Cancer Prevention Education: Student Research Experiences

University Of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr, Houston TX

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Since 1992, MD Anderson Cancer Prevention Education: Student Research Experiences has provided short-term, intensive training in cancer prevention research and education to encourage students to pursue careers in this vital field. The Program recruits undergraduate, graduate, and health professional students from the basic biomedical sciences, biostatistics, epidemiology, genetics, behavioral and social sciences, nursing, medicine, pharmacy, and related public health disciplines. Beginning with 10 positions in 1992 and increasing over time, the Program now supports 25 positions annually. Other than pandemic shutdown-year 2020, to date, all positions have been filled annually. The Advisory Committee reviews and selects the students based on the merit of their academic performance, educational objectives, and research interests. The Specific Aims are to recruit nationally and train 25 high-performing students for 10-week positions annually, using effective national outreach strategies; to cultivate and support our pool of mentors; to provide a superlative mentored research training experience in a variety of cancer prevention disciplines; to provide career and professional skills development and research ethics; to strengthen students’ preparation for careers in science through structured engagement in research and scholarly activities; and to rigorously evaluate the Program’s value and effectiveness, tracking students’ career trajectories long-term. The Program centers on mentored research designed by faculty with clear student learning objectives. Curriculum components include instruction in cancer prevention and control principles, exposure to career pathways in the field, and professional development focused on career decision-making and navigation. Building on a history of successful educational innovation, the current renewal will refine the curriculum to deepen engagement with cancer prevention research and improve strategies that support student learning and career persistence. These include activities that promote self-awareness and equip students to manage challenges such as imposter feelings and fixed mindset beliefs – factors that may hinder academic and professional growth. Linking personal values and themes in research and cancer prevention accumulated over 10 weeks with the value of pursuing careers in the field will serve as a way to extend and intensify interest in such careers after the end of the Program. Program success is reflected in the development of student-authored research products, publications, and the growing number of alumni who have advanced from graduate training into independent research and leadership roles in cancer prevention.