UMMC launches new cancer biology graduate track

The University of Mississippi Medical Center is starting a new graduate track in cancer biology to prepare and train the next generation of leaders in oncology research and treatment. The track is set to begin in Fall 2025.

In this Q&A, Dr. Seema Singh, associate director of education and training at the Cancer Center and Research Institute, discusses the creation of the graduate Cancer Biology track. She will lead other initiatives to educate and train the existing workforce about rapid developments in oncology sciences. Singh highlights the unique features of the new cancer biology and therapeutics track and its significance for current and future UMMC students. Singh also shares insights on long-term plans for a full Cancer Biology graduate program.

How did the idea for this new cancer biology graduate track come to fruition?

After Dr. Rocconi took over as the new director of the Cancer Center and Research Institute, he felt a clear need for a dedicated graduate training track and program in cancer biology to prepare a future workforce tackling this devastating and complex disease.

What is the long-term goal for the graduate track?

We currently do not have a cancer biology graduate program at UMMC. To speed up our efforts in this direction, we initially started with creating a cancer biology track within the existing cell and molecular biology graduate program. Dr. Michael Garrett, program chair, and CMB graduate program director, Dr. Michael Hebert, supported the idea and helped us move forward. 

To meet the requirement for a track, we have introduced a new cancer biology and therapeutics course that replaces an existing course. The CBT course integrates basic and translational aspects of cancer biology, covering topics from cancer genetics and epigenetics, cancer cell behavior and fate, tumor body interactions and cancer biomarkers and therapeutics. Students graduating with this track will possess advanced knowledge of cancer biology and therapeutics, complemented by robust research and analytical skills.

They will also develop effective communication and presentation skills, preparing them for future leadership roles in cancer research and related fields. In addition, we will allow clinical fellows to attend these courses, which will help them develop a basic understanding of cancer etiology, signaling pathways and drug resistance mechanisms, and thus help them become future physician-scientists. The track also helps us as we prepare ourselves for achieving the NCI designation, which has a critical emphasis on a robust education program.

We plan to further develop and expand this track into a full-fledged cancer biology and therapeutics graduate program.

Why is this potential program critical to the educational experience of current UMMC students?

Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and particularly in Mississippi, where mortality rates for some of the cancers are among the highest in the nation. This new graduate program track broadens our education and training portfolio, providing the students with dedicated training in cancer biology. It prepares students for emerging trends in cancer biology and therapy, covering cutting-edge topics to address the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field.

We aim to develop leaders who will make a lasting difference in the fight against cancer through groundbreaking research, education and innovation in cancer biology and therapeutics. By training the next generation of scientists, we aim to shape a future where cancer is manageable, treatable and preventable.

Who will be able to participate in the graduate program?

This new track is available to students enrolling in our graduate program. The lectures being taught as part of this track education requirement will also be open to clinical fellows, residents and medical students.

When will the graduate track become available to UMMC students?