# Carcinogenesis Training Program

> **NIH NIH T32** · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $321,662

## Abstract

This proposal requests support for 8 Ph.D. students in the Carcinogenesis Training Program at Northwestern
University (NU), currently entering year 35. We aim to equip a diverse, exceptionally qualified cohort of pre-
doctoral trainees with the necessary conceptual foundation, laboratory experience and operational skills to
successfully navigate their future careers. The program provides a platform for interactions among students and
faculty in the Cancer Biology Cluster, one of nine intercampus “Research Clusters” in NU’s Life and Biomedical
Sciences (NULABS) Programs. Through mentorship by a diverse, well-qualified and engaged preceptor team,
trainee objectives are to a) elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving tumor growth and progression through
rigorous, interdisciplinary investigation supported by a cancer curriculum, b) gain an understanding of how these
basic science discoveries are translated into clinical practice, and c) acquire collaborative and leadership skills
necessary to develop successful careers in academia, industry, and other cancer research-related career paths.
Dr. Kathleen Green serves as the T32 PI and co-director of the Cancer Biology Cluster, the primary source of
students for 38 preceptors representing 16 departments/divisions. Preceptors are supported by $32.8M in
funding and bring training expertise in four cross-cutting focus areas: 1) Cancer Epigenetics and Nuclear
Dynamics, 2) Membranes, Organelles and Metabolism, 3) Tumor Environment and Metastasis and 4) Physical
Sciences and Therapeutics. After completing two years of tailored coursework students are appointed to the
training grant through a rigorous, competitive evaluation and interview. T32-specific Research-in-Progress
meetings, career development presentations, and continuous training in the responsible conduct of research and
rigor and reproducibility accompany 3-4 years of thesis research. Over its 34-year duration the program has a
94% retention rate among its 158 trainees (inclusive of 15 still in training). Of 135 T32 Ph.D. graduates 81% went
into academic/industry research, largely in cancer biology. During the past 10 years, students published on
average five papers with a current impact factor (2020-2021) of 14.87. A total of 44% of current trainees are from
underrepresented groups. In the next funding cycle, we will expand the scope of student-organized innovative
Nanocourses that allow flexibility in introducing cutting edge concepts; introduce round tables to promote
interdisciplinary communication and collaboration skills; promote training in diversity and inclusion with guidance
from our Diversity and Inclusion Committee; enhance trainee outcomes by augmenting and providing training for
mentors; improve program evaluation through systematic use of RedCAP surveys, Internal and External
Advisory Committees and student Focus Groups. The Carcinogenesis T32 has broad institutional support
reflected by commitments from The Graduate School and the ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10410190
- **Project number:** 2T32CA009560-36
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Kathleen Janee Green
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $321,662
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1986-08-01 → 2027-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10410190

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10410190, Carcinogenesis Training Program (2T32CA009560-36). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10410190. Licensed CC0.

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