Students Showcase Research Advancing Health Equity at On-Campus Symposiums
Research excellence took center stage at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) as nearly 20 high school students from greater Los Angeles and ten undergraduates from across the country presented their findings during a series of summer symposiums.
The Undergraduate Cancer Research Training Program (UCRTP), Project STRIDE (Students Training in Research Involving Disparity Elimination), and the Exposing Students to Regenerative Medicine (ExStRM) Program each highlighted abstracts that reflected the range of student interests for the future generations of health care leaders.
“These programs not only advance cancer research but also provide hands-on training that inspires and prepares the next generation of scientific and medical leaders,” said Ali Andalibi, PhD, CDU Professor and Vice Provost for Research. “Over their ten-week journey, students worked alongside faculty mentors, explored fundamental questions in cancer, and shared their progress in weekly forums.”
UCRTP featured ten undergraduate researchers who investigated topics such as prostate cancer transdifferentiation and lung cancer mortality trends, with a focus on the disproportionate increase in post-COVID-19 years. Each scholar was paired with a CDU or UCLA faculty mentor.
Among them, Lucy Kibe, DrPH, MS, MHS, PA-C, CDU PA Program Director, guided USC student Natalia Perez Morales on a project evaluating the impact of colorectal cancer screening interventions in underserved South Los Angeles populations, contributing to the growing evidence that community-engaged approaches can effectively reduce disparities in preventive cancer care.
Project STRIDE and ExStRM engaged high school students, many from South Los Angeles, in immersive research training experiences. Project STRIDE scholars examined issues ranging from the role of CARF in cancer cell metabolism, the in vitro evaluation of skeletal muscle atrophy induced by e-cigarettes, to the visibility of Black maternal health services in Los Angeles County.
Meanwhile ExStRM participants focused on regenerative medicine. Students explored health issues such as sickle cell disease, diabetes, and cancer, with many concentrating on breast cancer research. Students represented schools including Bishop Montgomery High School, California Academy of Mathematics and Science, Compton High School, El Segundo High School, Gardena High School, Harbor Teacher Prep Academy, King/Drew Magnet High School of Medicine and Science, Long Beach Polytechnic High School, Middle College High School, Sato Academy of Math and Science, South East High School, and Verbum Dei Jesuit High School.
Through UCRTP, STRIDE, and ExStRM, CDU continues to inspire young scholars while advancing the vision of excellent health and wellness for all in a world without health disparities.