This summer, Yale Cancer Center's Cancer Research Training & Education Coordination (CRTEC) welcomed the second cohort of the Future Deaf Scientists (FDS) Program, a four-week experience designed to introduce Deaf high school students to careers in cancer research, healthcare, and STEM.
Supported through an NCI R25 training grant led by the University of Rochester, the program is a collaboration among Yale Cancer Center, the American School for the Deaf, the University of Rochester, and four additional NCI-designated Cancer Centers. Together, these institutions are expanding access to cancer research education and creating pathways for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students interested in biomedical research and healthcare careers.
Throughout the program, students gained firsthand experience through hands-on learning across Yale and partner institutions. During a laboratory rotation in the Yan Lab, students learned fundamental research techniques, including pipetting, cell culture, microscopy, and experimental methods used in cancer research. At the Yale Center for Healthcare Simulation, they explored clinical careers through interactive exercises, including practicing intubation and other simulation-based procedures.
Students also participated in professional development workshops led by the Yale School of Management and the Yale Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning, strengthening their communication, leadership, and teamwork skills. At The Jackson Laboratory (JAX), they learned the fundamentals of genomics through hands-on gel electrophoresis, DNA analysis, and networking with scientists and staff to explore the many career paths that support biomedical research.
The program concluded with a graduation ceremony attended by students' families, community partners, Yale departments, and Yale Cancer Center faculty and staff, celebrating the students' accomplishments and the impact of the program.
By combining accessible, hands-on learning with mentorship from researchers, clinicians, and educators, the Future Deaf Scientists Program continues to inspire the next generation of scientists while advancing Yale Cancer Center's commitment to building a more inclusive biomedical workforce.