Cancer Undergraduate Research Education Program

ABSTRACT Cancer disproportionately affects Black Americans and other economically disadvantaged groups, yet these individuals are underrepresented in cancer research. The Cancer Undergraduate Research Education Program (CUREP) proposes to address this disparity by expanding and diversifying the pool of future cancer researchers

within the biomedical workforce. Our objective is to create a summer undergraduate research program in collaboration with the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (UNC-CH), North Carolina Central University (NCCU), and North Carolina A & T University (NCAT), two historically Black universities. CUREP aims to admit

12 undergraduates from underrepresented groups (URGs) each year, focusing on first-generation college students, those from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds, and those with limited prior research experience. The program has three specific aims: 1) Provide URG students with hands-on experience

in cancer research during a ten-week summer internship. 2) Increase student interest in pursuing careers in cancer research by offering professional development activities essential for gaining admission to graduate and professional schools. 3) Provide year-long group coaching (covering summer, fall, and spring) to help students

integrate academic and life skills and increase their chances of successfully completing their degrees. CUREP offers participants opportunities to expand their knowledge, explore various aspects of cancer research, and develop the skills needed for successful careers in cancer research. The program's key components include

direct research experience under the guidance of principal investigators conducting cancer research. These faculty mentors come from diverse backgrounds, including URGs, and possess expertise in basic cancer biology, population science, translational cancer research, and cancer disparities. Our program's structure builds upon a

previously funded NIH U54 partnership educational program, Partners, focused on cancer health disparities between UNC and NCCU (NCI U54 CA156735). Though about two-thirds of Partners alums are pursuing advanced degrees, students face challenges in various aspects of their lives. Our innovative approach integrates

academic study with life skills coaching, creating a comprehensive program to prepare young scientists for future challenges. Students will conduct independent research under the supervision of PI mentors, graduate students, and postdocs in laboratories or research teams specializing in population science. Their research experiences

will be complemented by training in ethics and various professional and career development activities, culminating in research presentations at the end of the summer. A distinguishing feature of CUREP is its year- long coaching component, encompassing study skills, academic writing, time management, self-efficacy, career

planning, and wellness. This holistic approach enables participants to integrate academic and social/life skills effectively. Ultimately, CUREP aims to increase the participation and representation of URGs in cancer research, contributing significantly to the diversification of the biomedical workforce.