Case Comprehensive Cancer Center

Bootcamp week is complete for the 2026 CanSUR cohort!

Forty undergraduate students from colleges and universities across the United States recently completed the opening "bootcamp" week of Case CCC's nationally recognized Cancer-focused Summer Undergraduate Research (CanSUR) program. The students were selected from a pool of nearly 1,100 applicants this year.

Designed to prepare students for a summer of intensive laboratory research, the week combined scientific enrichment with activities focused on team building, communication, and community.

Participants engaged in icebreakers, trust-building exercises, and collaborative challenges before gathering for a picnic and field games at Tinkham Veale University Center. Students also explored Cleveland's cultural landscape with a visit to the world-renowned Cleveland Museum of Art and had the opportunity to connect with faculty mentors during a dedicated Meet Your Mentor luncheon.

The scientific program featured a lecture by Goutham Narla, MD, PhD, (pictured above right) who discussed the molecular processes that underlie the genesis and progression of human tumors, as well as translational cancer research, and career development.

Over the summer, students will conduct hands-on research in laboratories across Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, and University Hospitals, working alongside leading cancer researchers.

The NIH- and ACS-funded program aims to inspire the next generation of cancer scientists by providing early exposure to cutting-edge research, mentorship, and career pathways in oncology.

Making this program possible are not only the dedicated Case CCC member mentors, but also Mark Jackson, PhD, Vice Dean, Graduate Education, CWRU SOM; Ruth Keri, PhD, Associate Director, Basic Research, Case CCC; Jason Mears, PhD, Case CCC's Associate Director of Training & Education; Damian Junk, PhD, Case CCC's Interim Associate Director; Gena Richmann, MEd, Education Program Manager; and Carolyn Hicks, Programs Manager.

Cancer impacts families in every community, with well-documented disparities in risk, access to care, and outcomes that make prevention and early detection especially important.

Join Case CCC and community partners for :

🗓 Saturday, June 13
🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Midtown Collaboration Center (1974 E. 66th St., Cleveland)

This free community event will include:
• Free health screenings (including blood pressure, A1C, prostate cancer screening for eligible participants, mammograms, and more)
• Health and wellness panel discussions with clinicians and experts
• Movement-based activities (“Move to Music”)
• Healthy snack demonstrations
• Kids’ activities, giveaways, and community resource tables

Part of National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week, this event highlights cancer disparities while promoting prevention, screening, and informed conversations about family health history.

All are welcome—bring a friend or family member and join us in supporting healthier futures.

More details here: https://case.edu/cancer/community/blackfamcan