As the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center serving Hawai ‘ i and the Pacific , and as an independent research institution of the University of Hawai ‘ i at Mānoa , the UH Cancer Center strives for excellence in its research and education efforts . The Cancer Center is committed to educating and training the next generation of cancer research scientists to reduce the burden of cancer .

Serving as the central cancer research education hub within Hawai ‘ i , the UH Cancer Center ’ s goal is to provide innovative training and mentorship experiences for individuals at every stage of their career development . The Cancer Center provides research internships , graduate assistantships , postdoctoral fellowships and other educational opportunities .

Clinical Research Professional ( CRP ) Certificate Program

One of the Cancer Center ’ s most important responsibilities to the people of Hawai ‘ i is providing access to cutting-edge treatments for cancer through clinical trials . In recent years the pace of producing new investigational therapies has been accelerating . Clinical Research Professionals ( CRPs ) play an important role in coordinating and facilitating the care of cancer patients throughout the duration of their participation in clinical trials and beyond .

The work of CRPs is challenging and requires an inquisitive mind and being detail oriented . CRPs are always in demand , but in short supply in Hawai ‘ i ’ s job market . This fall , the Cancer Center , in collaboration with the UH Outreach College , launched its inaugural Clinical Research Professional Certificate Program . The program is designed to train students to work as CRPs at the UH Cancer Center , its affiliated hospitals , or at other academic centers in support of clinical trials . The class was quickly filled with 31 students from a wide range of backgrounds .

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The accelerated 14-week curriculum is comprehensive and includes topics about the coordination of oncology clinical trials , basic statistical and epidemiological methods , ethical and regulatory aspects of human subjects research , protocol development , and much more . A blended learning model was used including foundational knowledge via online materials and Zoom-based training sessions . Participants receive a Clinical Research Professional Certificate at successful completion of the program .

University of Guam / UH Cancer Center Partnership cultivates research education and training

The University of Guam ( UOG )/ UH Cancer Center collaboration , known as the Pacific Island Partnership for Cancer Health Equity ( PIPCHE ), has been ongoing for 17 years . PIPCHE is the only NCI-funded Pacific-based research infrastructure and partnership that addresses cancer health disparities in the peoples of Hawai ‘ i , Guam , and the U . S . Affiliated Pacific Islands that include the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas , American Samoa , Federated States of Micronesia , Republic of the Marshall Islands , and Republic of Palau .

Since 2003 over 100 underrepresented students and early career scientists ( ECS ) have received cancer research education and training support through PIPCHE . Two previous trainees have become faculty at UOG , two graduates supported in cycle one are now faculty on the U . S . mainland , and one trainee is now employed at the National Institute of Minority Health Disparities . Ten trainees have entered doctoral programs in different locations . Of the 45 PIPCHE research assistants , at least nine went on to graduate and professional degree programs .

The recent five-year NCI grant renewals for PIPCHE ensure continued support for cancer research education and training of students and ECS in the Pacific and Hawai ‘ i .

Read the related story on the Cancer Research Internship Program on page 5 .

Photo caption for cover : Graduate , doctoral , and postdoctoral research students and trainees , starting at 1 pm : Lambert Leong ( Hawai ’ i ), Kathleen Plaza ( Guam ), Maisel Caliva ( Hawai ’ i ), Jiaming Xue ( China ), Chloe Panizza ( Australia ), Angela Bononi ( Italy ), Izumi Okado ( Hawai ’ i ), Michael Wong ( Hawai ’ i ), Natalija Glibetic ( Canada ), Rica Dela Cruz ( Saipan ).