Graduate Program in Cancer Biology
The Graduate Programs in Cancer Biology (CBIO) are a University-wide interdisciplinary training program. The focus of the program is at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC); although, use of technology allows the program to share local expertise as well as to integrate expertise on other campuses of the University. Thus, CBIO draws upon clinical and basic scientist mentors from multiple divisions, departments and schools throughout KUMC, the University of Kansas Cancer Center (KUCC, including consortium partners at the Stowers Institute, Children's Mercy Hospital and the University of Kansas Lawrence).
The primary goal of Cancer Biology is to train future scientific leaders in cancer biology by providing a rigorous multi-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary education. The scientific focus is broadly defined - cancer research - but there are student-identified areas of emphasis that include: cancer cell biology (including cellular signaling and response pathways that are altered and contribute to cancer etiology, progression and/or therapeutic resistance), cancer prevention, cancer therapeutics (including identification of novel diagnostics, cancer genetics and epigenetics, prognostic markers, therapeutic targets) and cancer care delivery. The program is primarily basic research focused; but, translational, clinical and population-based research is also included (and added as resources permit).
While sub-specialties exist within the cancer research rubric, it is crucial for every cancer researcher to be conversant in the other areas in order to most rapidly translate findings into clinical practice (and vice versa). Therefore, the CBIO Program emphasizes cross-disciplinary approaches encompassing new concepts and state-of-the-art techniques of molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, proteomics, structural biology, cell biology, pharmacology and molecular medicine. CBIO strives to integrate students into the extensive and rapidly expanding clinical and translational research programs of the University of Kansas Cancer Center and the affiliated basic science programs.
Cancer Biology utilizes innovative training formats and pedagogy so that students receive mentoring and input from both physicians and basic science researchers. Doing so ensures that students are exposed to clinical as well as molecular aspects of cancer diseases. Students who complete this training are especially well qualified to bridge the disciplines of cancer biology and clinical oncology.
Cancer Biology Society
The Cancer Biology Society is a student run society sponsored by the Cancer Biology Department. This society provides students within the department support and guidance throughout their graduate career. Members of this society are involved in planning social events and community outreach events in the greater Kansas City Area.
Social events serve as a way for students to continue to get to know each other outside of a laboratory environment. The goal of these events is to develop strong relationships between students, to share advice and to promote encouragement.
The members of the CBS value community outreach in the greater Kansas City Area. A tradition of the society is to volunteer at the Hope Lodge in Kansas City. The Hope Lodge is sponsored by the American Cancer Society and provides housing for current cancer patients and families receiving treatment in Kansas City.
The CBS also recognizes the importance of personal and professional development of the students in the department. The society provides funding opportunities for members to submit abstracts and attend conferences.
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