Jim and Mitzie Wittliff’s support of the Margaret Raiford Hano Research Award helped a rising investigator share her oncology research at one of the world’s leading cancer conferences—advancing discovery and elevating LSU Health New Orleans on a national platform.
NEW ORLEANS — This spring at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, a powerful full-circle moment highlighted what donor investment can make possible: a student researcher presenting nationally because philanthropy opened the door.
Alexandra “Ally” Bartholomew, the 2025 recipient of the Margaret Raiford Hano Research Travel Award, was selected to present her poster, “Coping and Chemotherapy: A Trilingual Graphic Medicine Approach to Oncology,” and related findings at AACR—an exceptional distinction at a conference that convenes leading scientists and clinicians shaping the future of cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Ally’s journey to the national stage began through LSU Health New Orleans’ 2024 Summer Research Program, where 110 medical students spent the summer conducting mentored research across a broad range of biomedical and clinical disciplines. Designed to provide students with hands-on research experience, close faculty mentorship, and opportunities to develop scientific communication skills, the program prepares future physicians and researchers to contribute meaningfully to advances in medicine and patient care.
The program culminates in the annual Medical Student Research Poster Symposium, where participating students present their findings to LSU Health New Orleans faculty and peers. Presentations are evaluated by faculty judges from across the institution and scored based on scientific merit, clarity of presentation, and each student’s understanding of their work.
Among the many outstanding projects presented, Ally’s research was selected as the first-place winner of the Symposium, earning her the Margaret Raiford Hano Research Travel Award. The award, supported through the generosity of Jim and Mitzie Wittliff, provides funding for students to share their work beyond LSU Health New Orleans at regional and national professional conferences.
In April 2025, Ally first used the travel award funds to present her research at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, gaining valuable professional exposure and experience presenting to leaders in the field. Her continued success led to another major milestone when she was selected to present at AACR, further expanding the reach and visibility of her work.
Adding to the significance of the moment, Jim and Mitzie Wittliff were also in attendance at AACR, where Jim Wittliff was presenting and receiving an honor of his own. Their presence created a rare opportunity to witness firsthand how philanthropy translates directly into student growth, scientific visibility, and institutional impact.
Because of the Wittliffs’ generosity, Ally was able to travel to and participate in AACR—gaining exposure to cutting-edge science, receiving feedback from experts in the field, and building professional connections that can shape a research trajectory for years to come.
Ally’s story illustrates the full-circle impact of LSU Health New Orleans’ Summer Research Program: what began as a summer mentored research experience led to first-place recognition at the Poster Symposium and ultimately provided the support needed to present her findings on a national stage.
Experiences like these strengthen the next generation of physician-scientists, elevate the LSU Health School of Medicine, and increase the national visibility of LSU Health’s cancer research efforts.
“Moments like these are a powerful reminder that philanthropy directly enables student success, accelerates research, and amplifies the mission we share—to improve outcomes for patients and families facing cancer,” said Katie Acuff, CEO and President of the LSU Health Foundation.
“We are deeply appreciative of Jim and Mitzie Wittliff for their commitment to enhancing research opportunities for our medical students,” said Fern Tsien, PhD. “Programs like the Summer Research Program provide students with the mentorship, training, and professional opportunities that help launch future careers in medicine and biomedical research.”
The Medical Student Research Program and Symposium are led by Fern Tsien, PhD, Assistant Dean for Medical Student Research at LSU Health New Orleans. Co-directors of the Medical Student Research Program include Dr. Kelly Sherman and Dr. Jovanny Zabaleta.
Donor-funded research awards help ensure that high-potential investigators have access to the experiences, training, and professional platforms that move ideas from the lab toward the clinic. By investing in emerging talent today, philanthropic partners accelerate tomorrow’s breakthroughs in cancer care.
As LSU Health New Orleans continues advancing research, education, and patient care, partnerships like the Wittliffs’ demonstrate how philanthropy can create opportunities that extend far beyond campus—placing LSU Health researchers and students in conversations shaping the future of medicine worldwide.
Support the next discovery. Gifts for student research and training opportunities expand what’s possible for LSU Health New Orleans investigators—and for the patients who will benefit from their work.