Merilyn Hester Scholarship

Supporting scholars in pediatric oncology, and pediatric hematology

The Merilyn Hester Fellowship (now Scholarship) was established by the Walther Cancer Foundation with gifts made in memory of Merilyn Hester after her death in 2004. The Walther Cancer Foundation gifted the fellowship to the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center in 2009.

The scholarship was established to support MD, PhD, or MD/PhD students whose research or clinical interests relate to pediatric oncology or pediatric hematology. Applicants for the award can receive a maximum of $4,500 for tuition, stipend, travel expenses, and lab equipment. Please see application for details of distribution.

The selection committee bases their decision on academic achievements, potential for success, outstanding character and professional goals.

Application deadline for 2026 has passed. Check back in early 2027.

Past Recipients

Noah BurketNoah Burket
Maya KrishnanMaya Krishnan


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Sarah GutchSarah Gutch
Emily WhiteEmily White


Sarah Gutch and Emily White, the 2023 Hester Scholarship awardees, are working alongside top immunotherapy researchers at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The two share a goal of reducing the amount of time it takes for a research discovery to reach patients.

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Breanne BurgessBreanne Burgess
Michelle ChuMichelle Chu


Both Breanne Burgess and Michelle Chu, the 2022 Hester Scholarship recipients, want to change the end of the story for patients diagnosed with cancer.

To get there, they enrolled in the IUSM’s MD/PhD program, which gives them the chance to earn the two degrees in up to two years less than earning them separately.

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