New education programs expand opportunities for hands-on learning

Texas Biomed is expanding its education programs to train and inspire the next generation of scientists in partnership with Valero, H-E-B and the American Cancer Society. The distinct programs provide unique opportunities for students at key stages of educational development, from high school to post graduate.

The Valero Young Scientists Program at Texas Biomed, is a four-week, immersive experience for high school students in the San Antonio area. Each summer, 40 local students will explore different career pathways as they interact with researchers, graduate students and teachers at Texas Biomed. They will conduct experiments in a specially designated learning lab, developing foundational skills such as interpreting scientific data. They will also work on presentation, communication and networking skills.

“Valero is helping make lasting change in San Antonio by investing in students, teachers and parents,” says Rosemary Riggs, Ph.D., Texas Biomed’s Director of Education Outreach Programs. “We are thrilled to launch this program and set students up for success as they explore the many diverse careers available in the biosciences.”

Parents and guardians will be involved through virtual sessions about available STEM careers and university programs. They will also be invited to participate in a final showcase where students present their summer projects.

Texas Biomed has a very active K-12 education outreach program and teacher training program, and students are regular visitors to the campus. However, this is the first time the Institute has been able to offer hands-on training for rising juniors and seniors. The education team is excited to involve students who do not normally have access to such opportunities.

H-E-B INVESTS BIG

H-E-B is also investing in Texas Biomed’s current and future education programs and facilities. The Texas-based grocery company provided $2 million to support Texas Biomed’s college-level internship program and the future Center for Science Education, which is part of the planned Global Center for Bioscience.

Texas Biomed offers paid summer internships for students currently in college in three areas: infectious disease research, veterinary care and scientific administration. The H-E-B gift will specifically allow more research faculty to offer internships in their labs.

“Texas Biomed is doing critical work to protect us from infectious diseases and to educate the next generation of scientists, right here in our own community,” says Craig Boyan, President of H-E-B and Chair of the Texas Biomed Board of Trustees. “H-E-B is pleased to support student experiences at Texas Biomed and help make the Center for Science Education a reality.”

The Center for Science Education is planned as part of the future Global Center for Bioscience, which will be the new “front door” of Texas Biomed. The new complex will reflect the Institute’s spirit of collaboration and innovation, with classrooms and laboratories dedicated for training and workshops. It will enable scientists to connect with students and teachers, as well as area residents and organizations around issues of global health, disease prevention and the importance of research – especially as it relates to underserved and disproportionately affected populations.

DIVERSITY IN CANCER RESEARCH

Also launching this year is a new training fellowship for recent college graduates sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

The American Cancer Society Post Baccalaureate Fellows Program at Texas Biomed is a two-year program for recent graduates interested in cancer and infectious disease research. The fellows are individuals typically underrepresented in the scientific workforce – first-generation college graduates, those from economically-disadvantaged backgrounds and/or other groups underrepresented in the cancer research field, such as Black, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander.

The American Cancer Society started the fellowship program to help increase diversity in the scientific workforce, capitalizing on longstanding research showing the benefits of having scientists from diverse backgrounds and life experiences, including improving the quality of research, building public trust and enhancing global competitiveness.

“Diverse perspectives in research are needed to help overcome inequities in cancer prevention, treatment and care,” says Ellie Daniels, M.D., M.P.H., Senior Vice President for the American Cancer Society Center for Diversity in Cancer Research Training. “We are pleased to bring this fellowship program to Texas Biomed and work to fill a critical gap in the workforce development pipeline.”

Fellows must have recently earned a science, technology, engineering, math or healthcare-related degree and be interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in biomedical science, data science, population health, public health or a health profession.

“Fellows will be fully immersed in the research environment at Texas Biomed, where they will work on cancer research projects, build their skills and develop as scientists before applying to graduate programs,” says Crystal Bolden-Rush, Ph.D., the Institute’s Director of Research Education.

Texas Biomed joins a small group of institutes offering the fellowship and provides the unique chance to train at the intersection of cancer and infectious diseases. More and more evidence demonstrates that infections can lead to cancer, while cancer treatments suppress the immune system and increase susceptibility to infection. The links between cancer and infectious diseases is understudied and ripe for innovative research.

“Our education team is strategically building out training opportunities at all stages of the research education pipeline, from high school, to college, to post-graduate,” says Texas Biomed President/CEO Larry Schlesinger, M.D. “The Institute is passionate about training the next generation and building the bioscience workforce in San Antonio.”