Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination

University Of California At Davis, Davis CA

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

CANCER RESEARCH, TRAINING, AND EDUCATION COORDINATION (CRTEC) PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The future success of cancer research depends upon the successful personal and professional development of the next generation of diverse teams, steeped in disciplinary excellence, expertly mentored, and supported by institutional organizational structures and programs. Career-long support encourages multi-lingual and multi- cultural collaboration, with timely access to resources inclusive of all members of the workforce. The UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCDCCC) culture has long focused upon workforce development and offers a remarkable spectrum of cancer training and career development opportunities coordinated across the trainee spectrum: high school and undergraduate students, post-doctoral trainees, junior faculty, and mentors in order to enhance education, training, and/or mentorship skills. Since 2019 CRTEC has coalesced into an organizational hub, a component that provides comprehensive, integrated support across the UCDCCC, the entire university, and external partners to successfully implement its vision. UCDCCC has established an Office of Education, Training, and Career Development under the supervision of the Cancer Center’s AD for Education, Training, and Career Development, Dr. Fred Meyers. This Office is managed by UCDCCC’s Administration and is coordinated by Ms. Kirsten Asher who works closely with Dr. Meyers in executing programmatic efforts. Early metrics of success of this strategic organizational alignment include the recent award of the only Comparative Oncology T32 training grant in the country, a UCD wide F award workshop, a new collaboration with the CSUS School of Education focused on high school teacher cancer and data sciences curriculum development, UCDCCC Grand Rounds, a Mentoring Academy for Cancer Research, and two advisory councils that facilitate the voices of diverse stakeholders to be heard in programmatic development. Each UCDCCC Research Program and SR is accountable for and has strengthened their CRTEC activities. CRTEC is well supported by the UCDCCC and UCD, including the SOM Dean’s recent commitment to fund salary differentials above the NIH cap for K awardees. CRTEC is engaged across the entire university by embedding UCDCCC members in the leadership of formal training programs, including extramurally funded efforts; participation by UCDCCC members in lectures, seminars and workshops offered within these programs; participation of UCDCCC members as trainers or mentors in training programs; listening to stakeholders through the Education and Training Council; and providing cancer-relevant educational and training opportunities.