University of the Cumberlands Student Selected for Georgetown University Cancer Research Program

University of the Cumberlands senior Natalie May, a biology major from Talbott, Tennessee, has been selected for the Cancer Undergraduate Research Experience and Mentorship (CURE-M) program at Georgetown University, a nationally competitive biomedical research internship focused on cancer research and STEM career development.

Cumberlands Student Earns Nationally Competitive Cancer Research Internship

The 10-week summer program is sponsored by the American Cancer Society Center for Innovation in Cancer Research Training and Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Only 10 students were selected from more than 760 applicants nationwide, resulting in an acceptance rate of just 1.3%.

Beginning June 1, May will conduct full-time biomedical and oncology research in Washington, D.C., working alongside Georgetown faculty researchers and students from across the country.

“I wanted to do something where I could learn and grow, not just academically, but personally,” May said. “I have been seeking to define my purpose and role in the STEM community. A background in cancer research and treatment through CURE-M may open a world of possibilities.”

Preparing for a Career in Pathology and Cancer Research

Beyond the summer laboratory experience, the CURE-M program provides a full year of mentorship, scientific seminars, and professional development opportunities through the 2026-2027 academic year.

The experience will help May continue exploring future career pathways in pathology, biomedical science, and cancer research.

“I love mysteries and puzzles,” May said. “I want to continue to be curious, ask the right questions, and use my skills to help others. I believe a future in pathology combines everything I am interested in.”

The CURE-M program is designed to prepare emerging STEM leaders for careers in oncology and biomedical research by connecting students with faculty mentors, peer researchers, and specialized professional training.

Alumni Connection Creates New Opportunities for Patriots

May’s selection also highlights the growing impact of the Cumberlands alumni network in creating valuable opportunities for current students.

Karen Howenstien, metrics and analytics coordinator at Georgetown Lombardi, is a 2025 graduate of Cumberlands’ Ph.D. in Leadership program with a psychology specialty. Inspired by her experience at Cumberlands, Howenstien advocated for recurring opportunities for Cumberlands students within Georgetown’s competitive summer research initiatives.

“Faculty and administrators met me where I was and patiently encouraged growth,” Howenstien said of her time at Cumberlands.

Her connection to the university helped establish collaboration between Georgetown and Cumberlands, creating expanded access to elite undergraduate STEM research experiences.

“At Cumberlands, as everywhere, I hope to open many doors for interactions, collaborations, and making the world a better place,” Howenstien added.

From Last-Minute Application to Prestigious Acceptance

For May, the opportunity came after months of searching for summer internships.

“I applied for so many internships this summer without hearing anything,” she said. “Finally, I just prayed. I knew there was somewhere I was meant to be this summer, and I trusted in the Lord’s plan.”

After reaching out to Dr. Russell Carr, director of career development in Cumberlands’ Department of Internships & Career Development, for guidance, May learned about the CURE-M opportunity just one day before the application deadline. 

“With such a short turnaround, I honestly didn’t expect anything to come from it,” May said.

With encouragement and support from Carr, she submitted her application and was ultimately selected for one of the program’s limited positions.

Her selection not only marks an extraordinary achievement for May personally, but also highlights the expanding opportunities available to Cumberlands students through alumni connections, mentorship, and institutional partnerships. 

As the collaboration between Georgetown University and University of the Cumberlands continues to grow, May may become the first of many Patriots to pursue groundbreaking cancer research through the CURE-M program.