Training & Education
Hundreds of students and trainees affiliated with the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research are pursuing the field of cancer research, working in laboratories, being mentored by globally recognized scientists and preparing to become the next generation of innovators.
THE NEXT GENERATION OF CANCER INVESTIGATORS
Where careers in cancer research take shape
Undergraduates, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows at the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research (PICR) are engaged in cutting-edge cancer research across a range of disciplines. PICR is committed to supporting their success through a spectrum of training opportunities, including summer research programs, specialized training, and a monthly career development series. These programs are designed to enhance the student and trainee experience while preparing tomorrow’s cancer research leaders for successful careers.
DUAL-TITLE PHD
Elevate your expertise and prepare for leadership in cancer research with PICR’s Dual-Title PhD Program
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Membership and community
PICR fosters a collaborative community where students and trainees connect with peers, learn from experienced researchers, and participate in events that support their development in cancer science.
PICR MEMBERSHIP
Become a trainee member
Trainee membership is open to postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduates actively involved in cancer research with PICR faculty. Members gain access to seminars, journal clubs, internal funding opportunities, and events that build scientific skills and strengthen professional networks.
TRAINEE-LED ORGANIZATION
Society of Research Fellows
The Society of Research Fellows (PICR-SRF) is a trainee-led community of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows at PICR. Through technical workshops, career-focused events, and social activities, PICR-SRF builds connections and supports professional and personal growth in cancer research.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Skill-building and career development
PICR provides training opportunities that strengthen scientific skills and prepare trainees for diverse careers in cancer research. Workshops, seminars, and specialized programs offer experience in emerging research areas, professional development, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
The PICR Bioinformatics Workshop provides graduate students and faculty with essential bioinformatics training at no cost. This annual event offers hands-on experience with computational techniques critical for high-quality data analysis, including Linux/Unix commands, R programming, and high-performance computing.
Past workshops have focused on RNA-seq analysis, covering data alignment, differential expression, pathway analysis, and cloud computing for large-scale processing. Participants engage in lectures, hands-on exercises, and expert-led discussions to build practical skills in sequencing data analysis. Invited external speakers also share insights on advanced bioinformatics topics and emerging research trends.
The workshop is designed for biologists and computer scientists with limited experience in RNA-seq data analysis.
The PICR Career Development Series is a monthly series designed to support the professional growth of students and postdoctoral fellows in cancer research. Session feature panels, workshops, and guest speakers covering topics such as securing fellowships, preparing competitive postdoctoral applications, building mentoring relationships, and developing the skills needed for academic and industry careers.
The PULSe program is a highly selective PhD program for students pursuing advanced training in the life sciences. PULSe offers an innovative curriculum, cross-disciplinary research opportunities, and access to world-class facilities, preparing graduates for leadership roles in academic, government, and industry settings.
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Events for scientific engagement
The Purdue Institute for Cancer Research is a community in which students and trainees exchange ideas, share research and stay informed about advances in cancer science. Our flagship Cancer Research Day event, seminars and the journal club create opportunities to present findings, learn from experts and build collaboration across disciplines. These activities also provide spaces for meaningful connections with peers and faculty, helping trainees forge lasting professional relationships within the cancer research community.
Cancer Research Day is PICR’s signature annual event showcasing innovative cancer research across Purdue. Trainees present posters, learn from expert speakers, and engage with faculty and peers to exchange ideas and gain feedback on their work.
The PICR Seminar Series features leading scientists sharing advances in cancer research and related fields. These talks expose trainees to emerging discoveries and encourage interaction with visiting experts and Purdue faculty.
The PICR Cancer Journal Club is led by undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral trainees to deepen understanding of oncology research, strengthen analytical skills, and build peer connections. Sessions review recently published articles or trainee research presentations, with faculty mentors providing feedback, career guidance, and instruction in data analysis tools.
future cancer research leaders
Spotlight on student success
From the laboratory bench to leadership roles, Purdue Institute for Cancer Research trainees are shaping the future of cancer science. Their work spans cancer immunology, structural biology, and novel therapeutic development, advancing discoveries that bring new hope to patients. PICR fosters an environment where emerging scientists can connect with mentors, collaborate across disciplines, and take on opportunities that sharpen their skills. Together, they carry forward Purdue’s tradition of innovation while driving progress against one of the world’s most complex diseases.
‘PICR has provided valuable networking opportunities’
Dilinaer Wusiman is PhD student conducting cancer immunology research in the lab of Timothy Ratliff, former PICR director and Distinguished Professor of Comparative Pathobiology. Wusiman’s work focuses on investigating the synergistic effects of radiotherapy and a folate-conjugated TLR7 agonist (FA-TLR7a) to enhance anti-tumor immunity using a multiple myeloma mouse model.
“I want to make a difference for cancer patients. My goal is not just to follow existing treatments in the clinic but to use basic research to develop new methods that can help more patients. … PICR has provided valuable networking opportunities with people in cancer research, helping me learn from those I aspire to be like in the future.”
‘Transformative for my career path’
Kenan Ozcan is a doctoral student conducting research in the lab of PICR Deputy Director Andrea Kasinski, developing microRNA (miRNA)-based therapeutics to restore levels of miRNAs lost in cancer patients. Ozcan also serves as treasurer of the PICR-SRF (Society of Research Fellows).
“What inspires me the most is the tangible impact this field can have on improving the quality of life for individuals battling cancer. … Being a part of PICR has been transformative for my career path, from providing me with the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research in cancer therapeutics to collaborating with talented graduate students and postdocs through PICR-SRF.”
‘PICR has strengthened my ambition’
Jiaqi (Alex) Xiao is a PhD candidate investigating the structural and functional mechanisms of GRK5 in cancer signaling pathways under the guidance of John Tesmer, a PICR member and the Walther Distinguished Professor in Cancer Structural Biology.
“I’ve learned the importance of integrating structural biology with cancer biology and how collaboration across disciplines is critical to addressing complex challenges in oncology. Working with PICR has strengthened my ambition to pursue a career as an independent researcher, with a focus on translating molecular findings into impactful cancer treatments.”
Contact Us
Get in touch
Phone: 765-494-9129
Fax: 765-494-9193
Email: cancerresearch@purdue.edu
Meet our team
Find us
201 S. University St.
Hansen Life Sciences Bldg, Rm. 141
West Lafayette, IN 47907