77 - Unleashing Potential: How Cancer-Focused Summer Undergraduate Research (CanSUR) Programs Drive Career Growth in Research and Postgraduate Studies

Abstract Information: Program evaluation serves a critical role in fostering accountability, learning, decision-making, stakeholder engagement, resource optimization, transparency, and evidence-based policy development within the realm of program management and implementation. Recognizing its significance, the School of Medicine (SOM) and its departments prioritize evaluating their programs to mitigate the risk of program failure and safeguard the university's reputation. Evidence-based results derived from evaluation efforts empower the SOM to secure additional funding, reallocate resources, and enhance program operations. At the upcoming AEA conference 2024, the Office of Medical Education Research and Evaluation (MERE) aims to share compelling evaluation findings from the Cancer-Focused Summer Undergraduate Research (CanSUR) Program. This program offers undergraduate scholars the opportunity to engage in cancer research activities, including laboratory work, attending lectures and workshops, networking, informal discussions with mentors, and participation in cancer project design under the guidance of primary (Lab PI) and junior (postgraduate) mentors. The program not only allows primary and junior mentors to hone their mentorship skills but also seeks to assess its impact on shaping the career trajectories of scholars in the fields of cancer research and oncology. Additionally, the evaluation aims to explore mentors' experiences in engaging with students and whether their mentorship encourages students to deepen their understanding of cancer and pursue postgraduate studies in cancer. The MERE office is committed to ensuring the timely availability of this data and enhancing stakeholder engagement, transparency, and communication to promote the utilization of evaluation results and foster stakeholder buy-in for sustainable outcomes. In addition to presenting the program's findings, the MERE office intends to showcase best practices utilized during the evaluation design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings to stakeholders. We will also highlight some of the stages used to interact with stakeholders at all levels to succeed. These strategies are consistent with the AEA principles of integrity, competence, and systematic inquiry, which are indispensable for novice or emerging evaluators aiming to uphold transparency, foster stakeholder trust, and improve communication regarding program achievements, obstacles, and areas for enhancement. The presentation will emphasize significant insights and knowledge gained during the evaluation process. We believe that our discussion will enhance the capabilities of new and emerging evaluators, particularly those operating within university settings. Furthermore, we look forward to learning from the experiences of other seasoned evaluators.