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- Posted Wednesday May 14, 2014
Ivy Foundation expands Neurological Sciences Internship Program at TGen
Intensive training focuses on brain tumor research and neuroscience
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - May 14, 2014 - The
Arizona-based Ben & Catherine Ivy Foundation is expanding its
Ivy Neurological Science Internship Program at the Translational
Genomics Research Institute (TGen), enhancing one of the
premier neuro-related biomedical internships in the state.
Now in its third year, the Ivy program offers hands-on biomedical
research experience for high school, undergraduate and medical
school students pursuing careers in brain tumor research,
neuroscience and neurogenomics.
World-class scientific investigators at TGen mentor interns in
the translational process of moving laboratory discoveries into new
treatments for patients in clinical trials.
"The Ivy Neurological Science Internship Program at TGen has the
capacity to inspire a new generation of scientists with the skills
needed to pursue the complexities of studying the human brain,"
said Catherine Ivy, President of The Ben & Catherine Ivy
Foundation. "As advancements are made in this field, it is ever
more important to help guide the next generation of talented
individuals who can elevate the research to new levels of discovery
- ultimately, the discovery of cures for cancers and neurological
disease."
Starting this summer, high-school students will participate in a
10-week program, while undergraduate students enter the program for
an entire academic year, including the fall 2014 and spring 2015
semesters. Beginning fall of 2014, medical school students -
deferring a year of school for research training - will work
full-time at TGen.
Previously, the undergraduate internships ran for a single
semester, and the medical school internship operated on a part-time
basis. The expanded program allows TGen to offer top students
increased time in the laboratory to further develop their
bioscience skills. The students benefit from the immersive
experience in scientific inquiry and the opportunity to take
ownership of a patient-centered research project.
"The changes to this year's Ivy program greatly enhance our
efforts to provide hands-on experience for students in the
fundamentals of translational research," said TGen President Dr.
Jeffrey Trent. "Through Catherine's vision and support we are
developing a local, highly skilled workforce that will continue to
push the boundaries of biomedical research."
In addition to brain tumor and neurological sciences laboratory
research, Ivy interns gain experience through exposure to life in
the clinic through training, seminars and clinical site tours. The
clinical training module will engage them with the ultimate focus
of TGen's investigations - the patients.
"Today's students must be prepared for the rigors of some of the
world's most complex studies in the areas of brain tumor research
and neurological sciences," said Brandy Wells, Manager of TGen's
Education and Outreach program. "The Ivy program provides students
with a great preview of what their careers in biomedical research
will encompass."
For more information, please contact Brandy Wells at [email protected] or 602-343-8655.
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About The Ben & Catherine Ivy
Foundation
The Ben & Catherine Ivy Foundation, based in Scottsdale,
Ariz., was formed in 2005, when Ben Ivy lost his battle with
glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Since then, the Foundation has
contributed more than $50 million to research in gliomas within the
United States and Canada, with the goal of better diagnostics and
treatments that offer long-term survival and a high quality of life
for patients with brain tumors. The Ben & Catherine Ivy
Foundation is the largest privately funded foundation of its kind
in the United States. For more information, visit www.ivyfoundation.org.
Connect with The Ben & Catherine Ivy Foundation on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/IvyFoundation
and on Twitter @IvyFoundation.
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About TGen
Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix,
Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting
groundbreaking research with life changing results. TGen is focused
on helping patients with cancer, neurological disorders and
diabetes, through cutting edge translational research (the process
of rapidly moving research towards patient benefit). TGen
physicians and scientists work to unravel the genetic components of
both common and rare complex diseases in adults and children.
Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical
communities literally worldwide, TGen makes a substantial
contribution to help our patients through efficiency and
effectiveness of the translational process. For more information,
visit:www.tgen.org.
Press Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]
