# CaNCURE: Cancer Nanomedicine Co-ops for Undergraduate Research Experiences

> **NIH NIH R25** · NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $273,958

## Abstract

This is a renewal application for years 5-10 of an experiential research training program in cancer
nanomedicine for undergraduate students in STEM fields. Known as CaNCURE: Cancer Nanomedicine Co-ops
for Undergraduate Research Experiences, this program was created to encourage young scientists & engineers,
particularly those from underrepresented minorities, to pursue careers in cancer research. To achieve this
objective, the following specific aims are proposed: 1. Provide a hands-on research experience with a focus in
cancer nanomedicine through a 6-month co-op internship mentored by world-class cancer researchers at Dana-
Farber / Harvard Cancer Center. 2. Provide year-round activities for co-op enrichment, including weekly
seminars, instrumentation training, a reflective e-portfolio, and conference travel. 3. Provide professional
preparation for a career in cancer research, including professional skills training, opportunities to network and
present research, and resources to enhance career preparation. 4. Increase the diversity of the cancer research
workforce by targeted recruitment and retention of students from underrepresented minorities and disadvantaged
backgrounds. This renewal will support 80 undergraduate traineeships (16 per year) to be paid over 15 weeks
of the 6-month research experience. New features of this proposal include: an online library of research
techniques briefs for on-demand instrumentation training, research e-portfolios that allow trainee reflection within
the framework of their individual development plan, new educational programming in cancer disparities and
inequities, and mentoring of trainees by CaNCURE alumni. The CaNCURE program will continue to leverage
Northeastern University’s model of co-operative education and Dana-Farber / Harvard Cancer Center’s vast
network of cancer research laboratories to create an immersive training environment for cancer research. Our
evaluation shows that CaNCURE consistently provides trainees with knowledge and skills unavailable through
more conventional co-ops, as well as increases trainee interest in and their likelihood of pursuing a career in
cancer research. The successful implementation of this program will continue to create a pipeline of young
scientists & engineers, particularly those from underrepresented minorities, with the interest, skills, and
knowledge necessary to pursue interdisciplinary cancer research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10206035
- **Project number:** 5R25CA174650-08
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** SRINIVAS SRIDHAR
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $273,958
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2014-07-18 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10206035

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10206035, CaNCURE: Cancer Nanomedicine Co-ops for Undergraduate Research Experiences (5R25CA174650-08). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10206035. Licensed CC0.

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