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Black Cancer Researchers

The mission of Black Cancer Researchers (BCR) is to strive to enhance the environment and experiences of Black cancer scientists at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The group is led by current NCI fellows and helps members build community (both scientific and professional), provide mentoring, and grow their scientific network. BCR hopes to maintain and cultivate relationships along the continuum of current scholars, alumni, and future cancer researchers.

BCR was established following the events of 2020 that included incidents of violence against people of color. The initial goal of the group was to foster community among the three campuses (Bethesda, Shady Grove, and Frederick) and create a safe informal space for Black scientists within NCI. As the group grew and the needs changed, BCR has grown to be a warm and welcoming place where trainees, fellows, and staff can gather to share experiences, support one another, and be themselves.

Initiatives

  • Mentorship and professional development 
  • Exposure to career opportunities in the broader field of cancer research
  • Highlight the scientific contributions and achievements of BCR members

To join our listserv and become a part of our community, click here.   For questions, please contact Dr. Brittny Davis Lynn.

 

Image of a group of Black Cancer Researchers

Black Cancer Researchers at 2023 Career Path Panel Series

Black Cancer Researchers members presenting at 2023 STEMNoire

Black Cancer Researchers members presenting at 2023 STEMNoire

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group of Black Cancer Researchers

Black Cancer Researchers at 2023 AACR Meet Up

Group of Black Cancer Researchers Members

Black Cancer Researchers' members at summer meet up

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group of BlacK researchers at restuarant table with five women and one man

Black Cancer Researchers members meet up at 2024 AACR conference

 

2024 BCR Chairs

 

Calendar of Events

 

We’ll need your support as we begin to plan for 2024!  We hope to cover wellness and goal setting for the new year, preparing for graduate school, a speaker series, and of course several meet-ups.

2024 Calendar 

January 

Planning Meeting

2024 Kickoff: Wellness and Goal Setting 

Career Exploration + Readiness (1/31)

February 

Visualize and Manifest: Wellness and Goal Setting (2/9)

Black History Month Speaker: Dr.  Vence Bonham (2/22)

Group Photo

March Career Path Panel and Potluck (w/NAAF)
April 

AACR Meet-Up

Black Cancer Researcher: Life Outside of Science 

May

Transitioning to a NIH PI Workshop

Natural History Smithsonian Tour

NIH Career Symposium

June

Transitioning to an Academic Tenure Track Position Workshop 

Meet Up

July Networking Powerhour with NCI Summer Interns 
August Summer Wellness Break (no activity)

September

CCR Health Equity Symposium 

DCEG Resource Fair (TBD) 

Lunch Networking Powerhour 

Applying to Professional School – The Postbac Perspective 

October Meet-Up
November TBD
December Networking Powerhour

 

 

 2023 Calendar

January Planning Meeting
February Kickoff Meeting
March Monthly Meeting

April 

Monthly Meeting

Meet Up at AACR in Orlando, FL

May Monthly Meeting

June

Juneteenth Flag Day with NAAF

Summer Meet Up (Shady Grove)

July Summer Meet Up (Bethesda)
August N/A

September

Table at DCEG Resource Fair

Career Path Panel

October

Monthly Meeting

NMAAHC Afrofuturism STEAM Day

November STEM Day at Anacostia Senior HS (canceled)
December N/A
  • Updated:

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