Advancing Careers in Cancer Research for Underrepresented Students (ACCESS)

Richmond, Virginia

There are 6 Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) health science schools—medicine, population health, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing and health professions—located in Richmond, the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Nicknamed “River City”, or RVA, Richmond sits alongside the James River line in the Piedmont region, and serves as the center of the metropolitan area known for its rich cultural history. The Richmond area is an energetic, populous region, characterized by racial and religious diversity and historic attractions.

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center

Massey was established at VCU in 1974, became an NCI-designated cancer center in 1975, and has been continuously funded by an NCI Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) since that time. In 2023, Massey earned its designation from the NCI as a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Massey’s mission to reduce the state cancer burden for all Virginians by addressing the confluence between biological, social and policy drivers through high-impact, cutting-edge research; person-centered care across the continuum, from prevention through survivorship; community integration; and training the next generation of community-centric researchers and healthcare professionals. Massey has more than 140 members representing more than 25 academic departments across six VCU schools and colleges. Massey members are organized into three research programs:

• Cancer Biology: Program members unravel the mechanistic underpinnings of tumor pathogenesis and progression and identify key interactions between tumors and their microenvironment that could shed light on the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms accounting for cancer progression.
• Developmental Therapeutics: Program members explore cancer therapeutics, identify molecular targets, assess the molecular genetic profiles of tumors, and translate these findings and the findings of the other two programs into novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancer.
• Cancer Prevention & Control: Program members identify cancer risk factors as well as develop and conduct interventions to decrease the cancer burden in the Massey's catchment area and improve cancer-related care, patient health outcomes and survivorship.

Massey's vision is to be a premier community-focused cancer center leading the nation in cancer research and ensuring optimal health outcomes for all. Utilizing a Community-to-Bench model, the center aims to bridge the disconnect between academia and the communities it serves. Through this model, Massey increasingly employs an approach that acknowledges the community as an equal expert and strategic research partner that informs the prioritization, development, execution and dissemination of cancer research, education, care and policy agendas.

Mentoring

Mentorship teams derived from ACCESS faculty mentors will inform research projects established for each fellow. The mentoring team will help develop and monitor the fellow’s individual development plan, which will map out the skills to be learned and milestones to be achieved.

Laboratory training

Within the primary mentor's laboratory, fellows will be provided with training opportunities that include exposure to a multidisciplinary research environment available through hands-on experience applying design thinking for implementation of biomedical research concepts and techniques. Initiatives and interactions will generate a higher percentage of ACCESS fellows in cancer-related graduate programs.

Required coursework

• Graduate Research Methods (BIOS543, 3 credits): This course covers basic statistical concepts and methodologies, such as well-designed research questions; sampling theory; probability, chance and variability in measurement; analyzing categorical and continuous data; and statistical decision-making.
• Community-engaged Research and Health Disparities (SBHD692, 3 credits): This course covers theories, principles and strategies for conducting community-engaged research in the context of health disparities. Students also participate in hands-on field experience where they will work closely with a community partner and use participatory research methods to address a community need.
• Writing and Grantsmanship (ANAT620, 2 credits): This course provides a strong foundation in scientific writing and grantsmanship, which is fundamental for successful grant applications and publications.
• Scientific Integrity (OVPR 601), Responsible Scientific Conduct (OVPR 602, 1 credit), RCR (OVPR 603, 1 credit): This series covers the core responsible conduct of research (RCR) topics necessary for conducting ethical research.

Career development

Career development activities aim to provide a venue for dialogue, advocacy, problem-solving, skill-building, scientific networking and professional development for the different facets of careers as scientists and/or faculty members.

• Journal club: In the fall semesters, ACCESS fellows will participate in a weekly journal club hosted by VCU PREP to foster broader peer interaction, program synergy and a scholarly post-baccalaureate community.
• Career development workshops: Fellows will attend two professional development shops each semester covering research presentation, abstract writing, graduate school applications, resume building, interviewing skills and professional networking.
• Research retreats, symposia and national meetings: All fellows are expected to attend and/or give presentations for the following events:
  • Biannual Commonwealth of Virginia Cancer Research Conference
  • Annual Walter Lawrence Research Retreat
  • Gordon Ginder Innovations in Cancer Research Symposium
  • A national conference of choice

Eligibility

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline from an accredited domestic or foreign educational institution
• Be a U.S. citizen or have a verifiable status as a permanent resident

Expectations

• Fellows must be able to commit to working in a Massey mentor’s laboratory for at least 30 hrs/week
• Attendance at quarterly advisory meetings is required to review individual progress development

Four fellows will each receive two years of support for:

• Salary ($37,000 USD)
• Health ($2,654 USD)
• Housing allowance ($600 USD)