Student and postdoctoral training is a vital aspect of the Partnership program. We offer training and professional development experiences for undergraduates, graduates, postbaccalaureates, and nursing postdocs interested in cancer and cancer disparities research. Beyond the lab-based experience, trainees at all levels participate in educational programming, such as scientific seminars and career development workshops, to support them as they progress in their careers.
Research training opportunities
The UMass Boston — Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center Partnership is an active advocate for student training. The Partnership’s Research Education Core has several training programs for students to develop skills needed to excel in science research—specifically targeting the area of cancer and cancer health disparities. All student training programs—from undergrad to postdoc programs—focus on key areas to develop to become successful and innovative cancer researchers.
Undergraduate training opportunities
We offer part-time academic and full-time summer cancer and cancer disparities research opportunities to UMass Boston undergraduates in the areas of basic and population science, as well as community-based research.
Postbaccalaureate and graduate training opportunities
Our full-time postbaccalaureate program provides students a mentored research opportunity in a cancer or cancer disparities research lab at UMass Boston or DF/HCC. We provide graduate students with mentored research opportunities and education in cancer or cancer disparities research labs.
Postdoctoral training opportunities
We offer a full-time, two-year, mentored nursing postdoctoral fellowship that includes educational, research, and professional development training.
Monthly Scientific Meetings
Our Monthly Scientific Meetings (MSMs) provide a platform for project investigators and interested faculty to present their research to a wider audience, including students. MSMs are open to all interested in expanding their scientific knowledge and engaging in transdisciplinary discussion.
Research Design and Analysis Core (RDAC) seminar series
Led by expert faculty, our seminar series is intended to educate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty in social and behavioral research methods, as well as statistical methods.
Annual Cancer Symposium
The Annual Cancer Symposium, hosted at UMass Boston or DF/HCC, provides attendees insight into cutting-edge research in cancer, cancer disparities, health disparities, and community-based interventions. All are welcome to participate in the event, whereby a renowned scientist will offer a keynote address followed by an interactive Q+A.
Partnership newsletter
Our monthly newsletter includes Partnership-specific events, training programs for students from undergrads through postdocs, and our Student Spotlight.
DEI Toolkits
Our research-informed Partnership toolkits are intended to provide students, postdoctoral fellows, health equity researchers, faculty mentors and institutional leaders with a base knowledge of issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and equip them with the tools needed to implement inclusive practices throughout their work.