Georgia Cancer Center nurturing tomorrow’s biomedical scientists

To bring careers in cancer research directly to high schools across the Central Savannah River Area and the state, the Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University opened its doors to a select group of students for the second year in a row for its Summer Research Experience educational program. Participants in the program have unique opportunities to immerse themselves in multiple aspects of working as a cancer researcher.

“The Summer Research Experience program, spanning six intensive weeks, has become a beacon of inspiration for young minds enthusiastic about biomedical sciences, with the number of applications increasing nearly five-fold from 2023 to 2024,” said Rhea-Beth Markowitz, PhD, director of the Office of Grant Development at the Georgia Cancer Center and co-leader of the SRE program.

Lisa Middleton, PhD, director of Scientific Affairs at the Georgia Cancer Center and director of the SRE program, added, “Last year, we accepted 12 students into the program. This year, that enrollment grew to 22, and with so many more applications to go through, it shows us that our program is more than just a summer activity; it is a transformative experience.”

Middleton and Markowitz worked with Kenza Mamouni, PhD, a scientific writer for the Education & Training Office of the Georgia Cancer Center, to build the program’s curriculum. The program is designed for rising high school seniors and juniors, as well as rising college freshmen, who come from different counties across the CSRA and beyond and are ready to explore the mysteries of cancer cells and what causes them to mutate, grow and spread inside the human body. The students contribute to ongoing research projects alongside seasoned scientists, all while gaining invaluable insights into the field.

“I am able to work with live cells and test different drugs on them to see how the medicines and tumor cells interact,” said Kamani Barnes, a rising college freshman who will be attending Augusta University in the fall. “I’ve been able to do nearly five different tests on these cells during my time in the program this summer.”

Amidst the hum of state-of-the-art equipment and the intricacies of experimental protocols, camaraderie thrives among the students as they navigate the complexities of cancer research. Teamwork and collaboration are not just encouraged but integral to the program’s ethos, reflecting the collaborative spirit of Augusta University’s research community.

This was Barnes’ second summer in the Summer Research Experience program. This year, he worked with Vivian Lui, PhD, an associate professor at the GCC and Medical College of Georgia, and her research team. He, along with the other students enrolled in the program, dove into the microenvironment of cancer cells, studying their behavior, signaling pathways and genetic makeup. Under the guidance of mentors, including Lui, they manipulate cell cultures, analyze gene expression and explore potential therapeutic targets.

“Being a part of the Summer Research Experience program was one of the best decisions I have made in high school,” Barnes said. “I love doing research, and being able to work in a lab with real scientists is amazing. Knowing I can do this type of activity is a dream come true because a lot of people do not have this kind of opportunity. I am grateful for the chance I have to work with Dr. Lui and her research team.”

In addition to laboratory research, the SRE also offers computational biology and bioinformatics research opportunities, as well as community-based research that examines disparities in cancer incidence, access to care and outcomes to inform strategies for equitable health care.

The Cancer Center’s commitment to nurturing young talent extends beyond participating in research. Students attended both the Research in Progress and Grand Rounds seminars weekly, toured the Cancer Center’s Biorepository Core and the Georgia Esoteric & Molecular Laboratory, LLC, learned about the different majors and programs offered at Augusta University, attended lectures on different aspects of cancer biology and Responsible Conduct of Research, and participated in a series of presentations about developing public speaking and interviewing skills to better explain their research projects.

Because of this multi-angle approach to career development, students like Barnes and Sam Benton, a rising senior at Grovetown High School, have become advocates for cancer awareness and prevention.

“It’s really been a tremendous experience for me,” Benton said. “I am very driven by intellectual pursuits and being surrounded by people who are this smart. Being able to take part in research that is this significant in terms of cancer means I am making an impact in the community where I live and go to school.”

As the summer sunsets over Augusta, the SRE participants leave with newfound knowledge, friendships and a sense of purpose. The Georgia Cancer Center’s investment in these young minds promises dividends for years to come – a legacy etched in scientific curiosity, resilience and hope.

“The Georgia Cancer Center’s Summer Research Experience not only equips young scholars with technical skills but also instills in them a profound sense of purpose of unraveling the enigmas of cancer and advancing the frontiers of medical science,” said Lui. “As these students prepare to return to their respective high schools or attend their new universities armed with newfound knowledge and inspiration, one thing remains clear, and that is the future of cancer research is in eager hands.”

The Summer Research Experience at the Georgia Cancer Center is a competitive program, with applications open annually. For more information, visit the official program page.