This grant program represents the first time that a research grant opportunity has been linked to an AACR scientific achievement award. The goal of the AACR-St. Baldrick’s Foundation Award for Outstanding Achievement in Pediatric Cancer Research initiative is to spotlight significant scientific accomplishments, while simultaneously fostering the career advancement of early-stage pediatric cancer researchers. It is intended to stimulate an ongoing mentor-mentee relationship between the awardees and the grant recipients.

Once selected, the awardee is afforded the opportunity to nominate junior faculty level researchers at any academic institution in the world to be considered to receive a one-year, $75,000 AACR-St. Baldrick’s Foundation Pediatric Cancer Research Grant. Candidates must have demonstrated promise for continued substantive contributions to pediatric cancer research. From the list of candidates provided by the awardee, a grant recipient is chosen by the award selection committee.

2025 Grantee

Scientific Statement of Research 

NUP98 rearrangements are observed in ~5% of children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), with nearly 70% of these children experiencing relapse. The resulting NUP98 fusion oncoproteins (FOs) from these rearrangements localize in phase-separated condensates, which have a critical role in leukemic cell transformation and gene deregulation. Characterization of NUP98 fusion-associated condensates identified that FO interactors KAT6A/7 serve as effective therapeutic targets. Dr. Michmerhuizen will investigate the role of other FO interactors to deepen our understanding of the relationship between FO biology, condensate formation, oncogenesis, and therapeutic targeting. Successful completion of these studies will provide more effective treatment strategies for NUP98-rearranged leukemia. 

Biography 

Dr. Michmerhuizen earned her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and biochemistry from Calvin College. She obtained her PhD in pharmacology from the University of Michigan, where she studied combination therapies in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and developed an interest in translational cancer research. She went on to complete her postdoctoral training at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Her postdoctoral studies focused on the biology and therapeutic targeting of NUP98 fusion oncoproteins, a hallmark of high-risk pediatric leukemia. Dr. Michmerhuizen is currently an Assistant Professor in Pediatrics at the University of Rochester. 

Acknowledgement of Support 

“I am incredibly grateful for this grant as I begin my independent research program.  Funds from this award will allow me to expand my studies on NUP98-rearranged leukemia and to explore how the principles at play in this cancer subtype may apply more broadly to other fusion-driven childhood cancers.”