Seventeen Students Completed UCLA Cancer Research
Local students gained medical research experience during a seven-week program held at UCLA in the summer of 2026.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Cancer
Live Poll
Do you believe local high schools should prioritize opportunities for students to conduct college-level research?
Seventeen students from the William S. Hart Union High School District finished a rigorous seven-week cancer research program at the University of California, Los Angeles, during the summer of 2026. Participants engaged with professional researchers to study complex medical questions and presented their findings to an academic panel.
Why it matters
The program provides high schoolers with direct college-level research experience and essential exposure to the professional medical field. By reading peer-reviewed literature and conducting original work, students develop the foundational skills necessary for future careers in science and medicine.
A total of 17 students participated in the 7-week research initiative, completing the entire duration of the program. This cohort focused on investigating specific cancer research questions while adhering to academic standards through mandatory peer-reviewed reading assignments.
The players
Addalyn Fractor
This student participated in the program and was awarded a bronze medal for her contributions to a team research project regarding leukemia.
Ryan Fekrazad
A student participant who earned a silver medal and was honored with the best speaker award for his work and presentation during the program.
University of California, Los Angeles
This major public research institution hosted the seven-week program and provided the faculty researchers who collaborated with the students.
William S. Hart Union High School District
This school district served as the home institution for the 17 students who traveled to participate in the specialized medical research program.
The details
Students attended mandatory classes and collaborated directly with university researchers to investigate specific cancer-related inquiries. At the conclusion of their study, each student presented a formal thesis to a panel of experts for evaluation.
Timeline
The program took place over a seven-week period during the summer of 2026.
The Big Picture
This research initiative follows a pattern set by established academic outreach efforts designed to bridge the gap between secondary education and professional medical inquiry. By integrating high schoolers into laboratory settings, these programs serve as a practical extension of the UCLA summer medical research pipeline.
The program encourages local students to pursue medical fields, potentially increasing the future talent pool for cancer researchers. For residents, this emphasizes the role of local universities in fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals.
The takeaway
Early involvement in rigorous scientific inquiry helps students determine their interest in specialized medical fields before entering college. By presenting their own thesis, these students gain practical experience in communicating complex scientific findings to an academic audience.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts in the Cancer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Santa Clarita Valley Signal.
Live Poll
Do you believe local high schools should prioritize opportunities for students to conduct college-level research?
