As part of the academic mission of the University of Missouri, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center offers training and education programs to students of all levels to advance the understanding of cancer and cancer treatments for the people of Missouri.
Students K-12
Ellis Fischel Cancer Center and High School Mini Med School (MINI-MED)
The University of Missouri Office of Medical Education (OME) and Ellis Fischel grant competitive admission to current Missouri high school juniors (rising seniors) with a strong interest in pursuing a medical career in the cancer field.
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Ellis Fischel Cancer Center and MU Extension Education Engagement Programs (EEE)
MU Extension and Ellis Fischel Cancer Center work together to bring educational resources and activities to all 114 Missouri counties to spark an interest in careers in the cancer field.
Lockbox Activity
Ellis Fischel Cancer Research Academy (Grades 5–12)
The Ellis Fischel Cancer Research Academy inspires the next generation of scientists by immersing students in hands-on cancer research, discovery, and innovation. Designed for curious learners in grades 5–12, this unique academy connects students with leading researchers and clinicians to explore topics like genetics, prevention, cutting-edge therapies, and real-world lab techniques. Through interactive projects and mentorship, participants gain early exposure to biomedical careers while contributing to Missouri’s growing cancer research community.
CANCER QUEST: Exploring Cancer Through Minecraft (Grades 2-12)
CANCER QUEST is an innovative, game-based learning program that brings cancer science to life for elementary, middle, and high school students. Using custom-designed Minecraft worlds, students explore how cancer develops, spreads, and is treated through interactive challenges, virtual labs, and real-world problem-solving. Developed in partnership with the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center and the eMINTS National Center, CANCER QUEST sparks curiosity, builds STEM skills, and introduces students to exciting pathways in biomedical research and healthcare careers, all within a fun and familiar digital environment.
Kids in STEM: Inspiring MO Future Innovators
Kids in STEM introduces elementary and middle school students to the excitement of science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations, and real-world problem solving. Created in partnership with the Columbia STEM Alliance and the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, this program fosters curiosity and confidence in young learners while connecting them with scientists, educators, and mentors in after-school club settings. By making STEM approachable and fun, Kids in STEM helps build the foundation for future careers in research, healthcare, and innovation right here in Missouri.
College Students
Ellis Fischel Cancer Center Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
The MU Office of Undergraduate Research and Ellis Fischel grant competitive admission to rising sophomores, juniors and seniors in undergraduate programs with a strong interest in pursuing a medical career in the cancer field.
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Ellis Fischel Cancer Center Research Day
Research Day is an annual event that aims to increase understanding and awareness of Ellis Fischel's research endeavors and encourage collaboration with other cancer research institutions in Missouri.
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Community Learning
EFCC and OSHER: Lifelong Learning Meets Cutting-Edge Cancer Research
Through a unique partnership between the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, this program brings the latest cancer research, therapies, and discoveries directly to lifelong learners. Participants engage with leading scientists and clinicians through accessible, interactive lectures and discussions that explore emerging topics in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Together, EFCC and OSHER create a dynamic space where community members can deepen their understanding of cancer science, stay informed about medical advances, and become active partners in knowledge-sharing and awareness.
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MU Health Care Community Talks
MU Health Care community talks connect Missourians with trusted physicians, researchers, and health professionals through free, accessible public events. These interactive sessions cover a wide range of timely health topics from prevention and wellness to new treatments and medical innovations empowering community members with practical knowledge to support healthier lives. Community talks make it easy to learn directly from experts and engage in meaningful conversations about the health issues that matter most.
The Next Chapter: Cancer Survivorship Insights
The Next Chapter is a free webinar series designed to support cancer survivors through every stage of recovery. Hosted by Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, each session features experts including physical and occupational therapists, dietitians, and fellow survivors sharing practical strategies for nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and returning to work. Join us on Zoom to gain helpful resources, build connections, and navigate life after cancer with confidence.
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Junior and Mid-Career Faculty and Staff
Ellis Fischel Cancer Center Grand Rounds
Ellis Fischel Cancer Center Grand Rounds is a monthly lecture series that delves into the latest research in clinical and molecular oncology. Renowned speakers, both national and international researchers and clinicians, present their expertise in these sessions.
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Ellis Fischel Cancer Center Basic Science Research Retreat
The Basic Science Research Retreat is an annual event that aims to increase understanding and awareness of Ellis Fischel's basic science research endeavors and encourage collaboration with other cancer researchers Missouri.
Ellis Fischel Cancer Center Prevention, Control and Outreach Research Retreat
The Prevention, Control and Outreach Research Retreat is an annual event that aims to increase understanding and awareness of Ellis Fischel Cancer Center's prevention and implementation-based science research endeavors and encourage collaboration with other cancer researchers in Missouri.
Ellis Fischel Cancer Center Science Seminar Series
NextGen Precision Health and Ellis Fischel offer cancer-focused science seminars, monthly lectures focused on a range of research topics that showcase the latest research from across the UM System.
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Clinical Trial Investigator Training
Ellis Fischel and the NextGen Precision Health Clinical Trial Investigator Training program offer a five-session educational program designed for investigators who currently lead or would like to lead clinical trials.
The series includes lectures and panel discussions from leaders across the UM System, as well as Washington University in St. Louis, to define the regulatory, operational and ethical components of clinical trials, with the goal of developing a skilled workforce that provides the highest level of patient safety, teamwork and data quality. The program also covers institution-specific resources for investigators.
For more information, contact Mary Christie at mchristie@health.missouri.edu.
Clinical Research Study Coordinator Bootcamp
Ellis Fischel has partnered with NextGen Precision Health to offer the Clinical Research Study Coordinator Bootcamp, a two-day training designed to provide basic knowledge that is beneficial for research coordinators and staff. The program includes lectures, interactive activities and breakout group exercises. The program also covers institution-specific resources for investigators.
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Health Professionals
Ellis Fischel Clinical Cancer Symposium
The Ellis Fischel Clinical Cancer Symposium aims to bring together healthcare professionals, bioethicists, researchers, and policymakers to explore the complex challenges arising in cancer care, research, and innovation. Registration for the upcoming 2025 Ellis Fischel Clinical Cancer Symposium is open. The symposium is scheduled for October 2-3, 2025, and will be held at Stoney Creek Hotel in Columbia, MO.
Please use the link below for more information and to register for the symposium.
Ellis Fischel Clinical Cancer Symposium
Ellis Fischel Cancer Center ECHO Training
The Missouri Telehealth Network (MTN) and Ellis Fischel work with Missouri's best specialists to break down cancer complexity and biologics to answer Missouri primary care clinicians' toughest questions in our Cancer ECHO series.
Ellis Fischel Cancer Center Investigator-Initiated Trials Workshops
The MU School of Medicine Office of Research and Ellis Fischel Cancer Center teach faculty and staff the intricacies of an Investigator-Initiated Trial (IIT). An IIT is defined as a study with scientific and medical merit developed and sponsored by an independent Investigator or academic sponsor.
For questions, contact efcc-admin@health.missouri.edu.
