Cancer Undergraduate Research Education Program (CUREP)
CUREP
The Cancer Undergraduate Research Education Program (CUREP) proposes to address cancer health disparities by expanding and recruiting exceptional applicants to the pool of future cancer researchers within the biomedical workforce.
Our objective is to create a summer undergraduate research program in collaboration with the University of North Carolina, North Carolina Central University and North Carolina A&T State University, two historically Black universities. This program is funded by an R25 grant from the NCI for five years (project number 1R25CA291602-01).
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) defines cancer disparities, sometimes referred to as cancer health disparities, as differences in cancer measures such as incidence, prevalence, mortality, survival, morbidity, survivorship, financial burden of cancer or related health conditions, screening rates, and stage at diagnosis.
In collaboration with researchers, physicians, public health professionals, students, and communities across the United States, many efforts are being leveraged to eliminate these disparities. Our innovative approach integrates academic study with life skills coaching, creating a comprehensive program to prepare young scientists for future challenges.
Students will conduct independent research under the supervision of Principal Investigator mentors, graduate students, and postdocs in laboratories or research teams specializing in population science. Their research experiences will be complemented by training in ethics and various professional and career development activities, culminating in research presentations at the end of the summer.
A distinguishing feature of CUREP is its year-long coaching component, encompassing study skills, academic writing, time management, self-efficacy, career planning, and wellness. This holistic approach enables participants to integrate academic and social/life skills effectively.
Ultimately, CUREP aims to increase the participation and representation of students from medically underserved areas in cancer research, contributing significantly to the growth of the biomedical workforce.
CUREP aims to admit 12 undergraduates from medically underserved areas each year.
