# Interdisciplinary Training in Behavioral Oncology

> **NIH NIH T32** · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · 2020 · $248,891

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract: Our overall goal is to train the next generation of behavioral oncology scientists
to conduct interdisciplinary cancer prevention and control research spanning the continuum of prevention,
early detection, treatment, and survivorship. Research training in behavioral oncology is particularly well
suited to benefit from interdisciplinary scientists capable of pursuing multi- and inter-disciplinary approaches
that focus on the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. Unlike training in bench
science, Cancer Prevention and Control (CPC) trainees must be embedded in a rich diversity of senior
researchers like the one created at Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis and the Indiana
University Simon Cancer Center (IUSCC). During the last 10 years, we have trained interdisciplinary
behavioral scientists in medicine, psychology, nursing, informatics, epidemiology, neuroscience, and music
therapy who are making significant contributions to cancer research both nationally and internationally. The
purpose of this training program is to:
1) Train interdisciplinary pre and post-doctoral fellows with the requisite knowledge and skills to become
successful independent investigators in the field of behavioral oncology, 2) Develop a cadre of senior
interdisciplinary researchers who serve as mentors for our trainees through an interdisciplinary research
network at IUSCC, and 3) Strengthen and implement a structured training program based on science in
behavioral oncology, with new and innovative training experiences that will increase the outcome
competencies of our graduates.
 Mentees meet weekly with their primary mentor and monthly with their secondary mentors in addition
to developing a mentoring team. Individual mentoring is supplemented by a strong curriculum built
specifically for training in behavioral oncology. Structured training experiences are developed in Modules
that are scheduled for three-hours each week lead by the Program Director. Additional research experiences
include weekly review and writing sessions, and lectures from outstanding faculty. A key component of
training for all fellows is writing and critiquing grant applications and publications. Predoctoral fellows are
allowed a maximum of 3 years of support and post-doctoral fellows 2 years of support. We plan for 4
predoctoral fellows and 6 postdoctoral fellows.
 New and innovative additions to the program include: 1) the intersection of aging and cancer, 2)
embedded experiences in a basic and clinical laboratory, 3) formal proposal development as an outcome of
the traineeships, 4) a proposal ready for submission as an outcome of the traineeship, 5) experience in
abstract submission and presentation, and 6) focused content on career planning.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9984973
- **Project number:** 5T32CA117865-15
- **Recipient organization:** INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
- **Principal Investigator:** Victoria Lee Champion
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $248,891
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2006-09-18 → 2022-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9984973

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9984973, Interdisciplinary Training in Behavioral Oncology (5T32CA117865-15). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-03 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9984973. Licensed CC0.

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