One Student’s Journey into Clinical Trial Research through The University of Kansas Cancer Center Internship Program

C-CLEAR interns (left to right): Peter Marshall, Brandon Sikes, Ariana Balleza, Carolina O’Byrne, Taryn Luster

The Careers in Clinical Research (C‑CLEAR) program at The University of Kansas Cancer Center gives high school and undergraduate students a close look at how oncology research is designed, regulated and conducted. The program is hosted at the KU Clinical Research Center, which serves as a hub for early-phase trials. JCERT’s investment in the center makes it possible for students to learn in an active research environment where clinical teams, regulatory staff and investigators work side by side.

C‑CLEAR introduces students to the world of oncology research, covering ethics, informed consent, patient safety and the many roles that support clinical trials. It also helps students understand how research connects to patient care and how diverse perspectives strengthen the field.

Ariana Balleza, a participant in this year’s C‑CLEAR summer program, spent eight weeks immersed in clinical research at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. She explored the day‑to‑day work of clinical trials, learned directly from research staff and began exploring her own path in health and science. Below, she shares her experience.

What first sparked your interest in science and healthcare?
I am Mexican American and grew up in Johnson County. I became interested in science in my sophomore year of high school. It reminded me of a puzzle where everything connects to create a big picture.

My interest in healthcare grew as I learned how science socially and politically affects everyone – especially Latinos. I became interested in the low number of Latino blood and bone marrow donors and learned that this shortage often prevents Latino patients in critical situations from finding suitable matches. This was a defining moment for me and marked the start of my exploration in cardiology and oncology and their relevance to someone with my background.

How did you learn about C‑CLEAR and what made you apply?
In the summer of 2025, I participated in the Students Training in Academia, Health and Research (STAHR) Scholars Program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, where I met a former C‑CLEAR intern. She explained how the program explored oncology clinical trials, and I became very interested in learning more, so I decided to apply. As I learned more about the program, I realized it was a one-of-a-kind program. No other program in the Kansas City metro area has such a detailed focus on clinical trials in oncology, which made me very interested in learning more.

What surprised you most about clinical research?
I learned how rapidly knowledge in oncology has expanded. When people hear the word “cancer,” they immediately think it’s incurable, but there are so many options available to people in these vulnerable positions. It is amazing to see how The University of Kansas Cancer Center has structured the oncology clinical trials division. It is so organized and there is so much behind-the-scenes work with regulatory compliance.

What was the most meaningful hands-on experience?
The most meaningful hands-on activity was writing an Informed Consent Form (ICF), which is a document that explains a study to a potential participant, from scratch. We were given the protocol for a study and a guide to help us write it. Our goal was to understand how it is written and understand it beyond its textbook definition. After writing an ICF, I have a thorough understanding of its legal implications. I was able to see how much detail is needed so the participant can fully exercise their autonomy. It really demonstrated how important every position in the clinical trials side of oncology is to the care team.

How did earning Good Clinical Practice certification shape your perspective?
A Good Clinical Practice certificate verifies that a clinical research professional has completed training on the high standards for designing, conducting and reporting clinical trials. During our first week, we focused on Good Clinical Practice, engaging in lectures about the history and ethics of clinical trials. It stressed the connection between the sciences and humanities. As a person of color, these lectures deeply resonated with me because a lot of historical breakthroughs occurred through the exploitation and abuse of marginalized groups. It is important to acknowledge that these abuses did not happen in the distant past. Many of the people affected are alive today.

This realization completely changes how I view patient safety and research ethics. While patient safety first is a standard baseline today, these lectures made me realize that this standard was built on a history of severe exploitation. It is a reminder that we must remain vigilant so that the pursuit of data never again comes at the expense of human dignity.

Did the experience change how you view patient care?
I had the opportunity to shadow patients and participants throughout my time in the program, and I was always so happy to see how involved they were in their care.

How has C‑CLEAR influenced your career goals?
I have an interest in both cardiology and oncology, but this experience showed me how diverse the field of oncology is. It confirmed my passion for pursuing a career as a physician but also opened possibilities for different paths I may decide to take once in medical school.

What is next for you?
I recently graduated from Johnson County Community College with my Associate of Science degree. I will be finishing my bachelor’s degree at the University of Kansas, majoring in molecular, cellular and developmental biology with a minor in clinical trials on the pre-medicine track. I am looking forward to potentially working in the lab or as a patient care technician in the fall.

What advice would you give future C‑CLEAR applicants?
Come with an open mind. There are so many important roles in medicine, especially in oncology. All the roles are extremely valuable to the care team, even if they are not patient-facing. Immerse yourself in the program and allow yourself to be curious.

Learn more about the C-CLEAR undergrad summer internship program.