Integrative Training Program in Cancer Biology

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PROJECT SUMMARY This proposal seeks support for launching a new “Integrative Training in Cancer Biology” (ITCB) program, which will be supervised by a select group of cancer scientists affiliated with the Massey Cancer Center (MCC) at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), a 47-year National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. The program will provide contemporary training in cancer biology to both predoctoral and postdoctoral participants, with priority opportunities given to traditionally underrepresented individuals in cancer biology, including women, racial/ethnic minorities, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, and those whose families have likely experienced deep-rooted generational health inequalities. Known national inequality in advanced training opportunities and health care are interrelated and intrinsically shape each other. It is within this context that the ITCB program, which will not only provide the most contemporary training in cancer biology but also an intentional focus on developing scientific approaches designed to address cancer disparities and the important role of community engagement in research, will ultimately succeed in offsetting the significant cancer disparities faced not only by MCC’s immediate catchment area but throughout the nation. The ITCB program aims to provide a two-year training experience to three new predoctoral trainees and one postdoctoral trainee each year, 20 total trainees over the five-year project period. The main programmatic objectives of the ITCB program are to 1) match trainees with a mentorship team who will develop a tailored cancer biology-training experience and career development plan; 2) demonstrate best practices for incorporating community engagement into the design, implementation, and dissemination of research; 3) provide workshops and hands-on training with experts in cutting-edge biotechnologies; 4) offer interactive engagement through a unique cancer biology curriculum infused with the principles of community engagement and cancer disparities; a cancer biology journal club; and an ITCB program monthly meeting to discuss research in progress, the latest advances in cancer science, and best practices for laboratory management and career development; 5) promote interdisciplinary engagement through MCC-sponsored program meetings, seminars, and retreats; 6) afford opportunities to network nationally through attendance at professional cancer research conferences; and 7) support trainees in developing extramural, peer-reviewed grant applications and submitting manuscripts based on their research. The ITCB program will be under the leadership of a Program Director and two Associate Directors who have substantial backgrounds in cancer biology and notable leadership experiences. The program will receive evaluative input from an external and an internal advisory committee, and the program faculty includes prominent MCC scientists who reside in an outstanding interdisciplinary research environment that offers remarkable opportunities for intellectual, collaborative interactions supported by extensive center-supported resources.