Michael Franks, MS, a graduate research assistant in the lab of University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery Associate Professor Jianmei Leavenworth, M.D., Ph.D., has received the 2024 Jacob Baker NextGen Scholar Award for his project, "Stem-like Memory NK cells Contribute to Improved Outcomes in Oncolytic Virotherapy of Glioblastoma."

The Jacob Baker NextGen Scholar Award is an accolade under the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center’s NextGen Scholars Awards program. This initiative supports the training of future scientific leaders in cancer research by providing predoctoral awards to promising graduate students. These awards enable students to receive mentored cancer research training from O’Neal Cancer Center faculty members, expanding upon their dissertation projects and enhancing their potential to become productive, independent researchers.

Franks's project, which focuses on improving the outcomes of oncolytic virotherapy for glioblastoma, holds great promise for advancing the treatment of this aggressive brain cancer. This research could lead to improved therapeutic strategies, ultimately enhancing the lives of glioblastoma patients.

The Jacob Baker NextGen Scholar Award is awarded in the amount of $30,000, distributed over two years. The award is named in memory of a former Young Supporters Board member and cancer patient, emphasizing the program’s commitment to developing the next generation of cancer researchers.

The O’Neal NextGen Scholars Awards play a crucial role in supporting young scientists like Franks, who are dedicated to advancing cancer research and improving patient outcomes.