Student Training in Academics and Research: The STAR Program
Abstract
Prostate cancer remains the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in men in the United States. Many challenges remain across the spectrum of prostate cancer research that need to be addressed in order to reduce suffering and death from this disease. Training the next generation of prostate cancer investigators is crucial to continue to make progress in prostate cancer research. Specifically, students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) stand to gain substantially from engaging in prostate cancer research as a model for learning about a wide range of research disciplines and topics, such as basic biology, genetics research, clinical research, outcomes research, behavioral studies, disparities research, and patient care. Furthermore, since men of African descent are disproportionately affected with prostate cancer, students from HBCUs have a vested personal interest in making progress in reducing death from prostate cancer. This proposal will describe the STAR (Student Training in Academics and Research) program, which builds upon an existing collaboration between Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center (SKCC) (a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center) at Thomas Jefferson University (TJU) and Lincoln University (LU) (a Historically Black University). The specific goals of the STAR program include: (1) implement a unique translational summer internship focused in prostate cancer research, (2) provide students firsthand insight into disparities related to prostate cancer care, (3) provide long-term mentorship to LU students for success in postgraduate education and career development, and (4) track STAR program students long term for careers in prostate cancer research. The Principal Investigator (Dr. Giri at SKCC) and Faculty Advisor (Dr. Hull at LU) are established researchers and teachers/mentors with interest and success in mentoring students. Drs. Giri and Hull have developed the unique translational STAR program with a successful track record of prior STAR interns moving forward with careers in science or medicine. Summer research project opportunities (under the guidance of highly established researchers) include basic biology of prostate cancer, epidemiology, genetics, and risk for prostate cancer, neighborhood factors and prostate cancer disparities, and treatment outcomes. In addition, all students will gain in-depth experience in prostate cancer disparities by working with Dr. Giri in a novel prostate cancer genetics clinic (which has a significant number of African American patients) and in the community. Therefore, the impact of the research projects is substantial, and will reduce morbidity and mortality from prostate cancer. In STAR, the research projects will be integrated with a comprehensive training program. Students will have research and scientific seminars, a mentorship team to guide students on the progress and presentation of their research, and assistance with applications to graduate school/medical school or career placement. A very unique aspect of STAR is that students have the opportunity to observe prostate surgeries, radiation treatments, chemotherapy, genetic evaluation, and community clinics all focused in prostate cancer. Recruitment methods to the STAR program will include release of promotional materials on LU campus, updating a website specifically highlighting the STAR program, using social media (such as Facebook) as a forum for former and current students to interact, and having Dr. Giri present seminars at the LU campus describing the STAR program opportunities. A rolling application and admission process will be used for enrollment. The STAR program will formally track students throughout their academic schooling at LU and beyond into advanced education and careers. The STAR program has demonstrated to make major impact in the education and careers of LU students and to make progress in advancing prostate cancer research. In addition to t
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 31, 2017
- Source ID
- W81XWH1610258
Entities
People
- Veda N Giri
Organizations
- Thomas Jefferson University
- United States Army