University of New Mexico's CURE for Cancer

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ABSTRACT / SUMMARY Responding to community concerns related to higher cancer incidences and worse outcomes among New Mexico’s ethnically and racially diverse communities, the University of New Mexico (UNM) Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) for Cancer program was inaugurated in 2015. Since then the program has trained 45 high school (85% AI, any race) and 47 undergraduate students (51% AI, 32% Hispanic, any race) who have continued/completed their education through pursuit of college, and advanced degree programs, and are entering the scientific and health professions workforce. Cancer and inflammation associated chronic diseases (type 2 diabetes and obesity) represent disproportionate causes of morbidity and mortality among New Mexico’s populations; including people with limited economic resources, and rural residents. In response to the NCI R25 Youth Enjoy Science program call for developing a diverse biomedical workforce, the CURE for Cancer program builds on well-established experiential cancer-focused summer research internships and curricula that advance knowledge of current and emerging cancer innovations and career paths. Relevant role models and peer-networks that value cultural identity while building science identity is shown to promote persistence. The CURE for Cancer program has established networks to allow statewide and national recruitment and training of American Indian, Hispanic and other underrepresented students. Thus, the CURE for Cancer program is uniquely poised to increase the representation of American Indians and Hispanics in the sciences and address a pressing national challenge to reduce the higher prevalence of cancer among these populations. The CURE for Cancer Program Specific Aims synergize with the overarching goals of the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center and will: 1) Increase participation and persistence of students underrepresented in cancer research from the high school to the undergraduate levels through targeted recruitment, inter- programmatic connectivity, tracking and formal evaluation, 2) Encourage cancer career pursuit through specialized curricula, clinical exposure, and immersive research programs for high school and undergraduate students and 3) Engage New Mexico's rural and underserved Hispanic and tribal communities in science and health education through a Cancer-STEM Pathways Conference for middle school students and engaged youth ambassadors. Annual evaluation, student tracking and regular review by an Advisory Committee, will assess student benefit and program impact. The successful completion of these aims is expected to increase the likelihood that underrepresented populations will proceed to and graduate from college, attend graduate/professional school or work in cancer related professions. Moreover, what makes UNM CURE unique is its coupling of culturally relevant pedagogy with cutting edge cancer research training that is integrated with Hispanic and Native American community needs.