# SHE (Summer Healthcare Experience) in Oncology

> **NIH NIH R25** · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · 2024 · $268,734

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The Summer Healthcare Experience (SHE) in Oncology is a virtual, multi-institutional STEM enrichment program
for high school students, with a mission to increase participation of women from underrepresented backgrounds
in the cancer biomedical workforce. The curriculum offers hands-on research experience, career exploration,
mentorship, and leadership training, drawing strategically from the unique strengths and resources of five of the
nation’s top cancer centers: University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of
Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania
Abramson Cancer Center, and the University of Texas at Austin Livestrong Cancer Institutes. Programming is
delivered collaboratively and synchronously across the five sites, connecting trainees to an expansive network
of peers, mentors, and opportunities in cancer research and care. The program’s multi-institutional structure also
creates rich context for the study of social determinants of health, barriers to care, and other factors undermining
cancer health equity within the centers’ respective catchment areas (and participants’ respective communities,
including rural, urban, racially diverse, and socioeconomically challenged). In summers 2021 and 2022, 169
participants completed a pilot version of the SHE program, 99% of whom identified as female and 65% as
underrepresented in the sciences. Pilot outcomes reflect significant gains in trainees’ scientific knowledge,
biomedical career awareness, and confidence and sense of belonging in STEM. SHE trainees also report that
the program enhanced important generalizable skills including critical thinking, self-directed learning, and the
ability to communicate scientific concepts. This proposal details plans to expand SHE in fundamental ways
including year-round programming, formalized support for program alumni, and rigorous evaluation to validate
and strengthen the SHE program model for expansion to new institutional cohorts nationwide.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10887956
- **Project number:** 1R25GM154352-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- **Principal Investigator:** Megan Mekinda
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $268,734
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-20 → 2029-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10887956

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10887956, SHE (Summer Healthcare Experience) in Oncology (1R25GM154352-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10887956. Licensed CC0.

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