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New Mexico State University (NMSU) announced a recent $5.9 million grant renewal in partnership with the scientists at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center over the next five years. They will receive training in various cancer research areas, including basic science, public health, human biology, and clinical research. The partnership aims to provide learning opportunities for students and professionals alike, contributing to advancements in cancer research.
The funding of this significant partnership is supported by a notable federal entity.
Supported by the federally funded Partnership for the Advancement of Cancer Research (PACR), paid internships are offered by NMSU and Fred Hutch. In the past five years, the partnership has broadened its scope, incorporating outreach initiatives in diverse population segments, including youth, according to a press release by NMSU.
This investment significantly benefits not only faculty members but also aspiring researchers.
"This funding has benefitted junior faculty in cancer research, from bench science to social and public health sciences addressing health disparities, but the number one benefit is to all the undergraduate and graduate students we have trained under this grant," said Graciela A. Unguez, Regents Professor in Biology and PACR director, according to a press release by NMSU. "Our students are getting exposure to institutions like Fred Hutch and the University of Washington, so it's created more opportunities for our students."
Looking forward into future collaborations is another aspect PACR intends to strengthen.
The upcoming cycle of PACR aims to intensify collaboration with community organizations by emphasizing workshops and activities, highlighting a commitment to expanding community engagement in cancer research efforts, according to a press release by NMSU.
Addressing mental health issues related to cancer patients is also on PACR's agenda for the upcoming cycle.
"The way that it's evolved in the last five years is for us to identify areas where we have people at NMSU with the expertise who can increase the representation of who we serve," said Unguez, according to a press release by NMSU. "For this cycle, I've decided that it's essential for us to cover mental health as it may relate to a patient who's been diagnosed with cancer, the loved ones, or the caretakers, there is a mental health toll on all of them. These issues also contribute to health disparities."
