Dr. Cousin: From Postdoc to Professor

Dr. Lakeshia Cousin began her time at Moffitt Cancer Center in January 2020 as a National Cancer Institute (NCI) T32 supported postdoctoral fellow in Behavioral Oncology. She was mentored by Drs. Cathy Meade and Clement Gwede to learn more about making an impact on eliminating cancer disparities and how to develop community-based, culturally appropriate interventions for high-risk, underserved populations, which is the current focus of her cancer research.

During this time, Dr. Cousin had the opportunity to contribute to a variety of research projects, including CARES-REACH (Colorectal Cancer Awareness, Research, Education, and Screening-Rural Expansion, Access, and Capacity for Health), funded by NCI. This initiative aimed to enhance colorectal cancer screening in rural communities. Additionally, Dr. Cousin was involved in the Southeast Partnership for Improving Research and Training in Cancer Health Disparities (SPIRIT-CHD) supported by an NCI P20 grant.

As of July 2021, Dr. Cousin is an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida College of Nursing, where she continues to advance her career in academia and research. In July 2024, Dr. Cousin took on the role of Assistant Director for Community Outreach and Engagement at the University of Florida Health Cancer Center, and became the Clinical Director for the Cancer Center’s mobile mammography unit, set to launch this fall.

Dr. Cousin described her time at Moffitt as instrumental in developing the skills necessary for her current roles. Leading projects such as CARES-REACH and SPIRIT-CHD honed her project management abilities, which are critical for overseeing large-scale research initiatives. The interdisciplinary collaboration with researchers, clinicians and community partners broadened Dr. Cousin’s perspective and equipped her with the skills needed to combine various areas of expertise into comprehensive research strategies.

“My experience in co-authoring publications as first author and presenting at conferences sharpened my ability to effectively communicate research findings to both the scientific community and the public,” said Dr. Cousin.

The Grant Writing workshop held at Moffitt especially played a key role in landing funding within her first few months at the University of Florida. Mentorship at Moffitt Cancer Center does not stop once you leave to join a new institution. Dr. Cousin shared with us that she still, to this day, seeks advice from her mentors at Moffitt, Drs. Meade and Gwede.

The transition from Moffitt to UF has been both exciting and demanding for Dr. Cousin, as she finds great satisfaction in applying the outreach and community engagement skills developed during her postdoctoral fellowship to make a tangible impact on underserved communities. Addressing cancer disparities and facilitating essential care for high-risk populations is particularly rewarding. However, managing the UF Cancer Center’s mobile mammography unit presents its own set of challenges. Coordinating logistics, ensuring high-quality care and balancing these responsibilities with research and teaching duties are complex tasks. Despite these hurdles, the positive impact on the community remains a powerful motivator for Dr. Cousin.

Dr. Cousin is honored to have the opportunities put in front of her and she is grateful to be recognized as a National Cancer Center (NCI) Early Investigator Advancement Program Scholar for 2024. In addition, Dr. Cousin received the UF Health Cancer Center Rising Star of the Year award in 2023 and the UF College of Nursing Impact Award in 2022.

Dr. Cousin offers the following advice to current trainees:

1. Seek Inspiring Mentors: Surround yourself with mentors who challenge and inspire you.
2. Foster Collaboration: Embrace collaboration and build strong networks. Teamwork is crucial in both research and clinical practice.
3. Pay It Forward: As you advance, take time to mentor and support others. Sharing your knowledge enriches both your growth and the growth of others.
4. Prioritize Self-Care: Don’t neglect your well-being. Make time for activities that refill you to avoid burnout.