STEP-UP program gains newest multiple principal investigator, David Garcia
Cancer center member David Garcia, PhD, was recently appointed one of the multiple principal investigators for the Student Transformative Experiences to Progress Undergraduate/Graduate Professionals, or STEP-UP, program.
Jennifer W. Bea, PhD, UACC Cancer Prevention and Control Program co-leader; director of share resources, behavior measurement and intervention; and associate professor in health promotion sciences, is the current contact principal investigator and delighted to have Garcia join the team.
“Dr. Garcia’s depth of experience, commitment to mentorship, and connection to our local community will significantly benefit our student trainees in this leadership role,” Bea said.
STEP-UP is a paid,10-week summer research opportunity for rising undergraduate juniors or seniors or master’s students. STEP-UP offers hands-on mentored research, community outreach, and development of personal cancer prevention on behaviors.
Building a program of early career mentorship
Cynthia Thomson, PhD, RD, professor emeritus in the Department of Health Promotion Sciences, began the STEP-UP program in 2017 and served as MPI in the most recent grant competition.
“Both Dr. Garcia and I are grateful for Dr. Thomson’s vision in developing and initiating the STEP-UP program to fill a critical gap in the cancer prevention and control training pathway and for her many years of early career mentorship,” Bea said.
Through the STEP-UP summer research program, students earn research experience with mentors matched to them based on the student’s goals and interests. The program has assistance available for travel and housing.
Preparing for student service
Garcia is an associate professor in the U of A Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and is the director for the Zuckerman Family Center for Prevention and Health Promotion. He is a former R25 postdoctoral fellow at UACC, K awardee, and part of the NCI Early-Stage Investigator Advancement Program. He also recently received an R21 Award. As the director and founder of Nosotros Comprometidos a Su Salud- Committed to Your Health, he has extensive experience in serving the population in Southern Arizona.
He has been a member of the STEP-UP Internal Advisory Committee for seven years and is involved in program planning and oversight activities. He mentors student trainees during the annual summer training programs.
“His perspective and insight have been critical for meeting the needs of our student population while balancing the missions of the National Cancer Institute, UACC, and the university,” Bea said.
The STEP-UP program is from June 9 through Aug. 15. To apply next year, students must be rising juniors or seniors, undergraduate or master’s students with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and interested in cancer prevention and control science.
For more information on STEP-UP, contact Giovanni Rodriguez, lead administrative assistant, or Jacqui Stork, program coordinator, or visit the STEP-UP website.
This project is supported by the National Cancer Institute, award number R25CA275753 and the University of Arizona (AHSC, UACC, and MEZCOPH).