Every discovery in childhood cancer research begins with a curious mind, a bold idea, and the opportunity to pursue it. That’s why St. Baldrick’s is proud to announce $100,000 in new funding for our 2025 Summer Fellow grants — an investment not just in research, but in the next generation of physician-scientists determined to conquer kids’ cancer.
These grants provide undergraduate and medical students the invaluable opportunity to spend a summer working in pediatric oncology research labs, gaining hands-on experience and fueling their passion for a field that urgently needs new ideas and talent. By supporting these young investigators early in their careers, St. Baldrick’s helps fill the pipeline of future researchers who may one day discover the next lifesaving breakthrough.
This year, 20 grants have been awarded to the following institutions:
California
- The Regents of the University of California, on Behalf of its Davis Campus
- University of California San Diego
- University of California, San Francisco
Colorado
- University of Colorado Denver, AMC and DC
Georgia
- Emory University
Kentucky
- University of Kentucky
Maryland
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology – MIT
- Trustees of Boston University
Michigan
- University of Michigan
Missouri
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
New York
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Pennsylvania
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Pennsylvania State College of Medicine
- University of Pittsburgh
South Carolina
- Medical University of South Carolina Hollings Cancer Center
Utah
- University of Utah
Washington, D.C.
- Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center
Meet a Few of This Year’s Inspiring Summer Fellows:
Anuj Master — Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, working with
PI Marc Ladanyi, M.D.
“Through this St. Baldrick’s Undergraduate Summer Fellowship, I will gain the training necessary to refine my experience in tumor biology and therapeutic development for pediatric cancers that are dependent on RAS, in particular, rhabdomyosarcoma.”
Allison Friedholm — University of Michigan, working with PI Jouha Min, Ph.D.
“Our work focuses on using extracellular vesicles (EV) as biomarkers to predict and track treatment response in DIPG. Through this program, I aim to gain hands-on experience in a cancer research lab, developing key techniques such as EV isolation and characterization from patient samples, high-resolution imaging, and high-dimensional data analysis.”
Payton Utzman — The University of Utah, working with PI Michael Pulsipher, M.D.
“From an early age, I was fascinated by breaking down complex systems and modulating them at their fundamental level—a skill I honed growing up as a mechanic and later applied to molecular biology. Through hands-on experience working with children battling cancer, I became determined to leverage my experience and opportunities afforded to me by medical school to extend the lives of the courageous young patients and improve their quality of life.”
Karen Yamada — University of California, San Francisco, working with
PI William Weiss, M.D., Ph.D.
“Looking ahead, my ultimate goal is to become a physician-scientist dedicated to advancing pediatric oncology. Recognizing the pivotal role that research plays in medical innovation, I am committed to growing as a researcher and contributing meaningfully to improving patient outcomes.”
Each Summer Fellow represents a spark of hope — not only for the kids fighting cancer today but for generations to come. These students bring fresh perspectives, new ideas, and a deep commitment to making a difference. By providing them with early exposure to pediatric oncology research, St. Baldrick’s helps ensure that promising young minds stay in the fight for kids with cancer.
To every donor and supporter who makes these opportunities possible — thank you. Together, we’re growing the next generation of childhood cancer researchers and moving closer to cures.
👉 Stay tuned — our next round of grant announcements is coming this July! More exciting updates, impactful research, and lifesaving projects are on the horizon.
Every discovery starts somewhere. Be part of the next one by supporting lifesaving childhood cancer research today.
