The NCI U54 research and training program of The MD Anderson Acres Homes Cancer Prevention Collaboration prepares predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees in 3-year appointments to become leaders addressing obesity-related cancers affecting underserved communities. With elements tailored to trainee interests and professional needs, our multidisciplinary curriculum prepares predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees in the principles and practice of research on the causes and interception of obesity-related cancers. Training includes mentored research with experts in cancer prevention and experiential learning opportunities in underserved communities with community partners. The fellowship emphasizes acquiring and applying knowledge of the drivers of persistent poverty and their impact on health, developing skills in research methods used in community settings to design and implement interventions against obesity-related cancers, and fostering professional skills of scientist-advocates for success.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Trainees will learn the principles and practice of research on the causes and interception of obesity-related cancers and how to conduct research successfully in underserved communities with community partners. They will acquire and apply knowledge of the drivers of persistent poverty and their impact on health to solutions, develop skills in research methods used in community settings to design and implement effective interventions against obesity-related cancers, and foster key professional skills needed by scientist-advocates for success in the field. While all trainees will use data and opportunities available through Acres Home Cancer Prevention Collaboration to benefit from the multiple resources provided, predoctoral trainees will be expected to use these resources for their dissertation projects.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Eligible predoctoral applicants must meet the following requirements:

Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident legally approved to be in the United States during the entire length of the fellowship.

Must be enrolled full-time in a Ph.D. program in a disciplinary area relevant to conducting obesity or cancer-related research for their dissertation.

Must have completed their doctoral comprehensive exams successfully.

Must be pursuing a doctoral degree in public and population sciences, including health promotion/health education, a behavioral or social science discipline, epidemiology, biostatistics, economics, health services research/health policy, communication, or other related areas of study.

Selected trainees will use data and opportunities available through Acres Home Cancer Prevention Collaboration for their dissertation projects to benefit from the multiple resources provided.

Must express a commitment to a career as a cancer and obesity researcher in their personal statement and throughout the application.

Must provide proof of enrollment in a doctoral degree program.

Underrepresented minorities, economically disadvantaged, underserved backgrounds, and students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION
The length of fellowship appointments are up to 3 years, renewed annually pending successful progress towards research and training goals.

Applicants can identify potential mentors using the links and instructions provided on the program web page. Selected finalists will be invited to interview prospective mentors for fellowship appointments.

Predoctoral students receive a stipend of $36,000 per year, plus benefits. No funds are available for relocation/housing subsidies. Stipends are subject to required federal taxes. Additional funding support for tuition and fees, supplies, books, software, professional development, and travel to present research at conferences.

Visit the program web page www.CancerPreventionTraining.org > Acres Home Predoc Fellowship in Cancer Prevention for program details and FAQs.