Cancer Biology Graduate Program Outreach & Student Life
Engaged Community, Enriching Experiences
A supportive, engaged student community that promotes leadership, outreach and collaboration within biomedical science.
A Vibrant Student Community
The U-M Medical School Cancer Biology program is distinguished by its vibrant and supportive student culture, where students actively engage in outreach and volunteer activities that extend the program's impact into the broader biomedical science community. In addition to taking on leadership roles and serving in key student committee and leadership positions to help shape the program and student experience, students participate in a variety of events that strengthen connections and promote a shared sense of purpose and belonging within the program.
Outreach & Volunteer Opportunities
Cancer Biology students participate in outreach and volunteer activities designed to inspire and mentor the next generation of scientists:
- Developing Future Biologists: Developing Future Biologists (DFB) is an educational outreach organization led by graduate students and postdocs at UM. DFB's mission is to ensure the next generation of biologists can learn the core concepts of developmental biology and are made aware of the vast opportunities that exist to pursue a career in the sciences. DFB organizes an all expenses paid, week-long summer short course aimed at teaching undergraduate students fundamental concepts in developmental biology in a small class setting with close instructor-student mentorship.
- One Day Closer: The One Day Closer event organized by the Rogel Cancer Center showcases how researchers and clinicians at the Cancer Center are getting us one day closer to a cure for cancer. Area high school students and their families are invited to learn about cancer research through interactive activities and booths, short research talks and lab tours.
- SHE Oncology: The Rogel Cancer Center's Summer Healthcare Experience (SHE) in Oncology Program offers Michigan high school student leaders an opportunity to explore careers in oncology. The program provides participants with hands-on experiences, engaging activities and discussions that introduce the wide range of career and leadership opportunities in the field of oncology.
Cancer Biology students also mentor undergraduate students from the University of Michigan and other undergraduate institutions across the country for both academic year and summer research experiences.
Other Outreach Programs with Cancer Bio Student Involvement
Student Committee & Leadership Positions
The Cancer Biology program offers several student-led committees and leadership roles trainees can get involved in during their time in the program. These are volunteer positions that help support the program and also provide students with unique opportunities to get involved with, and have an impact on, the program and student experience.
- Access, Success, and Engagement (ASE) Taskforce: ASE Taskforce members advance access, success, and engagement initiatives by supporting the annual Rackham Allies Grant submission, organizing relevant program events, supporting recruitment efforts, and more.
- Admissions Committee: Admissions Committee representatives support the program by sharing trainee perspectives at admissions meetings, assisting with application review, and hosting students during Interview Weekend events.
- First-Year Peer Mentoring Chair: The Peer Mentoring Chair recruits current Cancer Biology trainees to serve as peer mentors, matching them with incoming PIBS/Cancer Biology students with the goal of offering additional guidance and support as students are acclimating to graduate school.
- Preliminary Exam Practice Chairs: The Preliminary Exam Practice Chairs organize preliminary exam practice talks and facilitate constructive peer feedback, equipping trainees with targeted preparation and valuable insights to help them succeed on both their written and oral preliminary exam.
- Recruitment & Outreach Chair: The Recruitment & Outreach Chair supports the program by attending events for prospective students, updating recruitment materials, and communicating and meeting with prospective students to answer questions and share student perspectives.
- Retreat Planning Chairs: The Retreat Planning Chairs collaborate with the Program Manager to organize the annual retreat each year, overseeing all aspects from finding venues, identifying and inviting a keynote speaker, and planning retreat activities.
- Social Chairs: The Social Chairs organize a variety of student-focused gatherings and events throughout the year with the goal of fostering connection and strengthening the sense of community among students.
- Steering Committee: Steering Committee representatives attend bi-monthly Steering Committee meetings to provide trainee input on program policies, curriculum, and other key issues. These representatives also gather topics and feedback from fellow students to share at Steering Committee meetings and, in turn, share updates and outcomes from the meetings with the students to keep everyone informed.
- Student Involvement Coordinator: The Student Involvement Coordinator provides logistical support to those serving on student committees and in leadership positions, oversees the nomination and voting processes for these positions, manages shared resources, and serves as the primary contact for these positions.
- Student Seminar Chair: Student seminar is a student-only, informal forum held monthly during the academic year where trainees discuss scholarly articles or give practice talks. The Student Seminar Chair coordinates the schedule, manages the logistics, and fosters engaging conversations.
- Summer Journal Club Chair: The Summer Journal Club meets biweekly and provides a casual setting for students to discuss scientific papers and practice presenting research. The Chair's responsibilities include paper selection, leading discussions, and event organization.
Program Events & Activities
The program hosts a variety of events designed to bring the community together, including an annual retreat, welcome week events, an annual holiday party, and monthly student events, all of which are designed to encourage connection, collaboration and camaraderie among members of the program.
Campus Life
As part of the University of Michigan community, you'll have access to many resources and services on one of the top campuses in the world. From sports and fitness to academic support, here's a quick peek into what campus life is like.
