ADVANCE Population Cancer Research (PCR) Training

The ADVANCE Population Cancer Research (PCR) Training Program at the University of Southern California (USC) is based on a strong foundation of biomedical research, population science training, and professional education at USC and the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences (DPPHS). The ADVANCE PCR will use a comprehensive approach to increase the knowledge, skill, and capacity of predoctoral students in population-based research to enhance cancer control and prevention for all populations with precision using novel approaches and with experience in community engagement. We will do this through two key and highly integrated pillars: (1) academic training in population sciences and the science of cancer prevention and control research, and (2) professional training in population sciences and cancer prevention and control research. The proposed activities within the academic training pillar are designed to increase knowledge and understanding about key concepts in population health and cancer research in heterogenous populations through various academic offerings that include a new Population Health Certificate training, elective courses offered at DPPHS that will complete the core training in epidemiology, biostatistics, or health behavior research of our trainees, scientific seminar offerings with unique focus on population science, cancer prevention and control and cancer research, and hands-on training in applying this knowledge through mentored population cancer research, which will culminate in the PhD dissertation. These academic learning activities will be complemented with activities that will sustain the professional education pillar and will include training navigation to provide precision mentoring and professional and career development through workshops and participation in scientific activities. To enhance the professional education pillar, the ADVANCE PCR program will provide community engagement training through participation in community outreach and engagement events, community education opportunities, and partnership with a community mentor to work on community-based projects. These two training pillars will work synergistically to promote population-based research and provide training in three key areas: population research that considers the variability that exist across populations, multi-level preventive interventions, and methodology to prepare the next generation for careers in population cancer research.