On April 15, 90 high school students gathered at the Larner College of Medicine’s Medical Education pavilion to learn more about careers in science and medicine at the UVM Cancer Center’s Careers in Cancer program.  

Now in its third year, this annual event has become a favorite for visitors and hosts alike. “Inspiring the next generation of cancer doctors and scientists is a critical component of the mission of the UVM Cancer Center,” said Randall Holcombe, M.D., M.B.A., the UVM Cancer Center’s director. “With a dwindling number of oncologists serving communities in Vermont and northern New York, this work is even more essential in our region.” 

This year, students and their teachers from Burlington Technical Center, Colchester High School, Essex High School, Milton High School and South Burlington High School participated in a day of immersive learning. During their visit, students broke in to small groups and rotated through three sessions—lab tours hosted by Cancer Center member scientists (always a favorite!); a career panel featuring medical students, graduate students, and members of the Larner College of Medicine faculty; and A Day in the Life of a Cancer Scientist, which provides a deeper dive into the day-to-day life of a cancer researcher. This year’s keynote, Discovering a Path to a Career in Cancer Research, was delivered by Douglas Hurst, Ph.D., who is the Scientific Director for Biochemistry and Immunology of Cancer at the American Cancer Society.  

The intended sum of these parts is to both inspire and empower the next generation of researchers and clinicians. Evidence shows that developing a science identity—that is, the ability to see oneself as a scientist who belongs in the science community—is especially critical during middle and high school; without one, students are less likely to pursue STEM studies and careers. 

The model appears to be working: a post-event survey found that 98% of the students who attended Careers in Cancer said they are likely or very likely to recommend it to a friend. 

For Vivien Liversedge, Careers in Cancer offered a roadmap for future studies. “I heard from several scientists today that having a basic knowledge of coding can be really helpful in this field,” said the freshman from South Burlington High School. "This is good to know, because I'm still in a place where I can take computer science classes.” 

“I was surprised to learn how many different paths there are within cancer careers,” added Lexi Moody, a junior from Essex High School. “There are also a lot of bench-to-bedside studies, and the fact that you can do both is pretty cool.” 

Essex High School science teacher Grace White says Vermont high school students have a lot to gain by attending Careers in Cancer. “We’re bringing in students who are trying to figure out what they want to do and who they want to be, and connecting them with professionals from all over the world who work here and are very passionate about their research,” says White, who has attended Careers in Cancer for the past three years. “It’s also an opportunity to see how much of a powerhouse UVM really is when it comes to cancer care and research.”  

To further expand access and exposure to cancer career pathways, the UVM Cancer Center is launching a new ‘lab on wheels.’ Called the BioMobile Lab, this outreach and education van will bring cancer biology research experiences and a mentorship model to students and teachers in five rural high schools beginning in fall 2025.