Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination Office
The Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination Office (CRTEC) aims to provide rigorous training in cancer research and career enhancement activities that prepare trainees in a variety of disciplines for productive careers as biomedical cancer researchers or health care professionals.
We facilitate and coordinate cancer research education and training across the entire training pipeline at Columbia and provide educational opportunities to individuals at all levels of training, from middle school students to junior faculty. We coordinate seminar series, scientific seminars, workshops, educational resources, Continuing Medical Education (CME), networking and mentoring activities, and competitive travel funds to trainees to attend meetings, as well as administering the Trainee Associate Member program.
Our Aims
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Junior Scholars. Provide didactic and experiential training and mentoring opportunities in cancer research and health equity. Multifaceted training opportunities are provided to junior scholars (middle/high school, undergraduate, and postbaccalaureate students) with a focus on those in the HICCC Catchment Area and scholars underrepresented in the biomedical workforce.
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Graduate Scholars. Provide integrated, interdisciplinary cancer research training and education and mentoring opportunities to support vertical career transitions. Financial support, mentoring, career development and networking opportunities are provided to graduate students (MPH, MS, PhD, MD PhD), health professional students (medical, dental, nursing), and postdoctoral fellows.
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Early Faculty. Promote career development and research independence in basic, clinical/translational and population science cancer research. Assistant professors who are early-stage investigators are provided opportunities for research pilots, continuing education, mentorship support, career networking, and development of critical thinking, grant writing, and presentation skills.