CAPAC Program: 10-weeks
Institution: San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, PR
Mentor: Pablo E. Vivas-Mejía, PhD
UPR Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, PR
Summer Project: CASC10 Expression in Paraffin Samples from Puerto Rican Women with Ovarian Cancer
Testimonial: “This program was a really great experience. Not only did it give me the opportunity to experience new aspects of the field of science, but it also allowed me to develop professional relationships that I know will help me in any future endeavor that I may have.”
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Institution: UPR Medical Sciences Campus, School of Medicine, San Juan, PR
Mentor: Carlos A. Torres-Ramos, Ph.D.
University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR
Summer Project: Mitochondrial dynamics after a genotoxic insult to liver cancer cells
Testimonial: “Great experience, would recommend to other colleagues.”
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Institution: Central University of the Caribbean, School of Medicine, Bayamón, PR
Mentor: Nawal Boukli, Ph.D.
Caribbean Central University, Bayamón, PR
Summer Project: Modulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress in HIV-1 gp120 glioma cells
Testimonial: “CAPAC helped me begin to accomplish one of my career goals, try and close the gap of knowledge for cancer therapeutic approaches.”
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Institution: UPR Medical Sciences Campus, Graduate School of Public Health, San Juan, PR
Mentor: Abiel Roche-Lima, MSc, PhD
UPR Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR
Summer Project: Machine Learning Approaches to Study Death Incidence by Race in Colorectal Cancer Patients after Treatments
Testimonial: “Overall was a really good experience.”
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Institution: University of South Florida, College of Public Health, Tampa, Florida, US
Mentor: José L. Torres Russe, M.D., MPH
UPR Comprehensive Cancer Center Hospital, San Juan, PR
Summer Project: Barriers and Facilitators of High-Resolution Anoscopy among People Living with HIV (PLWH): A cross-sectional study in Puerto Rico
Testimonial: “This was a great opportunity to gain hands on experience with cancer related research using rich data and working with experts in the field of cancer research.”
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Institution: Central University of the Caribbean, School of Medicine, Bayamón, PR
Mentor: Suranganie Dharmawardhane Flanagan, Ph.D.
UPR Medical Sciences Campus, School of Medicine, San Juan, PR
Summer Project: Expression of p-PAK in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) among Puerto Rican cancer patients
Testimonial: “Gratifying experience!”
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Institution: University of Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, Houston,Texas, US
Mentor: Karen J. Ortiz-Ortiz, MA, MPH, DrPH
UPR Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, PR
Summer Project: High-intensity end-of-life care among young and middle-aged Hispanic adults with cancer in Puerto Rico.
Testimonial: “The CAPAC program was a great experience for me. It gave me the opportunity to perform cancer research that involves Puerto Ricans while being in Puerto Rico. I believe my time in the program will have a positive impact on my future.”
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Institution: San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, PR
Mentor: Marcia Cruz-Correa, MD, PhD, AGAF, FASGE
Co-Mentor: Ingrid Montes, BS, PhD
UPR Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, PR
Summer Project: Interrogating the Molecular Profile of Breast Cancer Tumors in Hispanics Living in Puerto Rico (PRH)
Testimonial: “The CAPAC Program is definitely a great opportunity to positively impact the Puerto Rican community. It allowed me to grow professionally as well as personally.”
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Institution: UPR Medical Sciences Campus, School of Pharmacy, San Juan, PR
Mentor: Eliud Hernández-O’Farrill, PhD
UPR Medical Sciences Campus, School of Pharmacy, San Juan, PR
Summer Project: Design and Synthesis of 3,6-Dibromocarbazole Derivatives as AntiCancer Agents
Testimonial: “I feel very grateful to have been part of the CAPAC Research Training Program 2022. In 10 weeks I was able to develop a broad skill set that is already useful in my journey as a future pharmacist and researcher. Additionally, it made me aware of the enormous effort that scientists throughout Puerto Rico are performing to promote cancer prevention and the elimination of health disparities in Latino/Hispanic populations.”
