Training programs for students in cancer research in Appalachia
Appalachian Career Training in Oncology (ACTION) Program
This program is designed to help high school and college students from Appalachian Kentucky learn about cancer research and care, giving them hands-on experiences and mentorship to prepare them for careers in health fields while also raising awareness about cancer in their communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10932126 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This program focuses on providing educational and research opportunities for underrepresented high school and undergraduate students from the Appalachian Kentucky region, which faces high cancer rates and significant educational disparities. Participants will engage in mentored cancer research, observe cancer care, and partake in community outreach activities aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of cancer. The initiative aims to prepare these students for careers in biomedical fields while addressing local health disparities. Through hands-on experiences and mentorship, the program seeks to enhance the diversity of the biomedical workforce.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this program are underrepresented high school and undergraduate students from the Appalachian Kentucky region.
Not a fit: Patients who are not from the Appalachian Kentucky region or who do not fall into the underrepresented student category may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could empower students from underserved communities to pursue careers in cancer research and healthcare, ultimately improving cancer outcomes in their region.
How similar studies have performed: Similar educational interventions have shown success in increasing diversity in the biomedical workforce and improving community health awareness.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vanderford, Nathan Lane — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Vanderford, Nathan Lane
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 below.