The underrepresentation of minorities in basic, clinical and behavioral research has been viewed as a significant barrier to addressing cancer disparities, and the inclusion of minority populations in clinical trials. Thus, there is a need to develop a cadre of racially and ethnically diverse, well-trained scientists. In this application, we will address the following barriers that underrepresented minorities face for a comprehensive rigorous, and innovative approach that will create opportunities and promote careers in cancer research for underrepresented minority researchers and students: (i) the lack of committed role models, (ii) inadequate mentoring, (iii) insufficient preparation, (iv) low expectations, and (v) not being aware of the culture and idioms of science. To achieve our long-term goal of increasing the pool of underrepresented minority (URM) cancer researchers, our primary objective is to augment, promote and sustain an independent, competitive cancer research training program that creates opportunities and promotes careers in oncology for minority students through the Comprehensive Research Training Opportunities for Outstanding Leaders (C-ReTOOL) program. This program will apprise and culturally sensitize undergraduate and graduate students of the need to reduce the disproportionate cancer burden in minority populations through basic, clinical, and behavioral research conducted in the US, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean. The C-ReTOOL program will build on our existing cancer research and training opportunities to grow the number of underrepresented scientists and clinical investigators in higher education and academic leadership.

Public Health Relevance

/ RELEVANCE The primary objective of this University of Florida (UF) R25 grant application is to augment and sustain an existing cancer research training program that creates opportunities and promotes careers in oncology for underrepresented minority students through the Comprehensive Research Training Opportunities for Outstanding Leaders (C-ReTOOL) Program. UF-FAMU Partnership to Close the Prostate Cancer Disparities Gap for Black men in Florida 1

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Education Projects (R25)
Project #
5R25CA214225-03
Application #
9772398
Study Section
Subcommittee I - Transistion to Independence (NCI)
Program Officer
Lin, Alison J
Project Start
2017-09-21
Project End
2022-08-31
Budget Start
2019-09-01
Budget End
2020-08-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2019
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Florida
Department
Pharmacology
Type
Schools of Pharmacy
DUNS #
969663814
City
Gainesville
State
FL
Country
United States
Zip Code
32611
Odedina, Folakemi T; Reams, R R; Kaninjing, E et al. (2018) Increasing the Representation of Minority Students in the Biomedical Workforce: the ReTOOL Program. J Cancer Educ :