The American Association for Cancer Research is awarding 50 Minority Scholar in Cancer Research Awards at the AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011, held April 2-6.

The award, now in its 26th year, is intended to enhance the education and training of minority researchers and increase the visibility and recognition of minorities involved in cancer research. It provides funds for the participation of early-career, meritorious minority scientists at the Annual Meeting. Scholars are chosen from minority institutions and the larger bodies of universities, colleges and research institutions based on their qualifications, references from mentors and an estimation of the professional benefit to the awardees.

The award is sponsored by a grant from the National Cancer Institute’s Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities. Additionally, Merck Oncology has agreed to provide support to fund the participation of young minority investigators.

Award winners from historically black colleges and universities include:

• Antonio T. Baines, Ph.D., North Carolina Central University, Durham, N.C.
• Hirendra N. Banerjee, M.D., Ph.D., Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, N.C.
• Gregory Adams, Jr., B.S., Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga.
• Selina A. Beasley, B.S., North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, N.C.
• Mohammad Daremipouran, Ph.D., Howard University, Washington, D.C.
• Ashley C. Huderson, B.S., Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tenn.
• Patrick Joseph, M.S., Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Fla.
• Adeyinka O. Laiyemo, M.P.H., Howard University, Washington, D.C.
• Monica N. Logan, M.S., Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tenn.
• Jeremy N. Myers, Ph.D., Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tenn.
• Aron Tesfamichael, M.S., Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, Ga.