ABSTRACT
Background: The Research Training Opportunities for Outstanding Leaders (ReTOOL) Program is an NCI/NIH-funded program (R25CA214225) that focuses on increasing the representation of underserved minority (URM) scientists in biomedical research careers to diversify the cancer research workforce. In addition to didactic curriculum and mentoring, each trainee works with a research mentor who provides hands-on research training experiences during the summer. Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ReTOOL Program was modified to be virtual for the 2020 program. Methods: In response to the COVID19 global pandemic, the ReTOOL program leadership and faculty mentors modified the program element: didactic classes, research training, mentorship, seminars and support networks. The introductory week's independent reading sessions and weekly research seminars remained unchanged, as they were already virtual. Results: 20 students participated in the ReTOOL 2020 program, which started on May 4 and ended on August 7. An online program agreement was created to set expectations about participation, weekly reporting form to ensure trainees met program requirements, and evaluations for continuous monitoring. Specific adjustments that were made included: (1) the one-week preparatory didactic classes were conducted online using Zoom;(2) all research training took place virtually. All wet-lab research-training activities were cancelled, with the 2020 faculty mentors primarily dry-lab scientists and scientists with expertise in secondary data analyses. All trainees worked remotely with dedicated computer/laptop with camera for Zoom video communications, internet and dedicated space for learning. There was access to online library resources through University of Florida (UF);(3) Mentorship was provided with increased frequency of meetings with faculty mentors, program staff and peers;(4) Weekly social event to foster relationships and peer networks. Trainees developed fun, lighthearted activities;and (5) Research showcase with oral presentations through Zoom and innovative use of Twitter for poster sessions. A critical missed opportunity for the trainees was visiting different graduate or professional programs at UF. To fill this gap, we provided funding for each trainee to visit UF later. An advantage of moving the program to a virtual platform was co-mentoring by international mentors in Africa, through the Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium (CaPTC). Additionally, the Service Learning experiences took place virtually. Conclusion: The COVID19 pandemic created an unusual circumstance but we were able to overcome the challenges, which included Zoom fatigue, adjustment to different time zones, isolation and information fatigue. While the ReTOOL research-training program was different in 2020, we were still be able to provide a meaningful experience for the trainees. 2020 trainees submitted 7 conference s and 6 publications. This includes a special series focused on the ReTOOL program projects soon to publish in ecancermedicalscience Journal.