Summer Research Experience in Cancer(SuRE-C)

ABSTRACT The overarching goal of our ten-week Summer Research Experience in Cancer (SuRE-C) Program is to exploit the rich and diverse cancer research community at the University of Virginia (UVA) to provide an immersive and inspiring experience in cancer research for undergraduate and medical student trainees, awakening their potential as cancer researchers. To accomplish this, the aims of this NCI-supported program are to: (1) expose trainees to the state-of-the-art cancer research through an immersive, hands- on experience within in our research groups; (2) introduce trainees to the synergy that results from a robust partnership between basic cancer researchers and clinical care providers; (3) instruct trainees how to communicate about cancer discovery with audiences from different backgrounds and levels of expertise (4) inform trainees about career options in cancer research and the training requirements and opportunities associated with each of those careers; and (5) Provide trainees with important professional development skills and a networking foundation that can serve as a springboard to launch their research careers. This application seeks support to continue this successful program which funds the training of fifteen (15) undergraduate and/or post-baccalaureate students and five (5) rising second-year medical students enrolled in SuRE-C each summer. Through hands-on cancer research, innovative educational initiatives, exposure to a wide range of cancer-related research and clinical care experiences, and a strong mentoring network, SuRE-C trainees will be uniquely prepared to pursue advanced training and become valued members of a diverse cancer research workforce.