The Scholars and Early-Stage Advancement (SEA) Initiative represents a crucial and forward-thinking effort to foster diversity within the cancer research workforce. By identifying, recruiting, and supporting scholars (post-docs, PhD students) who are female or from underserved groups as defined by the National Institute of Health, this initiative seeks to address existing disparities and enhance the inclusivity of cancer research.
The SEA Initiative will:
- Provide a monthly professional development series (grant writing, research, publishing, etc.)
- Provide professional and academic networking and mentoring opportunities
The SEA Initiative will also provide Travel Grants up to $2,000 annually to cover registration, travel, and hotel expenses.
Eligibility Criteria:
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Women or scholars from underserved groups
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Applicants must be presenting their research (e.g., poster or oral presentation) at the professional conference
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Applicant’s mentor must be a formal member of the Rutgers Cancer Institute
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Applicant must participate in community outreach and engagement in other professional development activities at Rutgers Cancer Institute (e.g., serving as peer-mentor and/or attendance at trainee seminars)
Application Process:
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Complete the following Qualtrics survey – SEA Initiative Travel Grant
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Letter of support from PI/Faculty Mentor. The letter should address the individual’s academic achievement, contribution to the overall project, expected outcomes of attending the meeting, and achievement in previous research experiences. Please email the letter to Dr. Sunita Chaudhary at chaudhs4@cinj.rutgers.edu.
For more information or to participate in the SEA Initiative, please contact ed@cinj.rutgers.edu.
Listen to Dr. Sunita Chaudhary, Associate Professor of Surgery at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Director of Research Education at Rutgers Cancer Institute, talk about the SEA Initiative on the Recording Rutgers podcast.
The SEA initiative is funded by 3P30CA072720-24S2.