During February, which is Black History Month, the American Cancer Society expresses its gratitude for a generous $25,000 gift from Facility Logix to support the Society’s national Diversity in Cancer Research (DICR) internship program, which provides underrepresented minority (URM) undergrad students with opportunities to inspire them to enter the cancer research field. The American Cancer Society’s overall goal is to increase diversity within the biomedical science workforce since, presently, only 2-4% of grant applications are submitted from Black/AA or Hispanic scientists.

“At Facility Logix, differences are embraced with humility and respect. This value drives smarter decision-making, innovation, and stronger performance. We chose to fund the DCIR project because it aligns directly with our values. We hope that our contribution helps ACS build on that value, ensuring that the talents of a diverse research community are fostered and nurtured,” said Pat Larrabee, founder and president of Facility Logix.

Facility Logix, located in Burtonsville, Maryland, specializes “in the biotech industry and delivers novel building solutions, enabling biotech companies to produce or house healthcare products that will change the lives of patients around the world—making it a healthier place for all,” according to their website.

“Facility Logix not only understands the importance of hands-on internships, but also shares the Society’s passion to further diversity. ACS is very grateful for Facility Logix’s gift that will foster future cancer scientists from backgrounds that have been underrepresented historically,” said Tswana Sewell, ACS executive director.

The University of Maryland (UMD), Baltimore and Georgetown University were two out of eight U.S. institutions that hosted the 2021 pilot American Cancer Society DICR internships.  At UMD,

four students interned under the guidance of Tonya Webb, PhD, associate professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.  Dr. Webb is an ACS-funded cancer researcher at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Each university received $22,000 to provide a $5,000 stipend to four interns, as well as $2,000 to support career development and networking activities or defray costs to support student needs, such as transportation.  The Diversity in Cancer Research program has been made possible by a $5 million gift from Elizabeth and Phillip Gross of Massachusetts.

A more inclusive research environment will better address health disparities and could enhance recruitment efforts in clinical research protocols to be more inclusive of people of color.