About the Popp Fellowship
The James D. Popp Student Research Fellowship was established in 2010 to encourage first-year medical students at VCU to engage in cancer research during the summer following their first year of medical school. The fellowship aims to attract individuals who may not have previous research experience but are interested in exploring the connection between research and solving clinical challenges.
The eight-week summer training program pairs fellows with a research scientist at Massey, an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. In addition to research training, fellows will gain hands-on experience through attendance at national-level conferences and participation in VCU and Massey-led educational events.
Applicant eligibility
- Applicants must have completed their first year of medical school (rising M2) at the VCU School of Medicine
- Career interest in oncology and cancer research
- A primary mentor and laboratory must be identified prior to starting the fellowship. Massey’s Office of Training and Education is available to assist with this process and can be reached at MCCCRTEC@vcu.edu.
Fellow expectations and benefits
- A commitment of 40 hours/week over the 8-week program period (June 2-July 25, 2025)
- Support to attend a national cancer research conference as well as participation in other educational events and networking opportunities throughout the summer and throughout the completion of their medical training
- Support of activities that promote the James D. Popp Fellowship, serving as spokespersons and advisors for future applicants and fellows
- Continuation of laboratory work as time permits throughout the remaining years of medical school
- A stipend of $4,000 is available to cover summer living expenses and $1,000 is provided to support travel to a national scientific conference.
Application requirements
- Along with other application requirements, applicant must submit the following:
- Resume
- Abstract
Jim Popp was a caring physician, talented athlete, faithful friend, devoted husband and loving father of five children – he died of cancer at the age of 45 in 2007. Jim worked in the laboratory of Dr. Jack Haar at VCU prior to and during the years he was a medical student from 1984 to 1988.
In the summer of 2008, Dr. Haar, a Professor of Anatomy at VCU at the time, and his son Philip went on a TransAmerica fundraising bicycle ride in an effort to support cancer research. The James D. Popp Student Research Fund was established and Ride For Jim was dedicated to the memory of Jim Popp and his fight against cancer.
From 2008 until 2014 several other dedicated cyclists completed the TransAmerica bicycle fundraising ride. Ride For Jim also offered cyclists the opportunity to participate in a single day fundraising event by cycling local loops that culminated in a post-ride celebration honoring them for their fundraising efforts.
Although Ride For Jim is no longer active, the James D. Popp Research Fund remains open and gratefully accepts contributions. Today, the fund supports an annual fellowship for medical students to participate in summer research experiences and offer exposure to oncology-related fields and is able to continue thanks to ongoing contributions.
If you prefer to donate via check, please make it payable to the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and designate “Popp Research Fund” in the memo section. Checks should be mail to:
VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center
Attn: Popp Fellowship Program
Box 843042
Richmond, VA 23284-3042
Applications for the Popp Fellowship are now open and due February, 15, 2025.
For more information, contact us at MCCCRTEC@vcu.edu.
