Cross-disciplinary Training in Nanotechnology for Cancer (XTNC)

XTNC is no longer accepting applications.  For similar fellowship opportunities, please see BUnano Cross-Disciplinary Fellowships.

Training a New Generation of Cancer Researchers

The Boston University Cross-disciplinary Training in Nanotechnology for Cancer (XTNC) Program is training a new community of scientists, engineers, and medical researchers capable of working across disciplines. The program is supported by the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, and trains pre- and post-doctoral scholars from science, engineering, and medicine in nanotechnology applications for cancer diagnostics and treatment.  Through co-mentored research experiences, specialized coursework and hands on workshops, strong recruitment and retention of underrepresented minorities, and a unique urban outreach program, XTNC trainees become versatile and skilled, deep in research acumen, aware of many technologies and opportunities, and prepared to make an impact on cancer and other medical challenges.

Click the photos, below, to hear from trainees about the XTNC program.

trainee stories-margomonroe-thumb  trainee stories-nickwoolf-thumb    trainee stories-aaroncolby-thumb  trainee stories-emilylough-thumb

Program Description

XTNC provides stipends and interdisciplinary training to graduate students and postdocs whose interdisciplinary research uses nanotechnology to understand the properties of cancer cells and to discover and develop research tools, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic agents that will reduce suffering and death due to cancer.  Students from the natural sciences, engineering and medicine are encouraged to apply.

Trainees are required to take Principles of Nanomedicine, a cross-disciplinary course taught by faculty from science, engineering, and medical disciplines. Trainees participate in BU’s annual Cancer Care for Engineers and Scientists conference and hands-on workshops developed for trainees.  In addition, trainees organize an annual seminar with guest speaker and monthly meetings of BU’s nanomedicine journal club – affording opportunities to present on topics of interest and get to know fellow trainees and researchers.

For more information about XTNC, please contact Program Manager Brenda Hugot.