Shaping the next generation of cancer researchers

Cancer research isn’t just about lab work. It’s also about connecting science with real-world patient care. That’s the vision behind MUSC Hollings Cancer Center’s new digital badge program, which is training students to think beyond the bench.

This summer, six MUSC graduate students became the inaugural recipients of the Hollings Cancer Research Scholar digital badge. The digital badge is a “microcredential” designed to formalize and enhance training for future cancer researchers by recognizing students who complete a series of academic, research and outreach activities.

But the value extends far beyond a resume boost. Through its comprehensive curriculum and hands-on experiences, the program fosters new knowledge, broader perspectives and deeper connections to the science of cancer and to the patients who inspire that work.

Elizabeth Ampolini, a Ph.D. student in the MUSC Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, is a firm believer in the importance of the program.

“Having ‘cancer scholar’ on my CV is a plus, but more importantly, the program gave me the skills, knowledge, feedback and network to keep moving forward in the field and have an impact. The experiences and exposures in cancer biology you get are invaluable.”

Bridging the gaps in cancer training

Program director David Long, Ph.D., worked with Hollings staff to develop the program, seeing a need for stronger connections among MUSC’s cancer-focused students. Many of these students contribute to Hollings’ research but are not formally affiliated with the cancer center. According to Long, some students may not realize they are part of the Hollings community.

The badge program was designed to bridge that gap. The program integrates students more fully into the work and science of Hollings by giving them a defined curriculum and structured experiences specific to cancer.

“We’ve always had students doing incredible cancer research here. This program gives them a clear path, a dedicated community and recognition for their work. It connects the students to each other, to Hollings and to the patients we’re trying to help.”

A structured path to specialization

The program, which blends academic rigor with real-world experience, is open to all MUSC graduate students and will welcome postdoctoral fellows in the next cohort.

To earn the badge, students must complete four key components:

• Studying cancer-focused coursework to deepen scientific knowledge relevant to Hollings research areas.
• Attending a journal club and seminar series to engage with cutting-edge research and learn from visiting experts.
• Presenting an oral or poster presentation at a research symposium to sharpen scientific research and communication skills.
• Participating in community outreach through volunteer work to connect lab research with patient impact.

For Rachel Burge, Ph.D., who recently completed her doctorate in Biomedical Sciences and began medical school at MUSC, this blend of research, networking and outreach was the program’s greatest strength.

“It was incredibly rewarding. Any student should do it, whether or not they specialize in cancer, because it broadens your perspective and connects you to the mission of Hollings.”

Students who complete the requirements receive a digital credential that can be easily shared with future employers and on platforms like LinkedIn. It was paired with a physical pin awarded to students at a celebratory ceremony held this summer.

Building connections and perspectives

In building out the program, Long realized that existing graduate coursework would not be enough, so he worked with Hollings faculty to develop several new cancer-related classes.

Ampolini appreciated the expanded course offerings for filling a gap in her curriculum.

“There weren’t many classes specifically focused on cancer before this. The courses I took as part of the program, including ones on the fundamentals of cancer biology, genomic instability and cancer-host interactions, not only met my degree requirements but were also directly connected to my research on DNA damage repair.”

For Burge, connections made during journal club were just as valuable as the curriculum. The journal club, which had students read and discuss research papers authored by speakers from the Hollings Distinguished Lecture Series, was designed to spark understanding and discussion and build community across labs and disciplines.

“It was one of the most fun and fulfilling journal clubs I’ve done – a group excited about cancer research,” she said. “Talking to students from different departments helped me see my own work in new ways.”

But her favorite part? Teaching. As part of the outreach requirement, which students could fulfill in several ways, Burge gave two guest lectures at South Carolina State University.

“Mentoring the next generation of scientists was a highlight. It was so rewarding to share my path into science and show that careers in cancer don’t have to be limited to medicine.”

Program leaders built the outreach piece to help students to connect their lab work to a larger purpose. This year’s cohort volunteered at the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, which hosts patients and their families during cancer treatment at Hollings, where they pitched in to keep the facility clean and welcoming.

“It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day of lab work and forget why we do this,” Long clarified. “Engaging with the community reminds us why the research matters and who it’s ultimately for.”

Flexible, accessible and growing

The program is intentionally flexible, fitting into existing programs and workloads. It welcomes graduate students and postdocs from all academic backgrounds, including those in non-cancer-specific labs. Hollings’ leaders envision the program as a springboard from which to eventually launch master’s and Ph.D. programs in cancer biology at MUSC.

“This is step one,” Long said. “First, we needed a defined curriculum that prepares students for careers in cancer research. Now, plans are underway to leverage that into a formal graduate program.”

Interest in next year’s program has already doubled, and Long looks forward to better accommodating students by adding new course options and outreach opportunities.

“Training the next generation of cancer researchers is critical. This program helps us do that in a way that is inclusive, intentional and impactful.”