Markey’s ACTION program expands its reach with the newest student cohorts

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 24, 2024) — The Appalachian Career Training in ONcology (ACTION) at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center has expanded its impact—this year, students from five previously unrepresented Appalachian counties are participating.

Launched in 2016, ACTION aims to reduce the burden of cancer in Appalachian Kentucky by preparing and inspiring area students to pursue careers in cancer research and clinical care.

With 30 more students beginning the program in the fall, ACTION has now enrolled 155 students from 40 of Kentucky’s 54 Appalachian counties. The 2024 cohorts will include representatives from Breathitt, Estill, Edmonson, Martin and Menifee counties for the first time.

“We are excited to see ACTION continue to have a greater impact,” said ACTION Director Nathan Vanderford, Ph.D., a Markey investigator and associate professor in the medical school’s Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology. “Engaging students from more Appalachian communities is critical to developing a new generation of cancer fighters who understand the unique challenges facing their region.”

During the two-year program, students develop their knowledge and skills in cancer research through interdisciplinary research experiences under the guidance of faculty, shadowing clinicians, participating in professional development activities, and conducting outreach in their communities.

The program’s success is evident in the outcomes of its graduates. The majority of ACTION undergraduate graduates move on to graduate or professional programs, and more than half of them enter medical school. Many choose to stay at UK because of their commitment to serving Central and Appalachian Kentucky.

ACTION is a National Cancer Institute (NCI) Youth Enjoy Science R25 program designed to support educational activities that encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, to pursue advanced studies or careers in research.

Markey is the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Kentucky and one of only 57 nationwide. It has held NCI recognition since 2013. This status has been critical in securing funding for programs like ACTION.

Below are students in the ACTION class of 2024-25. ACTION recruits high school students every two years and undergraduate students every year. For more information about ACTION, visit the program website.

Secondary school

• Frankie Adams, Garrard County
• Cambria Bowen, Estill County
• Emma Ray, Edmonton County
• Chase Kendrick, Lawrence County
• Lincoln Calico, Whitney County
• Emily Ledford, Carter County
• Kasey Burke, Carter County
• Abigail Jordan, Montgomery County
• Megan Sexton, Carter County
• David Pace, Leslie County
• Tucker Lawson, Knox County
• Ava Carver, Rowan County
• Om Patel, Johnson County
• Ryleigh Riddle, Elliott County
• Sophie Harless, Martin County
• Abagail Miller, Carter County
• Hayley Workman, Menifee County
• Delilah Combs, Carter County
• Zarah Martin, Menifee County
• Sophia Jiang, Breathitt County

Students

• Jeffery Brock (College of Arts and Sciences, Lewis Honors College), Leslie County
• Eryka Criswell (College of Arts and Sciences), Wayne County
• Isabella Dunn (College of Arts and Sciences, Lewis Honors College), Magoffin County
• Tessa Goble (College of Arts and Sciences, Lewis Honors College), Carter County
• Haley Griebel (College of Arts and Sciences, Lewis Honors College), Laurel County
• Tyler Guffey (Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; Lewis Honors College), Clinton County
• Kennedy Lamb (College of Health Sciences, Lewis Honors College), Laurel County
• Ashton Long (College of Arts and Sciences, Lewis Honors College), Magoffin County
• Maddi Mastin (College of Arts and Sciences, Lewis Honors College), Laurel County
• Dalton Pennington (Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; Lewis Honors College), Johnson County

The research reported in this publication was supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under award number R25CA221765. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the official views of the National Institutes of Health.