August 28, 2015
Dr. Beata Chertok has been named a St. Baldrick’s Scholar, which will support her work on development of a localized therapeutic technology to combat brain tumors in children.

Beata Chertok, PhD, Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering, has been named a St. Baldrick's Scholar. St. Baldrick’s is a prominent national foundation dedicated to supporting research in pediatric oncology. The St. Baldrick’s Scholar award is intended to develop the independent pediatric cancer research careers of highly qualified investigators. Dr. Chertok is one of only seven investigators nationwide selected to receive this honor in 2015. The $330,000 award, given over three years, will support Dr. Chertok’s work on development of a localized therapeutic technology to combat brain tumors in children. This grant is funded in part by Griffin’s Guardians, a St. Baldrick’s Foundation partner. Griffin's Guardians was created by Erin and Adam Engle in memory of their son. Griffin fought a courageous battle with Glioblastoma Multiforme, an aggressive form of brain cancer, at the age of seven.

“I’m very honored to receive the St. Baldrick’s Scholar Award with generous support from Griffin’s Guardians,” says Dr. Chertok. “The award enables me to focus my research on childhood cancer– a field that I am particularly passionate about. The award will allow me to apply my expertise in biomaterial engineering, drug delivery, and medical physics toward development of minimally-invasive, controlled, and localized therapeutic technologies for children with cancer. My hope is to develop technologies that would deliver a cure without inflicting harm and not only improve survival of children with brain cancer but also allow these kids to lead normal handicap-free lives after therapy.”