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
Elijah Darden
Maya Larbi
Haafsah Fariduddin
Donavyn Mosley
Kennedy Palmer
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!”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
DICR Interns at Moffit Cancer Center learn about Presentation Skills from Leanna Smithberger, PhD.
Poster session at University of New Mexico
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.
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.
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.
Alicia Bolt, PhD
Alaina Carr, PhD
Eliseo Castillo, PhD
Abby Green, MD
Greg Longmore, MD
Kunle Odunsi, MD, PhD
Jennifer Richer, PhD
Rebecca Riggins, PhD
Laura Rozek, PhD
Nykia Walker, PhD
Tonya Webb, PhD
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.”
Dr. Riggins in the lab with DICR intern Theresa Abalum
Diversity Now Enhances the Pool of Role Models for Future Interns
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. ”
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.”
