Abstract B33: Project LINK: breaking new ground in fueling minority research experiences
Authors: Robinson John L. , Rincon Maria , Ortiz Emanuel , Jackson Nia , Newton Megan , Antonia Scott , Dalton William S. , Meade Cathy D. 
Published: December 2010

Introduction: The lack of underrepresented individuals in the vast fields of scientific cancer research underlines the need for effective training programs to encourage aspiring trainees. There is a dire need to expand the number of underrepresented scientists to decrease the number of mortality rates and cancer incidences in minority populations. Training initiatives demand creativity, flexibility, commitment and a sincere desire to produce change in the system.

Description: Project LINK (Leaders in New Knowledge) is a solution to this problem. Its primary goal is to create a cadre of culturally competent, well-trained cancer research scientists to ultimately contribute to improved health among ethnic and racial minority populations. With funding from the National Cancer Institute, Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences- CURE, Project LINK is a year-round training program that provides trainees with hands-on research opportunities spanning the continuum of basic science to behavioral sciences under the direct mentorship of Moffitt scientists.

Methods: Trainees’ educational and research activities include attendance at grand rounds, special lectures, lab meetings, annual dinner with the Moffitt's center director, and monthly Fireside Chats where trainees relate their different research experiences. Research skills learned include: viral production, proliferation assays, microarray analysis, flow cytometry, cell culture, PCR, mouse injections, genotype analysis, survey development, mixed research methods, literature searches. Outside the lab, trainees are exposed to a number of community outreach activities in efforts to tackle health disparities. Through the Tampa Bay Community Cancer Network (TBCCN), a community network program funded by NCI, LINK trainees witness firsthand how their laboratory research benefits their communities. With an annual research presentation day and research paper requirement, LINK trainees also have the opportunity to sharpen their presentation and scientific paper writing skills. To date, Project LINK has trained 37 aspiring scientists at the high school/early college level [Hispanics (n=13); African Americans (n=19); Native Americans (n=1); White (n=1); and Mixed Race (n=2); Other (n=1)]. Currently, there are 5 LINK trainees, and recruitment is underway to add 5 more. As LINK trainees, they are given insights into personal development and scientific thinking that they would not otherwise have received. Additionally, placing them in team-oriented research environments instills in the trainees key lessons such as collaboration, team work, and responsibility. Evaluations indicated that trainees felt Project LINK “has the potential to open many doors” in the future, that it “increases knowledge” in the field of research, and that it “allows opportunities to explore cancer research in a way that many undergraduates don't have a chance to explore.”

Conclusion: With a well-established infrastructure, outstanding project team leadership, and a plethora of laboratory and community resources to learn from, training programs such as Project LINK are key to bolstering underrepresented researchers in cancer research and thereby impacting cancer disparities.

Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):B33.