# Integrated Training in Cancer Model Systems

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 2020 · $935,418

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 This proposal seeks support for 14 postdoctoral fellows for a two year training curriculum within an
established and highly successful program (Interdisciplinary Training in Cancer Model Systems – ITCMS) that
instills interdisciplinary approaches to address basic and translational approaches in cancer research. The 51
ITCMS mentors are chosen from 325 core faculty of the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center (LCCC). Faculty are
housed within academic departments in the UNC School of Medicine, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the
School of Pharmacy and are members of the five basic/translational LCCC programs: Cancer Cell Biology,
Immunology, Molecular Therapeutics, Virology and Cancer Genetics as well as the Clinical Research Program.
This pool of mentors allows fellows to engage in interdisciplinary studies from basic science to bioinformatics to
translational studies, utilizing state of the art cancer models. The ITCMS program is administered by its Director
and Associate Director, with advice from the Training Committee, and both External and Internal Advisory
Boards. Preceptor and trainee input on the training program is accomplished through an annual, anonymous
survey. Training is enhanced by access to the Center's core facilities, supported by the Center's NCI Core
Grant (rated “exceptional”). LCCC commitment to ITCMS is significant and includes support for an additional
two postdoctoral slots.
 Fellows jointly apply to the ITCMS and one or more mentor laboratories and undergo a rigorous selection
process. Upon appointment, each fellow develops a training plan approved by the mentor, the mentoring
committee, and the Director. Each fellow participates in the following: (i) monthly in-house postdoctoral
seminars given by the fellows, (ii) the annual Lineberger Postdoctoral-Faculty Research Day, organized by a
Faculty Advisor and the Postdoctoral Fellows Committee, (iii) panel discussions on careers including advice for
successful faculty applications and interviews, (iv) sessions on ethics in research (vi) a monthly research club,
(vi) clinical exposure (physician shadowing and tumor board participation), (vii) interactions with patient
advocates, and (viii) a grant writing and grant review program. Based on the individualized training plan, fellows
participate in relevant training workshops (such as proteomics, microscopy, mouse histopathology, genomics,
etc.). Progress is monitored annually by the Director and Associate Director, along with the Training Oversight
Committee, before renewal for Year 2 support. Since its inception, the program has been committed to
recruiting and successful training of minorities. The success of previous fellows, with the great majority
continuing in a cancer or science-related field, underscores the importance placed on postdoctoral training in the
ITCMS.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9988164
- **Project number:** 5T32CA009156-45
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **Principal Investigator:** CHANNING J. DER
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $935,418
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1980-07-01 → 2022-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9988164

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9988164, Integrated Training in Cancer Model Systems (5T32CA009156-45). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9988164. Licensed CC0.

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