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Institution: University of Illinois, School of Public Health, Chicago, Illinois, US
Mentor: Marievelisse Soto-Salgado, DrPH, MS
UPR Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, PR & UPR Medical Sciences Campus, Graduate School of Public Health, San Juan, PR
Summer Project: Evaluation of multiple recruitment strategies for CAMPO clinical trials aimed at preventing HPV-related cancers for persons living with HIV in Puerto Rico
Testimonial: “The CAPAC program gave me the opportunity to apply public health research in a different setting and learn about cancer disparities in Puerto Rico. It was an enriching experience and a great opportunity to network with new and experienced public health researchers in Puerto Rico and other states.”
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Institution: University of Illinois, School of Public Health, Chicago, Illinois, US
Mentor: Josué Pérez-Santiago, Ph.D.
UPR Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, PR
Summer Project: Inflammatory markers in the saliva predict TGFβ-1 expression in people with and without HIV in Puerto Rico
Testimonial: “CAPAC provided me an interdisciplinary research experience where I could both work in the lab and the community to better understand cancer disparities in Puerto Rico.”
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Institution: New Mexico State University, Department of Public Health Sciences, Las Cruces, New Mexico, US
Mentor: Elba V. Caraballo PhD, MSc
UPR Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, PR
Summer Project: Evaluation of plasma cytokines/chemokines as potential biomarkers for colorectal cancer detection
Testimonial: “The research experience provided by the CAPAC program and my team was excellent. I had the opportunity to see a project from start to finish – from the generation of data in the lab to the analysis and interpretation of results.”
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Institution: Central University of the Caribbean, School of Medicine, Bayamón, PR
Mentor: Abel Baerga Ortiz, Ph.D.
UPR Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR
Summer Project: Chemical analysis of outer membrane vesicles from E. coli strains that promote colorectal cancer
Testimonial: “This program allowed me to stay in Puerto Rico and perform high-caliber research during my first year of medical school. I would definitely recommend it to other medical students!”
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Institution: Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University, School of Public Health, Oregon, Portland, US
Mentor: Guillermo Tortolero-Luna, MD, PhD
Co-Mentor: Karen J. Ortiz-Ortiz, MA, MPH, DrPH
UPR Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, PR
Summer Project: Hospice Use and Cost at the End-of-Life Among Cancer Patients 18 to 64-year-olds living in Puerto Rico
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Institution: UPR Medical Sciences Campus, School of Medicine, San Juan, PR
Mentor: Filipa Godoy-Vitorino, Ph.D.
UPR Medical Sciences Campus, School of Medicine, San Juan, PR
Co-Mentor: Josefina Romaguera, MD, MPH
UPR Medical Sciences Campus, School of Medicine, San Juan, PR
Summer Project: Dysbiosis of the cervicovaginal microbiota of Obese Puerto Rican women.
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Institution: University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado, USA
Mentor: Pablo A. Méndez Lázaro, Ph.D.
UPR Medical Sciences Campus, Graduate School of Public Health, San Juan, PR
Summer Project: Association between social determinants of health and environmental hazards suffered by OBGYN cancer patients during Hurricane Maria in PR: the importance of environmental justice
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Institution: Ponce Health Sciences University, School of Medicine, Ponce, PR
Mentor: Dr. Josefina Romaguera, MD, MPH
UPR Medical Sciences Campus, School of Medicine, San Juan, PR
Summer Project: Frequency of Human Papillomavirus High-Risk Genotypes in a CIN2/3 – Patient Cohort of Hispanic Women Living in Puerto Rico
Testimonial: “Fue una experiencia gratificante. Aprendí el valor de la investigación y como mejora la calidad de vida de nuestra sociedad.”
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CAPAC Program Participation: 15-weeks
Institution: Ponce Health Sciences University, Public Health Program, Ponce, PR
Mentor: Sharee A. Umpierre, MD
UPR Medical Sciences Campus, School of Medicine, San Juan, PR
Summer Project: Treatment interruptions and mortality among Puerto Rican women with gynecologic cancers in Puerto Rico after Hurricanes Irma and Maria: a retrospective cohort study
Testimonial: “Amazing experience and people. Would repeat it!”
