The achievements of Jessica Kirwan, Assistant Director of Research for the UF Department of Radiation Oncology, were recognized by both the College of Medicine and the UF Health Cancer Center (UFHCC) in January and February.
During the UFHCC annual Cheers to the New Year online ceremony on January 12, 2021, Jessica (right) received the Clinical Research Staff Member of the Year Award, which honors a staff member in cancer-relevant clinical research recognized by their peers who has made extraordinary contributions that enhance the success of the science conducted within the center.
In his presentation, Jonathan D. Licht, MD, Director of the center, noted that the Department of Radiation Oncology publishes an extraordinary average of 30 or more manuscripts per year thanks to Jessica’s efforts, which represents a significant increase prior to her arrival to the department.
“We are extremely pleased that the UFHCC has discovered what we have long known: The extraordinary leadership, skill, dedication, and contributions of Jessica Kirwan to the Department of Radiation Oncology, and by extension to the Cancer Center and UF,” said Nancy Mendenhall, MD, FASTRO, Associate Chair and Medical Director of the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute. “Jessica has provided sensitive and visionary leadership in the research office in hiring and mentoring an extremely talented team that supports all research efforts from study conception, data gathering and analysis, manuscript preparation, and grant application and administration. We have been very fortunate to have Jessica in our department.”
On February 18, 2021, the College of Medicine announced that Jessica was also among the 2020 – 2021 Superior Accomplishment Award Winners for the College.
The Superior Accomplishment Awards recognize and thank members of the College for their outstanding contributions, which demonstrate commitment, innovation and creativity as well as meritorious service.
“I believe it is especially important for us to celebrate the exceptional work that was accomplished in the last year – a most trying time for all of us,” stated Colleen G. Koch, M.D., M.S., M.B.A., Dean, UF College of Medicine, in her announcement. “The achievements made by the [award winners] helped us continue to carry out our tripartite mission of education, research and patient care while facing unprecedented challenges. Their examples inspire us as we work together toward achieving our institutional and professional goals.”
The division-level winners will receive cash awards in addition to being considered for university-level awards. An invitation to the virtual ceremony will follow in the near future.
For more information, visit the UF Health Cancer Center’s annual Cheers to the New Year page and https://learn-and-grow.hr.ufl.edu/awards-recognition/superior-accomplishment-awards/.
