Marci K. Campbell and Michael S. O’Malley Dissertation Awards

Applications are now closed.

The UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center is accepting applications for the Marci K. Campbell and Michael S. O’Malley Dissertation Awards, two competitive awards each endowing $3,000 to recognize excellence in dissertation research focused on cancer and the population sciences. This cash award goes directly to the recipient and can be used for any purpose.

Note: As of 2024, the Michael S. O’Malley Award has transitioned to a dissertation award.

Eligibility

Graduate students in any of the population disciplines (epidemiology, nutrition, behavioral sciences, health services and outcomes research, psychology, etc.) are encouraged to apply.

Candidates who have graduated with their doctorate in the 2023-2024 academic year OR plan to graduate in the 2024-2025 academic year are eligible to apply (i.e., graduation with doctorate that occurs at any time between June 1, 2023-May 31, 2025).

The faculty sponsor must be a Cancer Center member. An early July award date is anticipated.

About Marci Campbell

Marci Campbell, PhD, was a leader in cancer prevention and control, disparities, and survivorship research at UNC-Chapel Hill and across the nation.

Marci died much too soon from colon cancer in December 2011. She was an exceptional mentor and believed producing the next generation of researchers was one of our most important aims.

Visit the Marci Campbell memorial page to learn more.

About Michael O’Malley

Michael O’Malley, PhD was a trailblazer in cancer prevention and control at UNC-Chapel Hill and across the nation.

O’Malley served as the associate director of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center for more than 20 years. He also served as an adjunct associate professor of health policy and management at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health where he was a mentor for countless students over the years. O’Malley’s kindness and infectious smile spread warmth throughout the entire cancer center. An exceptional leader, many knew him as a great “connector,” and he was beloved by everyone he connected with at Carolina.

Visit the Michael O’Malley memorial page to learn more.

Application

Please send the following application items as a single PDF file:

• Application package checklist (download using the Application Cover Letter link below)
• Curriculum vitae
• Abstract of the dissertation: a succinct description of the proposed work understandable to a scientific audience (30 lines or less).
• Specific Aims: A one-page explanation of the research that demonstrates the research problem and suggested solution, project milestones, hypothesis, and the approach. The Specific Aims should be understandable to a broad audience. For more information and examples, please see NIH guidance on Specific Aims.
• Two letters of support:
  • One letter of support from the Center member faculty sponsor.
  • One letter of support from the chair of the student’s dissertation committee, which should state that the student will defend his/her thesis in the appropriate time frame. Note: If the dissertation chair is also the Center sponsor, please include another academic reference for a total of two letters of support.

Selection will be based on academic record, quality of the research, and supporting letters.

Please direct questions to Hannah Prentice-Dunn, hannahpd@unc.edu, Project Manager for Cancer Prevention and Control at the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Note: Reviewers will be faculty members of the Cancer Prevention and Control program and work in a variety of disciplines.

Previous Awardees