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, one medical school student — 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.

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]