Improving cancer research education and workforce diversity
Official title: Research Education
Funded at Howard University · NIH-11011787 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about making cancer research education better and more inclusive at Howard University by teaming up with Johns Hopkins University to create new programs, like a Ph.D. in Medical Physics and a course on using AI in cancer research, all while helping underrepresented students in science and technology.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Howard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $200,054 |
| NIH project number | 1U54CA295337-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011787 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include African American individuals interested in pursuing careers in cancer research or related fields.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not part of underrepresented groups in cancer research may not receive direct benefits from this initiative.
What this research studies
This research initiative focuses on enhancing cancer research education at Howard University and aims to diversify the cancer research workforce. It involves creating joint programs with Johns Hopkins University, including a Ph.D. program in Medical Physics and a twelve-week course on artificial intelligence and machine learning in cancer research. The project also includes a 'School2Lab' initiative designed to support underrepresented scholars in STEM fields. By addressing educational disparities, the program seeks to improve representation in cancer research and clinical settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more diverse cancer research workforce, ultimately improving health outcomes for underrepresented populations.
How similar studies have gone: Similar initiatives have shown promise in increasing diversity in medical and research fields, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Howard University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khan, Rao — Howard University
- Study coordinator: Khan, Rao
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Antiviral factors that limit HIV in people with SLE
Researchers at Howard University are studying how immune factors in people with lupus may help limit HIV infection.
-
Gut-brain connection in Parkinson’s disease
A study in Parkinson’s disease explores how the gut may influence brain health and disease progression, using animal models to understand pathways that link the gut to brain symptoms.
-
Understanding how stem cell vesicles pick their cargo to improve therapies
Researchers are studying tiny bubbles from stem cells to learn how their contents are chosen, with the aim of making better treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancer.
-
Molecular mechanisms of HIV resistance in people with Sickle Cell Disease and Trait
A scientist at Howard University is studying why people with sickle cell disease or trait might be more resistant to HIV, in order to uncover clues for better protection and treatment.
-
Community Collaborations Core for Cancer Research and Engagement
A program at Howard University to strengthen trust between communities and cancer researchers, grow partnerships, and provide hands-on STEM experiences for students in the DC–Baltimore area.
-
Planning and Evaluation Core for a cancer research partnership
A coordinating group will guide planning, monitoring, and evaluation across cancer research, education, and community programs to ensure a cohesive, sustainable effort.
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.