Graduate Program in Cancer Biology Training at Emory University

Cancer represents a collection of diseases that remains the second leading cause of death in the United States. However, several recent advances in cross-disciplinary research have improved outcomes for patients and provide tremendous opportunity for continued progress. In order to further the innovation and clinical impact of research discoveries, a Ph.D. workforce with broad conceptual knowledge across the field of cancer biology research is required. To ensure successful careers, Ph.D. scientists will need an acute awareness of rapidly evolving technologic approaches used in cancer biology research, deep knowledge of specific areas and critical thinking skills. To address the need for well-trained, cross-disciplinary PhD scientists entering the workforce, we propose the Graduate Program in Cancer Biology Training at Emory University. This Program will provide an exceptional interdisciplinary training program that is above and beyond PhD programs at Emory with opportunities for basic and translational research focused on cancer biology. It will be highly integrated within the environment at the Winship Cancer Institute, the NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. A suite of evidence-based learning approaches, experienced research mentors who focus on cancer in various PhD Programs and unique ability to interact across clinical and laboratory disciplines will enable development of our trainees success in academic-, industry- and government-based research careers. The objective of this Program is to provide a qualified population of predoctoral students with effective training that culminates in 1) Ph.D. scientists with broad conceptual knowledge, who are trained to think critically, effectively and communicate their findings; 2) A Ph.D. workforce aware of how to conduct responsible, rigorous and reproducible scientific studies; and 3) A Ph.D. workforce with training in cross-disciplinary communication and exposure to clinical application of research findings. To achieve this goal, we will use a core curriculum that includes discussion-based, active learning approaches to fundamental principles of cancer biology and development of presentation skills through didactic classroom and seminar experiences. The importance of rigor and reproducibility in cancer research is emphasized during all phases of the training for both students and mentors, with a required course as well as emphasizing this training as part of the courses, seminars and journal clubs. This program will have an environment focused on excellence to ensure recruitment and retention of students who are formally trained for a career in scientific fields relevant to cancer biology. Finally, Ph.D. trainees will have unique training opportunities including responsibility to organize and execute symposiums, seminars, rigorous training in ethical aspects of research and ample opportunity for close interaction with both clinical and research trainees undergoing post-doctoral fellowship training to invigorate communication related to translational relevance in cancer.