The University of Massachusetts Boston (UMB) – Dana-Farber / Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC) U54 Partnership held their annual Education Day on August 03, 2023, at UMass Boston’s Campus Center. The primary goal was to create the needed space to learn, dialogue and network in the presence of other like-minded aspiring students interested in a STEM career. The event featured keynote speaker Nadine Jackson McCleary, MD, MPH (DFCI), with a topic on “Equity in Clinical Trials to Improve Cancer Survival.” The opening remarks were given by DF/HCC’s IECD Deputy Associate Director Karen Burn White and Liya Escalera, PhD, Vice Provost for Student Access, Equity and Success (SEAS) at UMass Boston. Two additional speakers included, Corey Manning, a prostate cancer survivor, who shared his journey of now being cancer-free, and Fadie Coleman, PhD, Harvard School of Dental Medicine’s (HSDM) Assistant Dean for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) who engaged the audience on key strategies to promote a sense of belonging.
The day’s agenda included the opportunity to enhance awareness on topics of cancer disparities and inequities. In addition, the program offered professional development workshops focused on graduate school, college and career readiness, opportunities within the life sciences and uncovering the hidden gems to ensure success across the health care enterprise.
Thanks to our event sponsors: