# UPWARDS Training Program (Underrepresented Minorities Working Towards Research Diversity in Science)

> **NIH NIH R25** · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · 2021 · $430,381

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
As a recognized leader in cancer research,1 MD Anderson Cancer Center is well poised to address a
significant lack of diversity in the cancer research workforce that contributes to considerable disparities.2-6 We
will do so via early intervention programs that foster sustained interest in cancer research in students
underrepresented and minority in Science (URMS). Since 2011, we have directed a summer undergraduate
training program encompassing 345 trainees (from 2011-2018), including 120 URMS. Significantly, outcomes
for URMS and non-minority trainees in our program are indistinguishable; URMS and non-minority alumni are
enrolled in or have completed STEM bachelor’s (98.8% vs 98.1%) and doctoral (both 67.1%) degrees and are
retained in STEM education or workforce (98.3% vs 98.6%, respectively). Built upon these successes, we have
designed a comprehensive cancer research training program for high school and undergraduate URMS via the
R25 YES initiative. In our URMS-focused program, we address major barriers in URMS pursuit and success in
STEM, including: limited 1) research experience, 2) career path knowledge, and 3) scientific identity formation
and exposure to science; 4) underdeveloped professionalism and communication skills; 5) inadequate
research, educational, and career mentoring; and 6) barriers in the graduate application process. Our
proposed UPWARDS Training Program (Underrepresented Minorities Working Towards Research Diversity in
Science) has 3 tracks: full-time, 12-week summer research for 1) high-schoolers and 2) undergraduates and 3)
part-time, 40-week research for undergraduates. Within each track, we propose the following aims to address
the aforementioned barriers: Aim 1) Employ focused URMS recruitment and holistic strategies for program
inclusion, and deliver didactic learning and hands-on cancer research experiences through a cadre of
outstanding mentoring faculty. Aim 2) Develop and deliver individualized mentoring, career exploration,
and professional development that stimulates graduate education and cancer research career pursuit.
Aim 3) Educate and inspire URMS communities, young generations in the STEM pipeline, and the
families and support systems of our students through training, STEM outreach, and hands-on
engagement. We will encourage our trainees to lead and encourage their communities and younger
generations through hands-on STEM outreach activities and design and delivery of community education.
Aim 4) Implement and maintain a rigorous assessment program with continual appraisal and enactment of
novel, evidence-driven best practices derived from these efforts. Lastly, we commit to disseminating our
findings and best practices via peer-reviewed publications. Through the UPWARDS Program, we will build
upon our prior experiences and best practices to launch a cancer research training program specifically
designed to fit the needs of URMS trainees in our local community and nationally. We a...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10252909
- **Project number:** 5R25CA240137-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** KHANDAN KEYOMARSI
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $430,381
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-09-03 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10252909

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10252909, UPWARDS Training Program (Underrepresented Minorities Working Towards Research Diversity in Science) (5R25CA240137-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10252909. Licensed CC0.

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