Thirty-seven students from the Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School Academy of Biomedical Sciences visited the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center in August for a half-day program of panel discussions, lab tours, and hands-on learning. Sponsored by UNC Lineberger’s Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) program, the event gave students an interactive look at cancer research and potential career paths.
“One of CRTEC’s key goals is to spark excitement and interest in cancer research among younger learners. All of us here are deeply motivated to train and inspire the next generation of cancer researchers,” said Claire Dees, MD, ScM, CRTEC co-associate director. “This was a fun day for everyone involved, and the students’ feedback showed how much they enjoyed the activities. Many said the career panels either strengthened their interest in medicine or opened their eyes to the wide range of careers in cancer research—and they especially enjoyed the pizza lunch! Their questions to our panel were thoughtful and right on target with the issues and complexities we face every day.”
Students toured the labs of Blossom Damania, PhD; Jason Merker, MD, PhD; and Jen Jen Yeh, MD, and participated in a pathology demonstration. They also attended faculty panel discussions on clinical research, led by Dees; Matt Milowsky, MD, FASCO; and William A. Wood, MD, MPH, as well as a session on basic science research with Kirsten Bryant, PhD; Chrystal Starbird, PhD; and Brian Strahl, PhD.
The morning concluded with a career panel featuring Jonathan Harrell, pre-award finance manager; Debra Hunter, research technician; Jasmine Jordan, CRC, clinical research manager; Ryan Robinson, director of the Tissue Procurement Facility; Jennifer Spores, MLS, ASCP, CM, medical laboratory scientist; and Nicole Whitman, CCRP, regulatory manager.
The event was organized by Becca Moss, Lisa Meadows and Julie Trollinger with CRTEC, Monnie Sutton with the Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School Academy of Biomedical Sciences, and Shamina Williams with UNC Lineberger’s clinical trials office.
A post-event survey underscored the value of career days. Some students said the pathology demonstration deepened their interest in science, while others found the faculty and staff discussions particularly informative. Nearly all reported the program gave them a clearer understanding of career opportunities in cancer research.