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Institution: University of California, School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, US
Mentor: Ana Patricia Ortiz, Ph.D., MPH
UPR Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, PR & UPR Medical Sciences Campus, Graduate School of Public Health, San Juan, PR
Summer Project: Resilience among Gynecologic Cancer Patients in Puerto Rico before and after Hurricanes Irma and Maria
Testimonial: “CAPAC was a great experience for me. I was able to gain confidence as a researcher and in my ability to pursue a PhD. I have also become more willing to go into cancer research due to learning the various roles different disciplines can take in cancer research. We all have unique contributions. Lastly, CAPAC allowed outsiders to understand disparities occurring in the lives of Puerto Ricans and learn about the rich culture and people”
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Institution: UPR Medical Sciences Campus, School of Pharmacy, San Juan, PR
Mentor: Magaly Martinez-Ferrer, PhD
UPR Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, PR & UPR Medical Sciences Campus, School of Pharmacy, San Juan, PR
Summer Project: Viability of Prostate Cancer Cells Treated with Rac1 and Cdc42 inhibitors
Testimonial: “CAPAC Program was excellent opportunity to develop my skills in molecular science and cancer research and provide me the tools to trust me, my work and my English skills.”
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Institution: Colorado State University, School of Public Health, School of Social Work, Fort Collins, Colorado, US
Mentor: Melissa Marzán Rodríguez, DrPH, MPH, CPH
Ponce Health Sciences University, Public Health Program, Ponce, PR
Summer Project: Development and implementation of recruitment strategies to reach sexual minorities
Testimonial: “This experience made me realize I really enjoy research and community outreach! As well solidified my love of working within the Latinx community and cancer health disparities. Made great friendships, met a wonderful mentor and left encouraged to pursue a PhD in the future.”
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Institution: Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, US
Mentor: Vivian Colón-López, Ph.D., MPH
UPR Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, PR & UPR Medical Sciences Campus, Graduate School of Public Health, San Juan, PR
Summer Project: Influenza vaccination and cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer screening in a sample of women in Puerto Rico
Testimonial: “I had an amazing experience with my CAPAC research mentor. She was extremely knowledgeable and passionate and helped me hone my confidence and skills as a researcher.”
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Institution: UPR Medical Sciences Campus, Graduate School of Public Health, San Juan, PR
Mentor: Stephanie M. Dorta Estremera, Ph.D
UPR Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, PR & UPR Medical Sciences Campus, School of Medicine, San Juan, PR
Summer Project: Plasmablasts and antibody profiles in a preclinical model of HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer
Testimonial: “Mi participación en CAPAC fue de mucho aprendizaje y crecimiento personal. Ademas de participar directamente en la investigación, pude hacer networking con otros profesionales en el campo y beneficiarme de su ayuda y mentoría. Sin duda fue una experiencia muy valiosa como estudiante graduada.”
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Institution: University of Texas Health Center, Dallas, Texas, US
Mentor: María del Mar González-Pons, Ph.D.
UPR Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, PR
Summer Project: Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Incidence: a 20-year Population-Based Analysis
Testimonial: “Ten weeks of cancer research allowed for trainees to receive adequate experience to understand what cancer research entails, systems in place, collaboration, etc. If you are interested in cancer or health disparities, this program will help you gain experience.”
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CAPAC Program’s Peer-to-Peer Mentor
Institution: UPR Medical Sciences Campus, Graduate School of Public Health, San Juan, PR
Mentor: Marievelisse Soto-Salgado, DrPH, MS
UPR Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, PR & UPR Medical Sciences Campus, Graduate School of Public Health, San Juan, PR
Summer Project: Cervical and anal cancer prevention strategies among women living with HIV in Puerto Rico
Testimonial: “I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the CAPAC Research Training Program in 2021 as a trainee and in 2022 as a trainee and a peer-to-peer mentor. Participating in CAPAC this last summer allowed me to be mentored by Dr. Marievelisse Soto and Dr. Ana Patricia Ortiz. Under their mentorship I was able to develop my professional potential and leadership abilities. I feel that these experiences have allowed me to develop into the professional I am today. It has also expanded my interests in terms of demographic scope as well as areas of research to work on and delve into”.
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