Training the Clinical Researchers of Tomorrow

Last summer, The University of Kansas Cancer Center launched the CAREERS in CLINICAL RESEARCH (C-CLEAR) Program, a pioneering initiative designed to immerse pre-med students in the field of clinical research. Led by Joseph Hines II, MPH, the program was inspired by his own journey and the challenges he faced in discovering diverse career paths in healthcare.

The eight-week experience provides students with hands-on training in clinical research, broadening their career horizons and equipping them with essential skills and tools like Good Clinical Practice certification. C-CLEAR helps foster a diverse and knowledgeable future workforce in clinical research, reflecting the communities it serves.

By embedding students directly in the cancer center’s Clinical Trials Office, the C-CLEAR Program not only introduces them to the critical intersection of science and medicine but also exposes them to leading-edge oncology research. Mariah Angelo-Slaughter, a junior at Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn., was one of the first-ever participants in C-CLEAR. Below, Mariah shares about her experience in the C-CLEAR program.

What are your career aspirations?

In the future, my career aspirations are to become a pediatrician, or perhaps a pediatric oncologist.

Can you describe a project you worked on in C-CLEAR and what you learned from it?

Over the course of the internship, we were tasked with a multitude of projects, one of which was creating an infographic about the lack of Black representation in cancer care. This was extremely insightful to me, and through this project, I learned a lot about the gaps and disparities in cancer care.

What new skills or knowledge did you gain?

One of the biggest skills I gained throughout the summer was collaboration. The other two interns I worked with were great, and I enjoyed working with them a lot. Despite our different opinions and backgrounds, navigating these differences taught me a lot about collaborating and being able to compromise.

Tell us about an activity at C-CLEAR that stands out to you.

A particularly memorable activity for me was recording a podcast with Dr. Joaquina Baranda, who leads the early phase clinical trials program at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. It was so fun to gain insight from someone with a solidified career in the same field we are interested in. It was also fascinating to be in a recording studio and understand how podcasts are recorded and edited.

Why should someone consider participating in the C-CLEAR program?

One of the biggest reasons to consider participating in the C-CLEAR program is the new connections I made while working at the Clinical Trials Office. I met so many people and learned a lot from them. I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to meet and bond with Hilary, Angele and the entire team. Besides connections, the experience also strengthened my resolve for my future plans and aspirations.

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