The Partnership Research Summer Training Program (PRSTP), directed by Upender Manne, Ph.D., Professor, Division of Anatomic Pathology, completed a successful eight-week program for the 2026 cycle.
PRSTP, a Comprehensive Partnerships to Advance Cancer Health Program, funded by the National Cancer Institute, features partnerships with O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Tuskegee University. 11 undergraduate students were mentored and trained in the laboratories of O’Neal Cancer Center investigators and participated in weekly didactic sessions delivered by pathologists, physician-scientists, basic scientists, and translational researchers. The program concluded with a dinner on July 21, followed by the annual Scientific Symposium on July 22, hosted by Tuskegee University at the Embassy Suites in Montgomery, Alabama. The symposium brought together more than 150 participants who presented their summer research and participated in career-development sessions.
(l-r): Alex Schneider, Dr. Upender Manne, Dhruv Tyagi, and Catherine MengThis year’s symposium recognized outstanding student achievements for their research presentations, with Catherine Meng, Cornell University, receiving first place, Dhruv Tyagi, Florida State University, receiving second place, and Alex Schneider, Emory University, receiving third place.
PRSTP launched in 2013 as a hands-on, eight-week program that aims to foster interest and facilitate training in laboratory based, clinical, and/or translational cancer research. Interns learn practical research skills and enhance their understanding in cancer biology and cancer research through structured laboratory experiences and educational seminars. Since its inception, PRSTP has trained 134 undergraduate students from UAB and numerous partner institutions across the region, including more than 75 students from rural, resource-limited institutions and historically underserved backgrounds.