University of New Mexico's CURE for Cancer

University Of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr, Albuquerque NM

Investigators

Abstract

Responding to community concerns related to higher cancer incidences and worse outcomes among New Mexico’s rural and under-resourced 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 78 high school and 82 undergraduate students 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 resilient 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 will build science identity and resilience, which is shown to promote long-term persistence. The CURE for Cancer program has established networks to allow statewide and national recruitment and training of rural students. Thus, the CURE for Cancer program is uniquely poised to increase student interests in the sciences and address a pressing national challenge to reduce the prevalence of cancer among all Americans. 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 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 under-resourced 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 students will proceed to and graduate from college, attend graduate/professional school and pursue cancer-related professions.