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Students & Mentors Participating in ACS DICR Programs

Here's a representation of what students, mentors, and staff have to say about their participation in the American Cancer Society (ACS) Diversity in Cancer (DICR) Internship Program since its start in 2021. 

Why the American Cancer Society Diversity in Cancer Research Internship Program Exists and What Students Are Saying About It

ACS DICR Students

Just a sample of students across the United States awarded a place in one of the ACS DICR Internship programs. 

Princess Magor Agbozo

Sofia Bonilla

Briseily Cejudo

Elaf Ghoneim

black young man in gray jacket over white shirt next to columns of building

Elijah Darden

Black woman with long wavy hair parted on right side of photo white collared shirt and silver necklaces

Maya Larbi

white woman with long brown hair, one side over shoulder red v-neck shirt under beige sweater

Haafsah Fariduddin

Donavyn Mosley

Black woman with curly shoulder-length hair, glasses, large blueish pearl earrings, white collared shirt

Kennedy Palmer

young man in blue shirt outside dark curly hair

Eduardo Peralta-Herrara

Erika Skaggs

Fiona Williams

Inspiring Future Generations of Latinas in STEM

Engaging in cutting-edge research in the Flores Lab, I’ve learned many new skills— delving into areas like working with mouse models and 3D tissue cultures. I hope to inspire future generations of Latinas to pursue STEM fields!”

Kaitlyn Miranda

ACS DICR Intern

Moffitt Cancer Center

Perspective from a First-Generation College Student

My goal is to bring a unique perspective to cancer research through my first-generation, low-income lens. When people from diverse backgrounds contribute to the scientific community, it fosters a broader range of perspectives and insights, enriches the field, and enhances the potential for discoveries.”

Olivia Dres

ACS DICR Intern

Washington University, Siteman Cancer Institute

Improving the Experience of Future Black Patients

I’m trying to get as much help as I can from people who look like me, who are older than me, and who have done this. My goal is to become a urologist after seeing so many Black men and women in Mississippi suffer from urinary tract diseases but not seeking out medical care due to fear or financial limitations. They’re scared to go in because nobody looks like them. If I can be that face and treat these things that could easily be fixed, I feel like it’ll make a good impact on my community.”

Dylan Thompson

ACS DICR Intern

University of Miami, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Mentors Boost Confidence in the Lab

Thank you Dr. Sheila Stewart and Taylor Malachowski for taking me under your wings and for being patient while I learned how to scruff mice, for answering all of my questions, and for giving me the confidence to take on independent projects. The DICR Program has afforded me new friendships, experiences, and skills I cherish greatly.”

Miah Emerson

ACS DICR Intern

Washington University, Siteman Cancer Center

Profile of young black woman wearing red striped shirt bent over lab bench with 2 dead gray mice beside her

Gaining Insight About How Lab Findings Affect Patient Care

I gained translational research experience and clinical experience from amazing mentors, and I surrounded myself with peers who are dedicated to success and supportive of each other. Plus, I learned a plethora of lab techniques.”

Ayooluwakiitan Oluwafemi

ACS DICR Intern

University of Maryland, Marlene and Stewart Greenbaume Comprehensive Cancer Center

table with students sitting facing screen that says Presentational Speaking

DICR Interns at Moffit Cancer Center learn about Presentation Skills from Leanna Smithberger, PhD.

Poster session at University of New Mexico

2 women one tall holding cray folders in front of stage with Welcome to ABRCMS on screen

UChicago Interns Anel Reinoso and Izzy  Mroczek accept awards at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS).

Former DICR Interns Land Cancer Center Jobs

For some people, the payoff of training in an ACS DICR program came quickly. These 2022-2023 DICR Interns at Georgetown University already acquired jobs in the field of cancer research.

black woman with large bun on top of head wearing white short sleeved shirt in front of trees

Myra Green, BS, graduated from Howard University and joined Georgetown's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center as a Research Data Coordinator in the Clinical Research Management Office.

Woman in front of tree with hair parted in middle and pulled back in curly pony tail in black mock turtle neck long sleeved shirt and drop pearl necklace

María Valentín, BS, became a Clinical Research Coordinator with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's Immigrant Health and Cancer Disparities Service team after graduating from Georgetown.

ACS DICR Mentors & Staff

Some mentors and staff from previous and current ACS DICR programs. 

BOLT_ALICIA

Alicia Bolt, PhD

Woman with curly hair behind ears, gold bead earrings and square neck dress with bare shoulders

Alaina Carr, PhD

man in dark glasses short haircut in labcoat over denim shirt and colorful tie

Eliseo Castillo, PhD

woman with reddish hair in gray long sleeve t-shirt with square opal necklace

Abby Green, MD

Greg Longmore, MD

Kunle Odunsi, MD, PhD

Woman with auburn hair behind shoulders and oval glasses in lab coat

Jennifer Richer, PhD

woman with reddish loose curls and dark glasses in v-neck

Rebecca Riggins, PhD

White woman with neck length red hair and silver necklace

Laura Rozek, PhD

Nykia Walker, PhD

Tonya Webb, PhD

white man with high forehead and teal, collared  shirt

Jason Weber, PhD

Shared Lived Experience Is Important for Research

Representation helps spur innovation for research, for clinical care, and for community outreach and engagement. I think shared lived experience is as important for research as it is for building trust and relationships in clinical care.”

Rebecca Riggins, PhD

ACS DICR Intern Mentor

Georgetown University, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center

Dr. Riggins in the lab with DICR intern Theresa Abalum

Diversity Now Enhances the Pool of Role Models for Future Interns

Woman with auburn hair behind shoulders and oval glasses in lab coat

The DICR program isn’t designed only for students interested in becoming doctors, but for anyone interested in research whether it’s graduate school for basic science research or medical school or entering the biotechnology industry. So many studies have shown that the entire scientific community benefits when people are diverse and represent the broader population. Representation is important because it enhances the pool of role models to bring more young people into STEM fields and drives new discoveries. ”

Jennifer Richer, PhD

ACS DICR Intern Mentor

University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Cancer Medical Campus

We Wouldn't Have Been Able to Start This Program Without ACS

We had 8 really amazing students. We brought them in, taught them about cancer, and about health disparities, and gave them a lot of networking opportunities. And they just flourished. We are eternally grateful to the ACS for creating this opportunity because we wouldn't be able to start this program at all if they hadn’t.”

Kathleen O'Connor, PhD

ACS DICR Intern Mentor

University of Kentucky, Markey Cancer Center