Undergraduate Cancer Training Program for Underrepresented Students: Findings from a Minority Institution/Cancer Center Partnership

Abstract

Students from racially/ethnically diverse backgrounds are underrepresented in graduate programs in biomedical disciplines. One goal of the Minority Institution/Cancer Center partnership between New Mexico State University (NMSU) and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC) is to expand the number of underrepresented students who are trained in cancer research. As part of the collaboration, a summer internship program has been organized at the FHCRC. The program runs for 9-weeks and involves mentored research, research seminars, coffee-breaks, social activities, and a final poster session. This study examined the graduate school attendance rates of past interns, explored interns' perceptions of the training program, and identified ways to improve the program. Thirty undergraduate students enrolled at NMSU participated in the internship program from 2002 -2007 and telephone interviews were conducted on 22 (73%) of them. One-third of the students were currently in graduate school (32%); the remaining were either working (36%), still in undergraduate school (27%), or unemployed and not in school (5%). Students rated highly the following aspects of the program: mentored research, informal time spent with mentors, and research seminars. Students also reported the following activities would further enhance the program: instruction on writing a personal statement for graduate school and tips in choosing an advisor. Students also desired instruction on taking the GRE/MCAT, receiving advice on selecting a graduate or professional school, and receiving advice on where to apply. These findings can inform the design of internship programs aimed at increasing rates of graduate school attendance among underrepresented students.

Journal Clubs: An Educational Approach to Advance Understanding Among Community Partners and Academic Researchers About CBPR and Cancer Health Disparities

“…Interestingly, community partners also expressed an interest in the topic of preparing youth for future careers in science/medicine. Indeed, there has been growing attention focused on developing a training pipeline for underserved students to prepare them for future careers in cancer [15, 16]. At Moffitt Cancer Center, numerous students participate in such training programs, some of which involve interactions with community partners.…”

Strategies for Diversifying the Pool of Graduate Students in Biomedical Sciences

“…Our previous report provided data from qualitative interviews with program participants. 15 Several participants had subsequently enrolled in graduate or professional school and cited this program as a key factor in their acceptance.…”

“…Based on data from qualitative interviews, 15 program staff members organize a series of professional development workshops to enhance students’ preparation and competitiveness for graduate or professional school. Workshop topics include how to prepare a personal statement and resume, and how to write a scientific abstract and prepare a scientific poster.…”

An ET-CURE Pilot Project Supporting Undergraduate Training in Cancer Research, Emerging Technology, and Health Disparities

“…These programs can be designed to benefit the entire community, including the students, the mentors, and the institution. Students gain research experience, presentation skills, peer-to-peer interactions, networking opportunities, professional development, and stipend support; research mentors have the opportunity to increase their teaching experience, receive student feedback that may produce new perspectives on their research, and add a team member to their laboratory for assistance with projects [2, 5–6, 9–11]. The research institute benefits by improving its reputation for training and education [2].…”