Hampton University Undergraduate Cancer Research Program (H.U.U.C.R.P)
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
The Hampton University Undergraduate Cancer Research Program (HUUCRP) is designed to provide HU undergraduate science majors with valuable research experience(s) relevant to the growing field of cancer research. Experienced HU faculty will guide students during their independent research projects and beyond. Our program is highly selective and very competitive. HU students aspiring to become Physician Scientists (MD PhD) Academic Scientists (PhD) or Veterinarians (DVM), are encouraged to apply to the program. HUUCRP generates an ideal opportunity for HU undergraduates to shadow clinicians/scientists or present quality, publishable research at any number of scientific seminars and conferences. By applying clinic/lab orientations and learning in the professional climate, the HU student will have a greater appreciation and enthusiasm for their chosen field of study. External Academic Institutions interested in recruiting HUUCRP student fellows for professional study please contact Michael Druitt, Advisor and HU Pre-Health Program Director.
Areas of Research
Prostate Cancer
Unlike many of the many other common cancers, prostrate cancer is one of the few cancers where most of the risk factors are completely beyond the control of the person. Men between the ages of 65 and 69 are the average age at which prostrate cancer is first diagnosed. The Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute has recently completed treatment on its first prostate cancer patients.
Childhood (Pediatric) Tumors
Among the 12 major types of childhood cancers, leukemia, brain cancers and central nervous system account for more than half of new cases. The most common type of cancer in children is acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The most common solid tumors are brain tumors (gliomas and medulloblastomas), or other solid tumors (neuroblastomas, Wilms tumors, or sarcomas such as rhabdomyosarcoma and osteosarcoma) which are less common.
Breast Cancer
Between 1 and 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetimes. For American women, breast cancer is the number one killer other than lung cancer. In 2010, the estimated number of new invasive breast cancer cases was 207,090 (from http://www.breastcancer.org)
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is the most cause of death due to cancer in both men and women throughout the world. The American Cancer Society estimates that 219,440 new cases of lung cancer in the U.S. will be diagnosed and 159,390 deaths due to lung cancer. According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute, approximately one out of every 14 men and women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer of the lung at some point in their lifetime. http://www.lungcancer.org/
Cancer of the Gastrointestinal Tract
According to the American Cancer Society, cancer of the colon or rectum is the third most common cancer in men and women in the U.S., causing a 49,500 deaths a year. In Americans, the most common culprits are diet and heredity. As with most forms of cancer, early detection is crucial to effective treatment. Pancreatic cancer, however, regardless of time of detection, continues to have a poor survival outlook.
Melanoma
The most dangerous form of cancer, melanoma originates in the same skin cells that are responsible for the color of our skin, eyes, and hair. The most serious danger of melanoma is that the cancer cells have the potential to spread to other organs, therefore early detection is essential. In 2010, the estimated number of diagnoses for invasive melanoma was 68,130. (from The Skin Cancer Foundation www.skincancer.org)
Program Components (we are expanding daily)
- Radiological Biology
- Cancer Biology
- Medical Physics
- Imaging
- Pediatric Medicine
- Large Animal Care
Eligibility Requirements
HUUCRP has something valuable to offer at any level whether you are an HU freshman or a more seasoned HU upperclassman. This program is tailored to the individual experience. You may contact any of the faculty for more information.
For more information about cancer research, or science-related opportunities, visit the following sponsor sites:
- Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (http://cdmrp.army.mil/default.shtml)
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute (www.hhmi.org)
- National Science Foundation (www.nsf.gov)
