1
|
Lynch PA, Gillette JM, Sheche JN, Jaffe SA, Rodman J, Cartwright K, Kano M, Mishra SI. Stepping Up Summer Fun: the Cancer Research - Scholarship and Training Experience in Population Sciences (C-STEPS) Program. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2024:10.1007/s13187-024-02458-1. [PMID: 38819526 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-024-02458-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Over the last two decades, strides in cancer prevention, earlier detection, and novel treatments have reduced overall cancer mortality; however, cancer health disparities (CHD) persist among demographically diverse and intersecting populations. The development of a culturally responsive workforce trained in interdisciplinary, team-based science is a key strategy for addressing these cancer disparities. The Cancer Research - Scholarship and Training Experience in Population Sciences (C-STEPS) program at the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center is designed to increase and diversify the biomedical and behavioral research workforce by providing specialized and experiential curricula that highlight team-oriented cancer control and population science. Undergraduate students interested in CHD and in pursuing STEM-H (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health) graduate or professional degrees are eligible for the program. C-STEPS students are paired with a UNM faculty mentor, who guides the student's 10-week summer research experience. They receive mentorship and support from three layers-faculty, near-peers (graduate students), and peers (undergraduates who have completed the C-STEPS program previously). Students generate five products, including a capstone presentation, grounded in the research they conduct with their faculty mentors. Since its founding in 2021, C-STEPS has trained three cohorts with a total of 32 students. The C-STEPS program provides a unique team-science approach with multilayer mentoring to create a sustainable pipeline for the development of students interested in STEM-H fields and CHD research. The capstone project led to 47% of students presenting their work at conferences, and two publishing their manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals. Overall, 89% of students were either "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the program and the same percentage recommended the program to other undergraduates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paige A Lynch
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Jennifer M Gillette
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Judith N Sheche
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Shoshana Adler Jaffe
- Center for Healthcare Equity in Kidney Disease, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Joseph Rodman
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Kate Cartwright
- School of Public Administration, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Miria Kano
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Shiraz I Mishra
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
- Departments of Pediatrics and Family and Community Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mochona B, Redda KK, Offringa IA, Allen J, Carpten JD, Stern MC, Reams RR, Wilkie DJ. Mentoring Minority Cancer Researchers of Tomorrow: Comparison of the Face-to-Face, Virtual, and Hybrid Training Methods of the CaRE 2 Summer Cancer Research Education and Training Program. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2024:10.1007/s13187-024-02426-9. [PMID: 38520478 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-024-02426-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
In our previous publication, we reported a framework to develop an undergraduate cancer research training program at Florida A&M University (FAMU) under the umbrella of the Florida-California Cancer Research, Education, and Engagement (CaRE2) Health Equity Center activity by harnessing the resources available at FAMU, the University of Florida (UF), and the University of Southern California (USC) Cancer Centers. The implementation of the CaRE2 face-to-face training platform was dramatically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic during the summer of 2020 and 2021 training periods. However, a concerted effort was made to restructure the face-to-face training model into virtual and hybrid training methods to maintain the continuity of the program during the pandemic. This article compared the three methods to identify the best platform for training URM students in cancer disparity research. The program's effectiveness was measured through motivation, experiences, and knowledge gained by trainees during and one year after the completion of the program. The results showed that the participants were highly positive in their feedback about the professional and academic values of the program. Although the virtual and hybrid methods experienced significant challenges during the pandemic, the hybrid training module offered an "above average" effectiveness in performance, like the face-to-face mentoring platform in mentoring URM students in cancer disparity research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bereket Mochona
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science & Technology, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, 32307, USA.
