Generating Research Opportunities Within Statistics at Fred Hutch (GROWS@FredHutch)

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Project Summary/Abstract In cancer research, the need for a diverse pool of researchers in statistics and data science has never been greater. Yet, the requisite academic pipeline for training such a workforce remains inadequate. Minority students admitted to statistics or biostatistics graduate programs are confronted with lack of diversity at the faculty level, and, frequently, lack of awareness by faculty of ways to best support them. Explanations for the lack of faculty diversity in science are multifactorial, but two key drivers are the lack of inclusion frequently felt by racial and ethnic minority students, and the pipeline problem reflected by the low number of doctoral graduates from these historically marginalized groups. The driving objective of GROWS@FredHutch (Generating Research Opportunities Within Statistics at Fred Hutch) is to simultaneously tackle these obstacles. To address the pipeline problem, we will develop and implement a new summer mentored research program for undergraduates who identify as underrepresented minorities. The program will offer: (1) an engaging and supportive mentored research experience that increases their awareness of and interest in pursuing careers in cancer statistics and data science research and (2) career development, community building, and social/emotional support activities. Our goal is that students will not only gain skills and confidence in cancer statistics and data science, but they will feel a sense of belonging and rightful place in the statistics and cancer research communities. The program will also provide coaching to faculty mentors to optimize their chances of success and confidence in mentoring students and will engage faculty in activities that build community. The specific objectives of GROWS@FredHutch are: (1) Educate: through intensive training in R programming and statistics via an introductory didactic program followed by ongoing reinforcement and support; (2) Engage: via carefully crafted mentored cancer statistics projects; (3) Enable: through career development workshops and a role-model program; (4) Endure: foster ongoing connection and support students in pursuing research careers in the field via activities to build community and sense of belonging and career support post program. In addition, we propose to offer a program for faculty mentors that will improve mentoring skills, build confidence in supervising students from historically marginalized groups, and increase awareness of the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and rightful presence for these students. The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center offers a world-renowned cancer research environment and scientific faculty, prioritizes training the next generation of cancer researchers, and is strongly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Puget Sound area is home to a large immigrant community and a diverse set of minority cultures, which will be targeted for recruitment via a well-honed diversity recruitment plan bolstered by longstanding community partnerships.