Wilmot Future Deaf Scientists Program

Program Mission

The Wilmot Future Deaf Scientists summer internship program aims to introduce Deaf high school students to the world of science and medicine, with a special focus on cancer research. Through this program, students will learn about cancer as a disease, its different types, the diagnosis process, treatment methods, and the associated risk factors. The internship includes classroom sessions and shadowing experiences in various fields like clinical oncology, surgical oncology, basic science, radiation oncology, and cancer disparities. Deaf students are also introduced to several Deaf scientists and clinicians through a series of fireside chats where they interact with role models and learn how to navigate the academic environment. We aim to inspire young students to pursue careers in cancer research and oncology, thereby increasing the number of Deaf trainees in these fields.

Program History

The Future Deaf Scientists program started in 2021 through a collaboration between Wilmot faculty members and the Rochester School for the Deaf leadership team. Since then, this team of educators has worked together to refine the program based on their experiences and student feedback. The current program content and structure are the result of a continuous improvement process focused on offering a robust educational experience for Deaf high school students.

Photos From the Most Recent Summer Experience