C-STEPS Program
The Cancer Research – Scholarship and Training in Population Sciences (C-STEPS) program provides a cancer-focused research experience, career mentorship, interactive seminars, and team building that culminate in a Capstone project at the end of 10 weeks.
Rich Research Experience
Students gain a hands-on, skills-based, mentored research experience that is focused on cancer control and population science.
Defined by the National Cancer Institute, Cancer Control and Population Science is a study of a group of individuals taken from the general population who share a common characteristic, such as age, sex, or health condition.
This group may be studied for different reasons, such as their response to a drug or risk of getting a disease. In addition, students participate in career planning and team-based activities. Students who participate in C-STEPS will also have the opportunity to submit an abstract of their Capstone poster project at the annual American Association for Cancer Education (AACE) conference to further enhance their presentation skills. The C-STEPS program will cover travel to the annual conference if the abstract is accepted. C-STEPS will provide ongoing support to students to present their research at their home university by assisting in poster printing.
The C-STEPS program will invite two students from the prior cohort to serve as peer mentors to a new student cohort to gain experience as an educator.
Program Focus
The C-STEPS program is part of the Undergraduate Pipeline Network (UPN).
The goal of the C-STEPS program is to facilitate and support undergraduate students in their completion of a degree in the STEM-H (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health sciences) field. This program also facilitates the student’s selection of and application to graduate or professional schools while encouraging their interests in research careers. The long-term goal of C-STEPS is to increase the biomedical and behavioral research workforce by providing specialized and experiential curricula that highlights team-oriented population sciences.
To provide a mentored research experience, students are paired with a faculty member who is focused on cancer control and population science at The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center. The program also offers peer and near-peer mentors to serve as role models, offer research seminars, facilitate team building, and provide research and career planning mentoring.
Rayna Vue
University of New Mexico, Biochemistry Major
Mentor: Debra MacKenzie, PhD, Research Assistant Professor, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Poster Title: Longitudinal Study of Carcinogenic Metals in Navajo Children from the Navajo Birth Cohort Study (NBCS)
Jolie Walker
Vassar College, Biochemistry Major
Mentor: Catie Willging, PhD, Center Director (PIRE-Southwest) and Senior Research Scientist II
and
Miria Kano, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine
Poster Title:
Creating Equity for Sexual and Gender Minority Cancer Patients: The Importance of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Data Collection
Rachel Templeton
University of Pittsburgh, Environmental Engineering Major
Mentor: Matt Campen, PhD, MSPH, Director, New Mexico Center for Metals in Biology and Medicine; Regents’ Professor, College of Pharmacy
Poster Title:
Identification of Laboratory Animal Microplastic Consumption
Abigail Ikechi-Konkwo
University of New Mexico, Biochemistry Major
Mentor: Cindy Blair, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine
Poster Title:
Longitudinal Associations between Physical Activity and Quality of Life among Older Cancer Survivors During th COVID-19 Pandemic
Samuel Barans
Michigan State University, Psychology and Mathematics Major
Mentor: Annette Crisanti, PhD, Vice Chair of Research and Tenured Professor Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Poster Title: Trauma in Hispanics at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis
Prabhuti Vansadia
University of Florida, Dietetics Major
Mentor: Dolores Guest, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine
Poster Title:
Evaluating Nutrition Services in Outpatient Cancer Centers in New Mexico
Dana Baca
Duke University, Biology and Global Health Major
Mentor: Kate Cartwright, PhD, MPH, Associate Professor, School of Public Administration
Poster Title:
Improving Colorectal Cancer Screening Accessibility, Compliance, and Equity for American Indian and Alsaka Native Adults: First Results from a Cancer Screening Scoping Review
Megan McCarthy
University of New Mexico, Biology Major
Mentor: Kim Page, PhD, MPH, MS, Professor, Department of Internal Medicine
Poster Title:
Investigating the Impact of Methamphetamine Use on New Mexican Communities During the Opioid Epidemic; Identifying opportunities for Intervention
Edgar Carrete
University of New Mexico, Biology Major
Mentor: Prajakta Adsul, MBBS, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine
Poster Title:
Cancer Prevention and Control Among LGBTQIA+ Populations in New Mexico
Sreeya Kairamkonda
Colorado State University, Biomedical Sciences Major
Mentor: Prajakta Adsul, MBBS, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine
Poster Title:
HPV Vaccination Rates in New Mexico and Future Directions for Promoting the HPV Vaccine Among Young Adults
Jordan Charlie
University Of New Mexico, Biology Major
Mentor: Debra Mackenzie, PhD Research Assistant Professor, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
UPN C-STEPS Poster Title: Association of Cytokine Levels from Extant Serum Samples with COVID-19
Kailyn Goodwin
University of San Francisco, Biology Major
Mentor: Jean McDougall, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine
UPN Poster Title: Promoting Cervical Cancer Screening Using Message Framing to Eliminate Racial Disparities
Jessica Hoffman
Austin College, Biology Major
Mentor: Prajakta Adsul, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine
UPN C-STEPS Poster Title: Why do Sexual and Gender Diverse Individuals Forego Cervical Cancer Screenings?
