Creating career pathways in cancer research for underrepresented students
Official title: Educational Pathways for Cancer Research (EPCR)
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10931432 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The Educational Pathways for Cancer Research program at Indiana University is helping students from diverse backgrounds explore careers in cancer research by training teachers to engage them in hands-on projects and providing students with mentorship and workshops to build their skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $392,597 |
| NIH project number | 5R25CA274184-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931432 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program include high school and early undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds interested in pursuing careers in medicine or cancer research.
✕Less likely to help
Students who are already established in their medical or cancer research careers may not receive direct benefits from this program.
What this research studies
The Educational Pathways for Cancer Research (EPCR) program at Indiana University aims to enhance the biomedical workforce by providing career pathways in cancer research for students from underrepresented populations. This initiative focuses on training middle and high school teachers to inspire their students through project-based cancer research activities and integrated laboratory experiences. Additionally, it offers mentored research opportunities and professional development workshops for high school and early undergraduate students, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for careers in medicine and cancer research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the diversity and number of individuals entering the biomedical workforce, particularly in cancer research.
How similar studies have gone: Similar educational initiatives have shown success in increasing diversity in STEM fields, indicating that this approach has potential for positive outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nakshatri, Harikrishna — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Nakshatri, Harikrishna
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Adapting flow cytometry to detect childhood leukemias in Kenya using a single-test screen
A low-cost, blood-based flow cytometry screen in Kenya aims to detect and triage suspected leukemias in children and young adults.
-
Dementia care staff study: adapting a US survey for use in many countries
A study is adapting and testing a survey for dementia care workers in the US, Brazil, Switzerland, and Ghana to help understand why workers stay in their jobs and how to improve care.
-
Dementia care staff study: adapting a survey for use in many countries
A multinational study will adapt and test a U.S. dementia-care worker survey in Brazil, Switzerland, and Ghana to help understand why staff stay in or leave long-term care settings.
-
Study of Dementia Care Staff in 4 Countries: Adapting Caregiver Surveys Across Cultures
A multinational project will adapt and test a dementia care worker survey so researchers can compare care environments across the US, Brazil, Switzerland, and Ghana.
-
Severe malaria and brain risk in children
This grant studies how severe malaria in young children can affect brain development and long-term thinking and behavior, with a focus on kids in Uganda.
-
Tau filament structure in Alzheimer’s and related dementias
Aims to map the detailed 3D shapes of tau protein filaments found in human brain diseases to help develop better diagnostics and treatments for Alzheimer’s-related dementias.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.