To become a Knight Scientific Research Advocate, volunteers complete OHSU Volunteer Services registration; receive training on research funding and grant writing; attend seminars that provide an overview on various topics including cancer biology, clinical trials, and cancer prevention and control; and are paired with an experienced advocate mentor. Advocates also have opportunities to participate in local and national scientific meetings on behalf of OHSU.

Eligibility criteria

Knight Scientific Research Advocates represent a variety of disease areas, and come from a variety of different professional backgrounds. Periodically, we recruit new volunteers to complete training and join our program.

To become a Knight Scientific Research Advocate, individuals must:

• Have personal experience with cancer (as a patient, caregiver, or as an individual at high risk).

• Be at least 24 months post-cancer diagnosis.

• Be able to share the collective patient perspective with Knight Cancer Institute researchers and clinicians.

• Be willing to volunteer at least 5 hours a month to the program for two years, including participating in quarterly group meetings, email discussions, and being available to consult on projects on an ad hoc basis.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proficiency with email and Microsoft Office.

Ideal qualifications:

• Demonstrated track record of involvement in community outreach or research advocacy activities.

• Leadership or volunteer experience with relevant patient advocacy organizations.

• Available to attend meetings on-campus at OHSU in Downtown Portland.