Sophia Jaramillo
New Mexico State University, Kinesiology Major
Mentor: Cynthia Blair, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and
Preventive Medicine
UPN C-STEPS Poster Title: Using Sociodemographic-Health Factors to Evaluate the Success of a Physical Activity Intervention in Older Cancer Survivors
Sophia Mourad
University of California, Los Angeles, Biology Major
Mentor: Miria Kano, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine
UPN C-STEPS Poster Title: Differing Experiences of Cancer Care in LGBT Individuals vs. Heterosexual, Cisgendered Individuals
Samantha Ogata
New Mexico Highlands University, Biology/Mathematics Major
Mentor: Andrew Sussman, PhD
Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine
UPN C-STEPS Poster Title: Supporting Women in Survivorship Healthcare: Patient Perspectives Regarding Obstacles to Improving Cancer Survivorship Care
Karenna Sandoval
Arizona State University, Medical Studies Major
Mentor: Marianne Berwick, PhD
Distinguished Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine
UPN C-STEPS Poster Title: The Most Effective Method to Achieve Healthy Vitamin D Levels - A Review
Destinee Sandy
New Mexico Highlands University, Biology Major
Mentor: Laurie Hudson, PhD
Regents’ Professor, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
UPN Poster Title: Understanding the Cytotoxic Effects of Vanadium and Cadmium on Renal Proximal Tubule Cells
Cristian Soto
Utah State University, Biology Major
Presented at the 2022 International Cancer Education Conference
Mentor: Dolores Guest, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine
UPN C-STEPS Poster Title: Assessment of Nutrition Services Available in New Mexico Outpatient Cancer Facilities
Alexander Vanderwiel
Macalester College, Biology Major
Mentor: Bernard Tawfik, MD
Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology
UPN C-STEPS Poster Title: Evaluating Cancer Awareness Months and Cancer Screening Tests Through Internet Search Big Data
C-STEPS Details
Students must apply to the UPN program in the fall to be considered for the following summer. Each summer, C-STEPS will have a cohort of 10 undergraduate students and two peer mentors from the prior cohort.
Interested students may apply for C-STEPS through the
that opens every fall.
The 10-week program runs from late-May to early August on The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center campus.
C-STEPS covers
- transportation to and from the University of New Mexico
- housing while on UNM campus
- stipend for the 10-weeks
C-STEPS has similar eligibility to UPN that include:
- Minimum of 3.0 GPA
- Be an enrolled undergraduate at the time of the program and a graduation date no earlier than the December following the program
- Currently attend a college or university in the United States
- Be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident (green card holder)
Additionally, highly qualified students should apply to C-STEPS if there is interest in translational research, including the following areas:
- Cancer risk and risk prediction
- Risk reduction
- Screening determinants and interventions
- Cancer care delivery and survivorship
For questions specific to C-STEPS, please email C-STEPS@salud.unm.edu or contact Dr. Shiraz Mishra: smishra@salud.unm.edu, (505) 925-6085
For questions related to the UPN application, please contact School of Medicine Research Education Office: SOMREO@salud.unm.edu, (505) 272-1887
The C-STEPS program offered an amazing experience that allowed me to collaborate with many peers that other programs wouldn’t allow. This included the journal clubs, assignments involving teamwork, and the work that we did with our mentors and our research team.
