Health Sciences student to work with grant partner Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Northeastern University student Alicia Jones has been recognized as a 2008 Steamboat Scholar by Steamboat Foundation Summer Scholar Program. The grant will allow Jones to work alongside pioneers of innovative cancer treatments at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Founded in 2004, Steamboat Foundation cultivates leadership in Steamboat Scholars through a unique ten-week experience. These students receive a generous financial award that gives them the opportunity to spend the summer in Boston and New York exploring issues of leadership, living and learning with their Steamboat peers, and participating in prestigious internships hosted by Steamboat’s Grant Partners. Through a highly selective and rigorous process, a group of remarkable undergraduate students are chosen annually as Scholars, a designation that recognizes the talent, passion, and curiosity of the award recipients.

“Being a Steamboat Scholar truly is a unique opportunity and honor to receive as an undergrad student at Northeastern,” said Jones. “I have been given the amazing experience of working with the extraordinary team of clinicians and researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Each day I am able to see the hope that this facility gives to each patient; the hope to find a better treatment and a cure for cancer.”

Jones’ childhood was surrounded by the hospital setting as she watched her mother work as a nurse caring for ill family members. She was heavily involved in the care of Jones’ father who fought and ultimately lost the battle against tongue cancer In July, 2000.

“Working at Dana-Farber gives me the opportunity to support other families going through similar situations and see patients cured on a regular basis,” added Jones.

Throughout her college career, she has volunteered at Brigham & Women’s Hospital’s Radiology Department and is currently a baby cuddler in the NICU. A Dean’s Scholarship recipient, Jones is an active member of Lambda Kappa Sigma, a professional organization promoting women in pharmacy. As the treasurer she helps plan events such as a Bowl-a-thon to raise money for philanthropic organizations as well as a concert of Lupus Awareness.

After graduating from Northeastern with a B.S. in Health Sciences, Jones aspires to attend graduate school to become a Physician’s Assistant. She eagerly awaits the opportunities presented by the Steamboat experience, learning more about herself in the process and developing stronger leadership and risk-taking skills, as one of the eleven 2008 Scholars.

For more information, please contact Samantha Fodrowski at 617-373-5427 or at s.fodrowski@neu.edu.

About Northeastern

Founded in 1898, Northeastern University is a private research university located in the heart of Boston. Northeastern is a leader in interdisciplinary research, urban engagement, and the integration of classroom learning with real-world experience. The university’s distinctive cooperative education program, where students alternate semesters of full-time study with semesters of paid work in fields relevant to their professional interests and major, is one of the largest and most innovative in the world. The University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees through the doctorate in six undergraduate colleges, eight graduate schools, and two part-time divisions. For more information, please visit www.northeastern.edu.