Dr. Nova Grace Hinman Weinstein Triple Negative Breast Cancer Research Scholarship

My journey into research has always been deeply personal. As a first generation Greek American, I grew up in a family that faced serious health challenges without the benefit of clear guidance or resources. The most profound experience came when one of my aunts was diagnosed with breast cancer. I spent much of my childhood visiting her on women’s hospital floors, watching her fight with courage while our family struggled to navigate a complex healthcare system. Despite her strength, she ultimately passed away from the disease. That loss left an indelible mark on me and became the driving force behind my decision to dedicate my career to advancing cancer research. My professional work has allowed me to transform this personal grief into purpose. I trained at Harvard Medical School and contributed to translational research at Kymera Therapeutics, where I studied novel targets in immunology. This experience taught me how the immune system can be harnessed to fight complex diseases and inspired me to focus on how these approaches can be applied to breast cancer. Studying new therapeutic targets has reinforced my belief that research must be both innovative and deeply patient centered, ensuring that scientific breakthroughs can bring real hope to families like mine. I chose to research breast cancer not only because of its immense global impact, but also because of the personal connection I carry. Breast cancer took my aunt’s life, and I want to be part of the generation of scientists that ensures fewer families experience that same loss. To me, this work represents the intersection of science and advocacy: it is about creating cures, but also about restoring dignity, health, and futures to women everywhere. Furthermore, the psychological effect of women cancers are not often discussed and I want to lead those discussions. From losing your hair due to chemotherapy to a mastectomy, women cancers also impact what it means to "feel like a woman." My goal is to contribute to the discovery of a breast cancer cure by combining my background in immunology with my commitment to translational research. I aspire to study novel therapeutic targets that change the course of treatment, while also ensuring that these discoveries reach underserved populations who are too often left behind. Also, hope to make an impact on education and reduce the stigma behind women's health. In honoring my aunt’s memory, I hope to help shape a future where no woman or family has to face breast cancer without hope.