A program in Baltimore is working to increase diversity in the pharmaceutical sector underrepresented by minorities. Friday marked the final day for a group of interns attending a special event through the University of Maryland Marlene and the Stewart Greenbaum Cancer Center. Interns participated in practical experience in the laboratory through an exclusive internship at the University of Maryland School of Medicine funded by the American Cancer Society. The goal is to increase diversity in the field of biomedical science. “When you look at that the general population is very diverse, but we don’t see the same diversity in the biomedical field,” said Tony Webb, Ph.D., assistant director of diversity, equity and inclusion at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. “That’s what we want to do to advance diversity so that we can come up with better solutions, and this program creates opportunities to do that.” Eight students from universities across the country were selected for an 11-week paid internship, in which they Webb said, “others are working on genomics. Some are working on infections that infect infants. ” Senior Daniel Jones researches how to prevent tooth decay. , we’re looking at bacteria and metabolites and plaque. It’s been a wide variety of stuff,” Jones said. Trinity Soto, a Towson University senior, said the internship marked her first time working in a lab like this. She said it worked her entire career path. “Previously, I just wanted to go to medical school and get my MD but now, I am looking for an MD/PhD because research sounds so exciting. I like the atmosphere,” Soto said. The goal for next summer is to expand the number of students and length of internships to attract more young people to the field.
A program in Baltimore is working to increase diversity in the pharmaceutical sector underrepresented by minorities.
Friday marked the final day for a group of interns attending a special event through the University of Maryland Marlene and the Stewart Greenbaum Cancer Center.
Interns participate in practical experience in the lab through an exclusive internship at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, which is funded by the American Cancer Society. The goal is to increase diversity in the field of biomedical science.
“When you look at that the general population is very diverse, but we don’t see the same diversity in the biomedical field,” said Tony Webb, PhD, assistant director for diversity, equity and inclusion at the University of Maryland School. of medicine. “That’s what we want to do to advance diversity so that we can come up with better solutions, and this program creates opportunities to do that.”
Eight students from universities across the country were selected for an 11-week paid internship in which they spend summers working in labs, working with mentors, conducting cancer research and more.
“Others are working on genomics. Some are working on infections that infect infants,” Webb said.
Rising Senior Daniel Jones researches how to prevent tooth decay.
“So, we’re looking at bacteria and metabolites and plaque. It’s a wide variety of stuff,” Jones said.
Trinity Soto, a Towson University senior, said the internship marked her first time working in such a lab. She said that it changed the course of her entire career.
“Previously, I just wanted to go to medical school and get my MD but now, I’m looking for an MD/PhD because research sounds so exciting. I love the atmosphere,” Soto said.
The goal for next summer is to expand the number of students and duration of internships to attract more youth to the field.
