CTE: STEM vs. Disease: Using Science to Diagnose & Treat Cancer

Students explore how cancer develops and how it can be treated through the lens of one disease — pediatric leukemia. In these lessons, students follow a patient’s journey from initial symptoms to life cancer-free, and meet Rhode Island experts who are making a difference in the field of cancer medicine.

Students join Sydney Marquis, a young leukemia patient on her journey through cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery while they gain a deeper understanding of the STEM careers, knowledge and skills that move us closer to a cancer-free world. They’ll meet Rhode Island career role models who work in fields related to cancer care, and realize that there is a wide array of careers that use diverse skill sets to help cancer patients—more than doctors and nurses are needed! Along the way, they’ll also delve into the basic molecular and cellular mechanisms that lead to the development of cancer, getting a fundamental understanding of the medical reality of Sydney’s journey and the work of Rhode Island cancer care specialists.