National Cancer Institute 5U54CA156732-15

Research Education Core

The Research Education Core is a grant-funded program by the National Cancer Institute to enhance cancer research workforce development by providing education and mentored research experiences to students and post-doctoral scientists at UMass Boston, focusing on scientific knowledge, communication skills, and career development.

Description

The Research Education Core (REC) aims to bridge the divide in the biomedical workforce by increasing the number of UMass Boston students pursuing graduate degrees and cancer research careers. It provides science enrichment education and mentored research experiences emphasizing professional development, research support, and team science across multiple disciplines. The REC focuses on three key areas: acquisition of scientific knowledge, development of communication skills, and individualized career development. The core will support undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, graduate, and post-doctoral research education programs. It aims to support 60 undergraduates, 30 graduate students, 15 post-baccalaureate students, and 2 nursing post-doctoral scientists over the grant cycle. The program offers individualized and developmentally appropriate experiences to prepare students for subsequent research careers. It also provides research opportunities at the intersection of natural/physical sciences and social/behavioral sciences. Over the past 15 years, the REC has mentored 347 trainees/fellows, preparing them for advanced degrees and careers in cancer and biomedical sciences. The program continues to assess its effectiveness and aims to contribute to scientific knowledge through peer-reviewed publications.

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