Cancer Research Education Program for early stage investigators at VSU
As part of the VSU-MCC Partnership for Cancer Disparities (SUCCEED), the Cancer Research Education Program (CREP) is designed to improve the capacity of underrepresented minority early stage investigators at VSU to conduct cancer disparities-related and community-engaged research through a 4-year mentored research experience. This comprehensive training program offers a variety of career development opportunities, such as grant writing and manuscript development guidance, and participation in research events at an NCI-designated Cancer Center.
Program expectations
Grant submissions
- Participants must apply for Massey pilot project funding at least once a year
- An R21 submission is required in Year 2 to establish the foundations for larger applications
- Submission of a K- and R01-level application is expected by Year 3 or Year 4, with the potential for an A1 submission
Publications
- Participants are expected to successfully submit a paper in Year 1
- First author publications generated from pilot project grant funding are expected in Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4
Mandatory participation in workshops, conferences and seminars
- Lawrence Research Retreat (submission of abstract required in Year 2)
- Disparities Retreat
- Massey Director's Seminar Series (must attend at least six per year)
- P20 SUCCEED Seminar Series
- Grant Writing Manuscript Workshop (all sessions)
- SUCCEED Community-engaged Research Boot Camp (must attend annual sessions)
Program evaluations
- Fellows are expected to meet with their mentor at least once a month to discuss research progress in a formal or informal setting.
- Fellows must complete a formal evaluation with their research mentor annually to evaluate progress throughout the course of the program. If a fellow receives an unsatisfactory evaluation more than 2 years in a row, they are not permitted to continue participate in the program.
- Fellows are encouraged to evaluate their mentor during the course of the program.
Questions?
Rosuany (Rose) Vélez Acevedo, Ph.D., SUCCEED program coordinator
(804) 828-9657
velezrn@vcu.edu