Strengthening Research, Training and Outreach Capacity in Huntsman Cancer Institute's Mountain West Service Area

Project Summary/Abstract Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah is the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Mountain West (Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming). With this proposal we intend to support and expand the science of cancer health disparities (CHD) research and training

while simultaneously building the next generation of competitive underrepresented cancer and CHD trainees and investigators in the region. To achieve this we will employ these Specific Aims: 1) Identify new trainees and early-stage investigators while continuing to support existing pipeline scholars. Continue

recruitment and partnership formation efforts in cancer disparities research by identifying underrepresented investigators/trainees and providing evidence-based career/professional development activities. 2) Provide evidence-based career development and networking activities to drive STEM pipeline competitiveness.

Provide and/or connect Mountain West scholars and trainees to career development activities at HCI, U of U and partners. 3) Track and monitor the progress and productivity of newly identified potential pipeline scholars and conduct a final assessment of project deliverables and lessons learned, including a

discussion of applicants navigated to NCI-supported programs. We will continue to track and monitor the success of these programs and initiative, and evaluate their effectiveness. HCI, the Project Director (PD), Programs Coordinator, and Training Navigator will accomplish these aims by implementing regionally tailored

programs and initiatives that will build upon the training hub momentum.