| | - Kinfe K Redda
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, 32307, USA
| | - Ite A Offringa
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - John Allen
- College of Pharmacy and College of Medicine, University of Florida Research and Academic Center, Lake Nona, FL, 32827, USA
| | - John D Carpten
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Mariana C Stern
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Renee R Reams
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, 32307, USA
| | - Diana J Wilkie
- College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhu L, Dodd SJ, Chen Y, Kaminsky ER, Liu ZE, Ma GX, Ogunwobi OO, Fang CY. Educating the next generation of cancer researchers: Evaluation of a cancer research partnership training program. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286279. [PMID: 37792689 PMCID: PMC10550190 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
African American, American Indian and Alaska Native, Hispanic (or Latinx), Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific Islander groups are underrepresented in the biomedical workforce, which is one of the barriers to addressing cancer disparities among minority populations. The creation of a more inclusive biomedical workforce dedicated to reducing the burden of cancer health disparities requires structured, mentored research and cancer-related research exposure during the earlier stages of training. The Summer Cancer Research Institute (SCRI) is a multicomponent 8-week intensive summer program funded under the Partnership between a Minority Serving Institute and a National Institutes of Health-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. In this survey study, we found that students who participated in the SCRI Program reported greater knowledge and interest in pursuing careers in cancer-related fields than their counterparts who did not participate in SCRI. Successes, challenges, and solutions in providing training in cancer and cancer health disparities research to improve diversity in the biomedical fields were also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhu
- Center for Asian Health, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Urban Health and Population Science, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - S. J. Dodd
- Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College of The City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Yuku Chen
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Emily R. Kaminsky
- Center for Cancer Health Disparities Research, Hunter College of The City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Zhiqing Elaine Liu
- Center for Asian Health, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Grace X. Ma
- Center for Asian Health, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Urban Health and Population Science, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Olorunseun O. Ogunwobi
- Center for Cancer Health Disparities Research, Hunter College of The City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of The City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Carolyn Y. Fang
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhu L, Dodd SJ, Chen Y, Kaminsky ER, Liu ZE, Ma GX, Ogunwobi OO, Fang CY. Educating the Next Generation of Cancer Researchers: Evaluation of A Cancer Research Partnership Training Program. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.05.15.23289973. [PMID: 37292673 PMCID: PMC10246031 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.15.23289973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
African American, American Indian and Alaska Native, Hispanic (or Latinx), Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific Islander groups are underrepresented in the biomedical workforce, which is one of the barriers to addressing cancer disparities among minority populations. The creation of a more inclusive biomedical workforce dedicated to reducing the burden of cancer health disparities requires structured, mentored research and cancer-related research exposure during the earlier stages of training. The Summer Cancer Research Institute (SCRI), a multicomponent 8-week intensive summer program funded under the Partnership between a Minority Serving Institute and a National Institutes of Health-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. This study assessed whether students who participated in the SCRI Program report greater knowledge and interest in pursuing careers in cancer-related fields than their counterparts who did not participate in SCRI. Successes, challenges, and solutions in providing training in cancer and cancer health disparities research to improve diversity in the biomedical fields were also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhu
- Center for Asian Health, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Urban Health and Population Science, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S J Dodd
- Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College of The City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yuku Chen
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Emily R Kaminsky
- Center for Cancer Health Disparities Research, Hunter College of The City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zhiqing Elaine Liu
- Center for Asian Health, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Grace X Ma
- Center for Asian Health, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Urban Health and Population Science, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Olorunseun O Ogunwobi
- Center for Cancer Health Disparities Research, Hunter College of The City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of The City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carolyn Y Fang
