Three Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine medical students have been selected for the 2025–26 Robert C. Knapp Medical Student Award.
Presented by the nonprofit H.O.W. (Hearing the Ovarian Cancer Whisper), the award honors Dr. Robert C. Knapp, a distinguished leader in the OB-GYN field, renowned for his pioneering work in gynecologic oncology, particularly in diagnosing and treating ovarian cancer. The award gives future physicians hands-on opportunities to collaborate with gynecologic oncologists in research, clinical care, or education.
Award recipients Elizabeth Burgess and Sheena Mathai, third-year students and aspiring OB-GYNs, look forward to deepening their knowledge of cancer prevention and treatment through this opportunity.
“I loved my gynecologic oncology rotation,” said Mathai. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue my education in this field.” The award carries added personal significance for her, as a family member was recently diagnosed with endometrial cancer.
The third recipient is Angela Slaybe, a first-year medical student. Her project will take a unique approach by evaluating the program’s long-term impact. She will analyze data on past Robert C. Knapp Medical Student Award recipients to determine how many pursued careers in OB-GYN or demonstrated greater awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms in their medical practice.
“As someone interested in medical education, this research project is interesting because it allows me to explore the factors that make programs like this successful,” said Slaybe.