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.

Applications are now open and closes May 15, 2026. Scholarship starts July 1, 2026.

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Current recipients

Meet the 2024 Hester Scholarship recipients

Maya Krishnan

Past recipients

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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