
Director of Professional Development
Get to know Hasan- Hometown
- Buffalo, NY
- Concentration
- Neuroscience with a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy
- Past research
- University at Buffalo: investigated the molecular basis of FOXG1 syndrome using proteomic profiling of a patient-derived mouse model, with a broader focus on understanding potential therapeutic targets.
- For fun
- I love going to the gym, trying new foods, and exploring new places with friends.
Neuroscience with a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy
hasanjamil@college.harvard.edu
Director of Operations
Get to know Maher- Hometown
- Dearborn Heights, MI
- Concentration
- Computer Science and Mathematics with a secondary in Neuroscience
- Past research
- Harvard AI and Robotics Lab at Kempner Institute.
- Deep Learning for Molecular Design at Google DeepMind.
- On-skin wearable computing at Harvard Radcliffe Institute.
- For fun
- I like walking along the Charles River and exploring Boston.
Computer Science and Mathematics with a secondary in Neuroscience
maherharp@college.harvard.edu
Join HUCA
Whether you are a first-year exploring your interests or a senior with research experience, HUCA welcomes all Harvard undergraduates who share a passion for understanding and combating cancer. Get involved today and become part of a community making a real difference.
Contact HUCA- Oncology shadowing at Harvard-affiliated hospitals
- 1-on-1 mentorship with researchers and clinicians
- Weekly educational sessions and case discussions
- Networking with HMS faculty and medical professionals
- Research showcase and publication support
- A passionate, supportive peer community