Thursday, November 21, 2024
11/21/2024
ABSTRACT: The rapid accumulation of “big data” has initiated a new model for conducting cancer research and has resulted in a pressing need for a workforce with quantitative skills. To meet this need we used our first NCI R25 funding period to establish the Quantitative Sciences Undergraduate Research Experience (QSURE) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) in Summer 2018. QSURE provides experiential learning over a 10-week period for up to 10 students in quantitative fields powered by the application of real-world data, including biostatistics, epidemiology, health outcomes, and computational oncology. In only 5 years, QSURE has demonstrated substantial demand for quantitative training and expanded the volume of students who successfully engage in hands-on research in our department by nearly 4-fold. We have achieved the aims of the first funding period and reported high post-program student and mentor satisfaction as well as improved student competencies in all years. Most QSURE alumni (71%) have gone on to pursue a PhD or Master’s in a quantitative field. We will build on these successes and use the next funding period to continue to cultivate a cadre of responsible, rigorous quantitative scientists through an intensive multidimensional curriculum that reinforces successful programmatic components, including hands-on research carried out under the guidance of a faculty mentor, discussion series in the ethical and responsible conduct of research, educational seminars illustrating wide applications of data, training workshops in quantitative methodology, training and opportunities for written/oral scientific communication, and career and professional development. We will integrate new components that address contemporary viewpoints in cancer research and prompt students to consider equity, diversity, and inclusion in their own research. These will include patient led “fireside chats” that highlight the role of research in the patient experience, panel discussions that provide global health perspectives through exchanges with an NCI-funded program for Nigerian trainees, and student-led discussions of works that reinforce themes in equity, diversity, and inclusion. We will recruit diverse cohorts of motivated undergraduate interns with a passion for applying quantitative science to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality and evaluate short- and long-term program success and use these outcomes to inform and disseminate best practices. Since initial funding QSURE has demonstrated success and resilience in preparing and facilitating the next generation of research scientists for graduate studies and careers in quantitative fields. During the next funding period, we will reinforce the successes of our first funding period by designing an enhanced curriculum to help students contextualize and broaden their understanding of the potential of quantitative science to advance and support the health of all communities. QSURE will continue to prepare and facilitate interns for graduate studies and careers in quantitative fields. This is vital to fulfilling our long-term vision of training strong quantitative scientists dedicated to advancing cancer research.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
