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TSU-BCM P20 CURED Summer Research Program

Collaborative Union for Cancer Research and Educational Development

Veronica Ajewole-Mwema, PharmD, BCOP

Director and TSU PI

Rayne Rouce, MD, Director and BCM PI

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  1. Brief Overview and Stats
  2. Info about the Program and Curriculum
  3. Reasons and Benefits to Participate
  4. Requirements and how to Apply
  5. Application Process
  6. FAQ’s

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Summary

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African Americans accounts for 21% of the US population, but only 4-7% of US physicians, pharmacist, and nurses are African Americans

Higher rate of cancer among African Americans

Have you ever wondered why fewer African-Americans are in cancer-related health professions/biomedical careers?

Did you know….

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NIH/NCI Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities Grant, $2.4M, 2023 to 2027

�Only grant funded in the US in FY24 cycle

  • P20 Partnership Collaborative Union for Cancer Research and Educational Development (CURED)

Through this award, we will develop a collaborative alliance between BCM and TSU for cancer research, education, and community outreach; training and promoting the biomedical research workforce; and supporting a pipeline of collaborative, innovative cancer research pilot projects.

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Overall Impact of BCM-TSU P20 CURED program

Enhance cancer research & education capacity at TSU

Increase the cancer research workforce through career development & education

Enhance DLDCCC community-engaged research through TSU collaborations

Increase collaborative cancer research initiatives at TSU and BCM

Address disparate outcomes through research (pilot projects, mentored research)

Secure future funding from NIH/NCI & other federal/non-federal agencies

Dr. Veronica Ajewole-Mwema, Director and TSU PI

Dr Dong Liang, Co-Investigator

Dr. Huan Xie, Lead CREP

Dr Rodney Hunter, Lead, Pilot Project 1

Dr Laura Solitare, Lead, Pilot Project 2

Dr Jeffrey Lowe, Co-Lead, Pilot Project 2

Dr. Rayne Rouce, Director and BCM PI

Dr. Arun Sreekumar, Co-Investigator

Dr. Shixia Huang,

Co-Lead CREP

Dr. Benny Kaipparettu,

Co-Lead Pilot Project 1

Dr. Nagireddy Putluri,

Co-Lead Pilot Project 2

Brittany Gracia

Program Coordinator

Kassie Thompson,

Program Coordinator

Xiao Jasmine Lin

Program Management Associate

Dr Yun Zhang,

Lead, Pilot Project 4

Dr Malcolm Moses,

Lead, Pilot Project 3

Dr Yi Li,

Lead, Pilot Project 4

Dr Piyarathna

Lead, Pilot Project 3

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To provide TSU students interested in cancer-related careers in medicine, pharmacy, biomedical science, pharmaceutical sciences, and other STEM careers (including engineering) with a cancer research experience at a major academic medical center, as well as mentorship and networking opportunities.

�P20 CURED’s Mission Statement���

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�Program Benefits

    • Hands-on Research Experience
    • Mentorship and Networking
    • Skill Development
    • Exposure to Research Culture
    • Resume/CV Building
    • Exposure to Diverse Perspectives
    • Competitive Stipend ($2500-$3000 before taxes)
    • Pathway to Graduate Studies/Careers in Cancer Research

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�Program Eligibility

    • Undergraduate students
    • Pharm.D., Ph.D., or M.S. student
    • Future TSU Freshmen (enrolling Fall 26)
  • GPA >3.0 in prior academic year
  • Be 18 years old (May 1st)
  • Have a US Social Security card or a U.S. Permanent Resident card.
  • Interested in cancer-related careers in medicine, pharmacy, biomedical science, pharmaceutical sciences, and other STEM careers (including engineering)

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  • P20 Students will be working on cancer-related research with their assigned lab mentor at BCM
  • Mentored research opportunities include
  • Bench Research in a scientific laboratory
  • Clinical Research
  • Epidemiologic Research
  • Research in health outcomes across populations

Requirements:

  • Log 40 hours a week (Monday through Friday) with their lab mentor
  • Work with their mentor on an abstract and a presentation
  • Present at the end of the summer symposium
  • Engage in Fall and Spring cancer related outreach events in the community

PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS

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  • P20 Students will be working on cancer-related research with their assigned lab mentor at BCM
  • Mentored research opportunities include
  • Bench Research in a scientific laboratory
  • Clinical Research
  • Epidemiologic Research
  • Research in health outcomes across populations

Requirements:

  • Log 40 hours a week (Monday through Friday) with their lab mentor
  • Attend weekly seminars/meetings
  • Work with their mentor on an abstract and a presentation
  • Present at the end of the summer symposium
  • Engage in Fall and Spring cancer-related outreach events in the community

PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS

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Sample: Summer Research Program Schedule

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Sample: Summer Research Program Schedule cont.

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Through link https://linktr.ee/tsubcmp20cured or

Scan QR code/Link Tree site

Complete application

Deadline to apply is January 31st , 2026 at 5pm CST

Selection notice: End of March 2026

Application Process

p20cured@tsu.edu

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713-313-4399

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Answers to our FAQ’s are on the FAQ Sheet:

  • What if my application is late?
  • Is this an overnight program?
  • Can international students participate?
  • Can I participate if I graduate in May?
  • How much is the stipend?
  • Will all the stipend be paid at once?
  • What type of activities will occur during the Fall and Spring Semesters?
  • Who can I contact with any questions?
  • Where do I park?
  • Are meals provided?
  • Can I plan for my stipend to be used for day-to-day maintenance?

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Thank you for your interest in the P20 CURED Summer Research Program!