WELCOME SUMMER INTERNS
Children’s Brain Tumor Project Foundation Commits Continued Support for Student Research Program Through 2027
The Children’s Brain Tumor Project (CBTP) Foundation is proud to announce a continued commitment to funding the CBTP Student Research Program through 2027. This sustained support has enabled the lab to expand and formalize a highly competitive annual internship program, supporting the next generation of physician-scientists and researchers dedicated to advancing cures for pediatric brain tumors.
Launched to provide immersive, hands-on research experience within a translational neuroscience environment, the Program now supports two outstanding undergraduate interns each year. Students work directly alongside investigators at Weill Cornell Medicine, contributing to projects focused on pediatric brain tumors.
This year’s selected interns reflect the depth of talent and passion the program continues to attract.
Mia Cooper (Yale University)
Mia is a third-year student at Yale University studying the History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health. She previously conducted immunology research in the Lieping Chen Lab, where she developed a strong interest in cancer biology and translational research. At Yale, she serves as Publisher of the Yale Scientific Magazine, dances with Yaledancers, volunteers as a counselor for Camp Kesem, and teaches movement classes to children at Yale New Haven Hospital.
Having been personally impacted by pediatric cancer through her sister’s childhood diagnosis, Mia is deeply motivated to contribute to research aimed at improving outcomes for children and families facing these diseases. She hopes to pursue a career as either a pediatric oncologist or a cancer-focused research scientist.
Valeriya Vinnichenko (Cornell University)
Valeriya is a senior at Cornell University studying Biomedical Engineering with a concentration in Molecular, Cellular, and Systems Engineering. She is currently an undergraduate research assistant in the Kwan Lab, studying neuroscience and gaining experience with molecular and imaging techniques in mouse models.
Beyond the laboratory, she serves as a teaching assistant in biochemistry and physiology courses and has prior clinical exposure through emergency medicine work with NYU Langone Health’s Project Healthcare program. She plans to pursue medical school and a career as a physician-scientist focused on translational neuroscience.
Reflecting on her interest in the program, Valeriya shared:
“I was drawn to the Children’s Brain Tumor Project because of its translational focus and the opportunity to apply concepts from my neuroscience, molecular biology, and physiology coursework toward research with direct clinical relevance. I’m very excited to learn from the lab and contribute to a collaborative environment focused on understanding and treating rare pediatric brain tumors.”
The CBTP Summer Student Research Program continues to serve as a cornerstone of the Foundation’s mission—building a pipeline of young investigators who bring fresh perspective, scientific rigor, and deep compassion to the field of pediatric neurooncology. Through continued investment in training and mentorship, CBTP is helping ensure that progress in the lab translates into hope for children and families worldwide.