Abstract B085: Evaluating reflective practice in cancer research training: A qualitative analysis of trainee journals

Abstract Reflective practice is an essential tool in research training programs, helping trainees express experiences, build self-awareness, and support professional development. The Summer Cancer Research Institute (SCRI) developed and implemented a Reflective Practice Toolkit designed to encourage intentional journaling and self-reflection throughout its 8-week summer cancer research training program. This qualitative study explores how 13 trainees (11 undergraduate and 2 post-baccalaureate) engaged with reflective practices using the toolkit. A total of 52 journal entries were collected and are currently undergoing thematic coding. Preliminary code categories include trainee’s feeling, anticipated future application, personal growth, positive feedback, and use of reflective terms and frameworks introduced through the toolkit.The study is guided by three research questions: (1) Do trainees view reflective practice positively? (2) Are they adopting the specific language and frameworks provided? (3) Are they likely to continue using reflective practices beyond the program? Early patterns suggest that trainees are actively engaging with the journaling prompts and demonstrating increased self-awareness, as well as the use of reflective terminology introduced through the toolkit.While full analysis is ongoing, initial insights indicate that structured reflective practice may support trainees in articulating their learning, navigating research challenges, and identifying long-term goals. This study highlights the potential of guided journaling to deepen experiential learning and foster professional identity formation in short-term research training programs. Final results will inform future adaptations of the toolkit and strategies for integrating reflective practice more broadly into research education. Citation Format: Yuku Chen, Emily Kaminsky. Evaluating reflective practice in cancer research training: A qualitative analysis of trainee journals abstract. In: Proceedings of the 18th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities; 2025 Sep 18-21; Baltimore, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B085.