Team & Advisory Committee
Shiraz I. Mishra, MBBS, PhD
Professor, Departments of Pediatrics and Family and Community Medicine
Cancer Control Population Science Research Program Co-Leader
Miria Kano, PhD
Assistant Professor, Regional Coordinating Director (GMaP Region 3), Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine
Joseph Rodman, MA
Scientific Research Manager
Behavioral Measurement and Population Science Shared Resource (BMPS)
Judith Sheche, MS
Senior Research Scientist (Dr. Mishra)
The Executive Advisory Committees responsibilities include:
- Meeting 3 times per year
- Reviewing: recruitment, selection process, annual cohort selection, evaluation of seminars and mentor-mentees, and the long-term sustainability and program enhancement plans
- Regular email updates; provide advice, comments, and recommendations as needed
Jani Ingram, PhD
I am a Regents’ Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Northern Arizona University, the PI of the Partnership of Native American Cancer Prevention, and the Director of Bridging Native American Students to Bachelor’s Degree Program. My expertise is developing training programs for undergraduate students and hands-on mentorship programs. I am also a member of the Navajo Nation.
Robin Harris, PhD, MPH
I am a Professor of Epidemiology at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona, Co-Director of the Skin Cancer Institute at the Arizona Cancer Center, and PI of a National Cancer Institute funded T32, “Cancer Prevention and Control Health Disparities Training Program”. My expertise is in population science research focused on community-based research that addresses chronic disease prevention and control.
Shine Chang, PhD
I am the Director of the Cancer Prevention Research Training Program (www.CancerPreventionTraining.org) at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas System Distinguished Teaching Professor, and Ashbel Smith Full Professor (tenured) in the Department of Epidemiology. At my institution, I also serve as co-program leader for our NCI P30 Cancer Center Support Grant’s Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination resource. With a unifying theme to reduce disparities and increase access and opportunity in health and the biomedical workforce, my expertise is cancer epidemiology and cancer prevention and in training and education for leadership in the field of cancer prevention and control from college through faculty ranks.
Meet the C-STEPS Mentors
Research Assistant Professor, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Research Area: Pharmaceutical sciences
Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine
Research Area: Individual-, provider-, and organizational-level determinants influence the implementation (uptake and delivery) of cancer screening services in underserved communities.
Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine
Research Area: Cancer survivorship and cancer care delivery for gender and sexual minorities
Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine
Research Area: cancer survivorship; lifestyle behavior interventions to improve health and well-being among cancer survivors.
Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine
Research Area: Shared decision making among health disparity populations, health service delivery, and qualitative methodologies.
Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine
Research Area: Nutritional interventions to improve cancer outcomes during and after treatment in outpatient cancer care facilities, nutrition cancer care policy, cancer survivorship.
Distinguished Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine
Research Area: Etiology and survival of melanoma patients. Evaluating understanding and interest in genetic testing among New Mexicans and in establishing biomarkers to stratify melanoma patients into aggressive and non-aggressive disease in order to improve treatment
Regents’ Professor, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Research Area: Metals toxicology and cancer biology including biochemical, cellular, organismal and population studies
ECHO model as a platform for: service delivery, education and evaluation; creation of coordinated care systems for high health care utilizers; and, disruptive innovations in specialty care.
Environmental health, effects of complex inhaled pollutant mixtures on health outcomes.
Epidemiology to shape policy decisions and evidence-based interventions by reducing uncertainty in population level exposures to environmental pollutants, key risk factors and targets for intervention.
Cultural and environmental contributors to health; environmental exposures and birth outcomes, cancer risk, and risk reduction.
Breast cancer epidemiology, breast cancer survival disparities in Hispanic women, breast premalignant conditions, and over-diagnosis of breast cancer.
Prevention and management of obesity in school-based health centers, sexually-transmitted infections, and unintended pregnancy prevention intervention.
Statistical methodologies, observational epidemiologic studies, clinical trials.
Molecular epidemiology, molecular diagnostic development, translational spectrum of cancer etiology, diagnosis, and prevention.