The Rudene Mercer Haynes CTO Summer Internship

About CTOSI

The Rudene Mercer Haynes Clinical Trials Office Summer Internship (CTOSI) offers a pathway for exploration and exposure to clinical research. Interns will have the opportunity to gain insights about clinical trials and the many components of clinical research at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. The internship is geared towards current undergraduate juniors and seniors who are interested in a career in health care or academic medicine.

Interns will also learn about the program’s namesake, Rudene Mercer Haynes J.D.; a breast cancer survivor who came to Massey for cancer treatment and has left with a community. Rudene tirelessly advocates for Massey in addition to continuing her career as a practicing attorney, mom and community servant.


Internship details

Interns are invited to develop a foundational understanding of the role of clinical research in academic medicine. Features of the internship include:

  • Six-week, in-person learning experience in Richmond, VA (June 2-July 11, 2025)
  • Exposure to operational units of the clinical trials office at an academic medical center setting to learn about the various functions across teams
  • Participation in clinical trial activities alongside Massey leadership and interaction with clinical investigators to better understand clinical research operations within an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
  • Hands-on experience approach to learning and contributing to current clinical research work being conducted at Massey
  • Opportunity to develop career networks with experienced clinical research professionals

Stipend award

  • Interns will receive a stipend of $3,000.

Application process and eligibility

  • Must be a current undergraduate junior or senior exploring careers in healthcare or academic medicine
  • Qualified candidates must demonstrate a record of academic excellence, be intellectually curious, team-oriented and have a passion for patient care.
  • In the application portion, applicants must submit a resume and 2 letters of recommendation to mcccrtec@vcu.edu.

Letter of recommendation guidelines (PDF)

CTOSI applications are now closed. For more information, contact us at MCCCRTEC@vcu.edu.

CTOSI participants

CTOSI participants

Learn about the experiences of current and past students who participated in CTOSI.

Learn More