Harvard Undergraduate
Cancer Association
Fostering a collaborative community of Harvard students passionate about cancer research, clinical mentorship, oncology education, and meaningful engagement with the fight against cancer.
Our Mission
The Harvard Undergraduate Cancer Association is dedicated to building a vibrant community where students can explore the frontiers of cancer science, connect with leading researchers, and support one another in their pursuit of knowledge and impact.
We work to increase exposure to oncology and cancer-related learning by hosting talks, case discussions, and workshops that bridge the gap between undergraduate education and the realities of clinical and translational research.
Through mentorship programs, research placement support, and partnerships with world-class institutions, HUCA empowers students to contribute meaningfully to cancer research, clinical innovation, and patient advocacy from the very start of their academic journeys.
What We Do
HUCA operates at the intersection of research, education, and community to create transformative learning experiences for Harvard undergraduates.
Research Engagement
Connecting students with faculty-led cancer research labs, providing structured pathways into computational, translational, and clinical oncology research across Harvard and its affiliated hospitals.
Clinical Education
Organizing grand rounds viewings, case study sessions, and clinical shadowing opportunities that expose students to the practice of oncology and the patient experience.
Mentorship & Community
Pairing undergraduates with graduate students, medical students, and faculty mentors to foster long-term relationships, career guidance, and a supportive peer network.
About Us
Active Members
Research Partners
Core Programs
Faculty Advisors
Bridging the Gap Between Classroom & Clinic
HUCA creates structured pathways for undergraduates to engage with cancer research and clinical medicine. Whether you are a pre-med student curious about oncology, a computer science major interested in computational biology, or a public health concentrator focused on cancer disparities, HUCA provides the resources and community to help you grow.
Our programs are designed to lower barriers to entry and ensure that every student, regardless of prior experience, can find their place in the cancer research ecosystem. From lab placements to clinical exposure, we make learning actionable.
Apply & Get Matched
Submit your interest and get paired with a mentor or research opportunity tailored to your goals.
Engage & Learn
Attend sessions, shadow clinicians, and participate in research seminars throughout the semester.
Make an Impact
Present findings, contribute to publications, and build a portfolio that reflects real-world experience.
Current Initiatives
Started Spring 2026
Oncology Shadowing Program
An immersive program connecting Harvard undergraduates with practicing oncologists at Dana-Farber and MGH for structured clinical observation.
- Weekly shadowing sessions with oncologists
- Guided reflection journals and case analysis
- Direct mentorship from clinical faculty
Started Spring 2026
Research Mentorship Initiative
A semester-long program pairing students with graduate researchers and faculty to support independent study and lab-based cancer research projects.
- 1-on-1 faculty and graduate mentorship
- Research methodology workshops
- End-of-semester research showcase
Started Spring 2026
Clinical Case Study Group
A student-led discussion series analyzing real-world oncology cases to develop clinical reasoning, empathy, and interdisciplinary thinking.
- Bi-weekly case discussions with guest speakers
- Exposure to diverse cancer types and treatments
- Collaborative learning environment
Sessions
Interactive Case Study: Learn About Blood Cancer
Andrew Castillo
MD-PhD Student at Harvard Medical School
Join us for an interactive case study session on blood cancer, led by Andrew Castillo. Explore real-world clinical scenarios, learn about hematologic malignancies, and engage with cutting-edge research in a collaborative setting.
Board of Advisors
Dr. Rizwan Romee
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Assistant Professor of Medicine, HMS
Dr. Romee is a leader in NK cell immunotherapy and cellular therapy research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. His work focuses on developing novel natural killer cell-based treatments for hematologic malignancies, advancing the frontier of cancer immunotherapy.
Dr. James J. Harding
Memorial Sloan Kettering
Gastrointestinal Medical Oncologist & Early Drug Development Specialist
Dr. Harding is a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center specializing in liver and biliary tract cancers. His clinical and research efforts focus on developing targeted therapies and immunotherapies for hepatobiliary malignancies.
Meet the Team
Zahra Mohammadi
Founder & Co-President
Founded HUCA and leads the organization's strategic vision, building partnerships with Harvard Medical School faculty and cancer research institutions.
Sundas Nasir
Co-President
Co-leads HUCA alongside the founder, overseeing day-to-day operations, programming, and organizational growth.
Adan Eftekhari
Vice President
Supports the Presidents in organizational leadership, coordinates cross-team initiatives, and drives strategic planning.
Emily Khossravi
Vice President
Partners with the executive team to manage internal communications, event logistics, and member engagement across programs.
Maher Harp
Treasurer
Manages HUCA's finances, oversees budgeting and funding allocations, and leads sponsorship outreach with institutional partners.
Maya Koreth
Director of Clinical Engagement
Oversees the clinical shadowing program, coordinates hospital partnerships, and develops clinical case study curricula.
Hamza Arrouch
Director of Research
Manages research mentorship pairings, coordinates with faculty labs, and organizes the end-of-semester research showcase.
Mst Begum
Freshman Representative
Represents the first-year student body within HUCA, champions new member engagement, and bridges incoming students with organization resources.
Join HUCA
Whether you are a first-year exploring your interests or a senior with research experience, HUCA welcomes all Harvard undergraduates who share a passion for understanding and combating cancer. Get involved today and become part of a community making a real difference.
- Oncology shadowing at Harvard-affiliated hospitals
- 1-on-1 mentorship with researchers and clinicians
- Weekly educational sessions and case discussions
- Networking with HMS faculty and medical professionals
- Research showcase and publication support
- A passionate, supportive peer community