For Immediate Release
August 9, 2005

Two Students Honored with Bethesda Foundation Fellowship Attend Summer Research Program

BUFFALO, NY – Melinda Harwood and Alexander Boardman, both 16, received Bethesda Foundation Fellowships to attend “The Summer Research Participation Program in Science for Young Scholars” at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) in Buffalo, NY. The fellowships are awarded to outstanding science students from the Hornell, NY area. The program began June 26.

Harwood is studying in the laboratory of Soldano Ferrone, PhD, Chair, Department of Immunology. “I am extremely grateful to be chosen to receive the Bethesda Foundation Fellowship and I know this program will give me a headstart on my future,” Harwood said.

Boardman is studying in the laboratory of Steven DeBoer, MS, Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology. “I am thrilled to have this opportunity to learn about medical research at Roswell Park,” said Boardman. “Becoming a doctor has become my lifelong desire and this is my chance to learn as much as possible with experts in the field.”

This summer marks the 53rd annual “Research Participation Program in Science for Young Scholars” at RPCI. There will be more than 60 high school, college, and medical students studying at the Institute this summer. The seven week session exposes students to an atmosphere of intense research by combining actual laboratory work with lectures and seminars. The students will complete their research experience by presenting an oral report and poster of their research.

The Bethesda Foundation is a charitable organization devoted to funding and support of health-related projects and scholarships in Hornell, NY.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment, and education center, and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724), or e-mail askrpci@roswellpark.org.

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