Think Like a Cancer Scientist Virtual Summer Program

• 10th – 12th grade high school students
• Have had at least one biology class
• Interest in a career in science and/or medicine
• Interest in learning about cancer research, care, and prevention
• Access to a computer and the internet and ability to log on to a Zoom meeting
• Available to attend a virtual class for approximately 2 hours/day for one week

Day 1: Foundations of Cancer Research and Clinical Care - presentations on the types of cancer research and treatment. Panel of cancer researchers and clinicians who work at UCSF

Day 2: Multidisciplinary Decision Making - Tumor Boards - Presentation on the structure and function of a tumor board. Participate in a mock tumor board leaded by UCSF oncologists

Day 3: Scientific Literature and Journal Cub - Mini lesson on how to read a scientific paper followed by a guided review and discussion of a cancer science paper

Day 4: Cancer Risk, Prevention and Screening - Presentations on cancer risk factors, prevention and early detection

Day 5: Emerging Advances in Cancer Research and Care - A showcase of the newest cancer research and treatments by UCSF scientists

Overall Goal: By the end of the program, learners will understand and apply foundational concepts of cancer research, clinical care, and prevention to explain how scientific evidence and teamwork contribute to cancer care and innovation.

Daily Goals:

• Day 1: Learners will develop a foundational understanding of cancer research methodologies and the roles of healthcare professionals involved in cancer care
• Day 2: Learners will apply knowledge of cancer care roles to participate in collaborative, multidisciplinary treatment planning
• Day 3: Learners will analyze and interpret scientific literature to evaluate cancer research findings
• Day 4: Learners will explore and explain the impact of cancer risk and prevention strategies
• Day 5: Learners will explore and explain the impact of emerging innovation in cancer research and care