Launch your future in cancer research and medicine.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) Post-Baccalaureate Fellows Program at Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (Case CCC) prepares highly motivated STEM graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds for successful entry into MD, PhD, and MD/PhD programs. Fellows train in world-class cancer research labs at Case CCC, complete graduate-level coursework at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine, and receive comprehensive career development support—building the foundation for impactful careers in data and biomedical science, public health, and medicine.
Inside the Program
The program builds core competencies essential for success in cancer research and healthcare careers:
- Conduct hands-on cancer research in Case CCC laboratories
- Lab rotations to select a faculty mentor for an immersive cancer research project
- Complete graduate-level coursework in cancer biology and scientific communication
- Present research locally and at national conferences
- Participate in weekly seminars and monthly program meetings
- Gain clinical exposure through oncology physician shadowing
- Receive individualized mentorship and career development support
Fellows earn a Case Western Reserve University Certificate of Cancer Studies, a transcripted credential recognizing completion of graduate-level coursework and research training. Coursework is transferable to CWRU doctoral programs, providing a strong academic foundation for future study.
Mentorship
Fellows receive personalized mentorship from a team that includes a faculty mentor, experienced researchers, and near-peer mentors. This layered approach provides both day-to-day guidance in the lab and broader support navigating academic and career pathways in cancer research and medicine.
Prospective mentors (right) are lead cancer researchers and leaders across the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center consortium (Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals, and Cleveland Clinic).
Who Should Apply
- Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline or health-related field
- Individuals from educationally, environmentally, or economically disadvantaged backgrounds
- Those interested in pursuing MD, PhD, or MD/PhD training
- A demonstrated interest in cancer research, healthcare, or related fields
Applications open Fall 2027.
Highlights from the 2024-2026 Cohort
Throughout the 2024–2026 program cycle, ACS Post-Bacc Fellows participated in key scientific meetings, site visits, and milestone events highlighting their growth and achievements.
- July 2025: ACS National Meeting (pictured above).
- August 2025: 34th Annual Short Course on Experimental Models of Human Cancer at Jackson Labs.
- September 2025: Program Site Visit in Cleveland. Guests included Dr. Ellie Daniels, Senior Vice President, Center for Innovation in Cancer Research Training
American Cancer Society, ACS representatives and Donors (pictured below with ACS Post-Bacc Program leaders and 2024-2026 fellows). - November 2025: ABRCMS in San Antonio TX
- March 2026: American Cancer Society Medal of Honor Ceremony Washington DC. Lavonte Saunders was invited to represent the Post-Baccalaureate Fellows Program.
- May 2026: Fellow Final Symposium and Certificate Program Graduation Ceremony.
Impact: Where Our Fellows Go Next
Our Fellows go on to leading MD, PhD, and MD/PhD programs and careers in cancer research and healthcare.
Learn more about the class of 2026 fellows below.
Awarded first place in section at the 2025 ACS Annual Meeting (September 2025, Atlanta, GA) for the poster presentation “CDK10 as a driver of breast cancer disparities.”
Received first place for the same presentation at the Case CCC Annual Retreat (October 2025, Cleveland, OH).
Future Plans: Taking MCAT in April 2026 to apply to Medical Scientist Training programs in May 2026.
Lavonte Saunders
Invited to speak as the sole post-baccalaureate fellow during the American Cancer Society Medal of Honor ceremony (pictured) honoring Dr. Tyler Jacks.
Team won 1st place for Integrated Mathematical Oncology workshop and received $50K in pilot grant funding for team research proposal.
Future Plans: Selected the Medical Scientist Training Program at Washington University in St Louis for future training.
Daniella Obidi
Invited to give an oral presentation at the Great Lakes Breast Cancer Symposium, 2025 (Pittsburgh, PA) on A Novel Class of RNR Inhibitors Induces Genome Instability and Cell Death Without Inducing Overt Toxicities in Multiple Cancer Models (2025, August 26)
Invited to speak about the impact of cancer research and volunteering as part of the National Storytelling Project with RadicalMedia.
Future Plans: Currently on the wait list for CWRU Medical Scientist Training Program.
Isaiah Waiters
Received Poster Award at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists conference (ABRCMS), 2025.
Accepted into the United States Army Health Professions Scholarship Program (2026).
Future Plans: Selected Howard University College of Medicine for future training.