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<p>Background: The Building Oncology Workforce (BOW) program was established to enhance participation of students from underrepresented backgrounds in cancer research. Developed through a strategic collaboration between the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and North Carolina Central University, the program exposes underrepresented undergraduate STEM students to mentored research, clinical trials, cancer science, and professional development, aiming to build a diverse oncology workforce and increase clinical trial participation among underserved populations. Methods: We conducted a qualitative evaluation of five interns and five mentors after the first summer of BOW internship. Data were gathered through focus groups (interns) and interviews (mentors) pre and post internship. Expectations, curriculum perceptions, and gender/racial concordance were explored. Audio recordings were transcribed and coded using Atlas.ti software. A universal codebook was used for intercoder reliability, with further thematic analysis conducted via Code-Document and Code Co-Occurrence methods. Results: Ten participants (5 interns, 5 mentors) were included in the analysis. Common codes emerged of concerns, content missing from curriculum, exposure, gender and racial concordance/discordance, and need for clarity. Pre-program revealed the value of structured mentoring, early exposure to cancer research, and professional development in fostering students’ confidence and career interest in cancer-related fields. Mentors emphasized the importance of bi-directional learning and culturally responsive mentorship. Post-program interns reported increased clarity about career pathways, stronger research skills, and a greater sense of belonging in academic and clinical research environments. Conclusions: The BOW program demonstrates that immersive, mentored research experiences tailored to underrepresented students can significantly enhance engagement in cancer research careers. This model of inter-institutional strategic partnership and intentional curriculum design can help address diversity gaps in the biomedical workforce.</p>

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Building the Oncology Workforce: A Qualitative Evaluation of an Inter-Institutional Cancer Research Internship for Underrepresented Undergraduate Students

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月2日

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  • Aryana Daye,
  • Ashley Leak Bryant,
  • Andrea Walens,
  • Barbara Austin,
  • Sherette Godfrey,
  • Veronica Carlisle,
  • Paul Mihas,
  • Carrie Lee

摘要

Background: The Building Oncology Workforce (BOW) program was established to enhance participation of students from underrepresented backgrounds in cancer research. Developed through a strategic collaboration between the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and North Carolina Central University, the program exposes underrepresented undergraduate STEM students to mentored research, clinical trials, cancer science, and professional development, aiming to build a diverse oncology workforce and increase clinical trial participation among underserved populations. Methods: We conducted a qualitative evaluation of five interns and five mentors after the first summer of BOW internship. Data were gathered through focus groups (interns) and interviews (mentors) pre and post internship. Expectations, curriculum perceptions, and gender/racial concordance were explored. Audio recordings were transcribed and coded using Atlas.ti software. A universal codebook was used for intercoder reliability, with further thematic analysis conducted via Code-Document and Code Co-Occurrence methods. Results: Ten participants (5 interns, 5 mentors) were included in the analysis. Common codes emerged of concerns, content missing from curriculum, exposure, gender and racial concordance/discordance, and need for clarity. Pre-program revealed the value of structured mentoring, early exposure to cancer research, and professional development in fostering students’ confidence and career interest in cancer-related fields. Mentors emphasized the importance of bi-directional learning and culturally responsive mentorship. Post-program interns reported increased clarity about career pathways, stronger research skills, and a greater sense of belonging in academic and clinical research environments. Conclusions: The BOW program demonstrates that immersive, mentored research experiences tailored to underrepresented students can significantly enhance engagement in cancer research careers. This model of inter-institutional strategic partnership and intentional curriculum design can help address diversity gaps in the biomedical workforce.