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Reams RR, Odedina FT, Carpten JD, Redda K, Stern MC, Krieger JL, Aparicio J, Hensel B, Askins N, Abreu A, Adams A, Agyare E, Ali J, Allen JM, Aló R, Baezconde-Garbanati L, Brant J, Brown CP, Buxbaum SG, Cohen P, Cozen W, Ezenwa MO, Falzarano S, Fillingim RB, Flores-Rozas H, Fredenburg KM, George T, Han B, Huang Y, Hughes Halbert C, Kiros GE, Lamango NS, Lee JH, Lyon DE, Mitchell DA, Mochona B, Nieva JJ, Offringa IA, Okunieff P, Parker A, Rhie SK, Richey JM, Rogers SC, Salhia B, Schmittgen TD, Segal R, Setiawan VW, Smith U, Su LM, Suther S, Trevino J, Velazquez-Villarreal EI, Webb FJ, Wu AH, Yao Y, Wilkie DJ. Florida-California Cancer Research, Education and Engagement (CaRE 2) Health Equity Center: Structure, Innovations, and Initial Outcomes. Cancer Control 2023; 30:10732748231197878. [PMID: 37703814 PMCID: PMC10501072 DOI: 10.1177/10732748231197878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Florida-California Cancer Research, Education, and Engagement (CaRE2) Health Equity Center is a triad partnership committed to increasing institutional capacity for cancer disparity research, the diversity of the cancer workforce, and community empowerment. This article provides an overview of the structure, process innovations, and initial outcomes from the first 4 years of the CaRE2 triad partnership. METHODS CaRE2 serves diverse populations in Florida and California using a "molecule to the community and back" model. We prioritize research on the complex intersection of biological, environmental, and social determinants health, working together with scientific and health disparities communities, sharing expertise across institutions, bidirectional training, and community outreach. Partnership progress and outcomes were assessed using mixed methods and four Program Steering Committee meetings. RESULTS Research capacity was increased through development of a Living Repository of 81 cancer model systems from minority patients for novel cancer drug development. CaRE2 funded 15 scientific projects resulting in 38 publications. Workforce diversity entailed supporting 94 cancer trainees (92 URM) and 34 ESIs (32 URM) who coauthored 313 CaRE2-related publications and received 48 grants. Community empowerment was promoted via outreaching to more than 3000 individuals, training 145 community cancer advocates (including 28 Community Scientist Advocates), and publishing 10 community reports. CaRE2 members and trainees together have published 639 articles, received 61 grants, and 57 awards. CONCLUSION The CaRE2 partnership has achieved its initial aims. Infrastructure for translational cancer research was expanded at one partner institution, and cancer disparities research was expanded at the two cancer centers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R. Renee Reams
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | | | - John D. Carpten
- Department of Translational Genomics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kinfe Redda
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Mariana C. Stern
- Departments of Population and Public Health Sciences, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Janice L. Krieger
- Department of Advertising, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jose Aparicio
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brooke Hensel
- Department of Behavioral Nursing Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Nissa Askins
- Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Andre Abreu
- Department of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Angela Adams
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Edward Agyare
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Jamel Ali
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - John M. Allen
- Department of Pharmacotherapy & Translational Research, University of Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Richard Aló
- College of Science and Technology, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati
- Departments of Population and Public Health Sciences, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jason Brant
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Clyde P. Brown
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Sarah G. Buxbaum
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Pinchas Cohen
- University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Wendy Cozen
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Miriam O. Ezenwa
- Department of Behavioral Nursing Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sara Falzarano
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Roger B. Fillingim
- Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Hernan Flores-Rozas
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Kristianna M. Fredenburg
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Thomas George
- Department of Medicine in the College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Bo Han
- Departments of Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yong Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Chanita Hughes Halbert
- Departments of Population and Public Health Sciences, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gebre-Egziabher Kiros
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Nazarius S. Lamango
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Ji-Hyun Lee
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Debra E. Lyon
- Department of Behavioral Nursing Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Duane A. Mitchell
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Bereket Mochona
- Department of Chemistry, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL USA
| | - Jorge J. Nieva
- Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ite A. Offringa
- Departments of Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Paul Okunieff
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Alexander Parker
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Suhn K. Rhie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joyce M. Richey
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sherise C. Rogers
- Department of Medicine in the College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Bodour Salhia
- Department of Translational Genomics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Richard Segal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcome and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Ukamaka Smith
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Li-Ming Su
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sandra Suther
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Jose Trevino
- Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Fern J. Webb
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Anna H. Wu
- Department of Translational Genomics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yingwei Yao
- Department of Behavioral Nursing Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Diana J. Wilkie
- Department of Behavioral Nursing Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|