Stepping Up Summer Fun: the Cancer Research – Scholarship and Training Experience in Population Sciences (C-STEPS) Program

• DOI: 10.1007/s13187-024-02458-1
• Publication Date: 2024-05-31T14:03:11Z
• Authors: Paige A. Lynch; Jennifer M. Gillette; Judith N. Sheche; Shoshana Adler Jaffe; Joseph Rodman; Kate Cartwright; Miria Kano; Shiraz I. Mishra
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine

Abstract Over the last two decades, strides in cancer prevention, earlier detection, and novel treatments have reduced overall mortality; however, health disparities (CHD) persist among demographically diverse intersecting populations. The development of a culturally responsive workforce trained interdisciplinary, team-based science is key strategy for addressing these disparities. Cancer Research – Scholarship Training Experience Population Sciences (C-STEPS) program at University New Mexico Comprehensive Center designed to increase diversify biomedical behavioral research by providing specialized experiential curricula that highlight team-oriented control population science. Undergraduate students interested CHD pursuing STEM-H (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, health) graduate or professional degrees are eligible program. C-STEPS paired with UNM faculty mentor, who guides student’s 10-week summer experience. They receive mentorship support from three layers—faculty, near-peers (graduate students), peers (undergraduates completed previously). Students generate five products, including capstone presentation, grounded they conduct their mentors. Since its founding 2021, has cohorts total 32 students. provides unique team-science approach multilayer mentoring create sustainable pipeline fields research. project led 47% presenting work conferences, publishing manuscripts peer-reviewed journals. Overall, 89% were either “satisfied” “very satisfied” same percentage recommended other undergraduates.