The Andrew Sowell/Wade Huggins Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 1991 by Joann Sowell and Marcia Huggins Jahncke in appreciation for the successful treatment of their sons at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and in recognition that the hope of defeating cancer lies in those dedicated to research. The scholars, chosen from outstanding students at the MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), are engaged in research at UTHealth and MD Anderson Cancer Center. In 1996, Joann and Marcia formed Cancer Answers to be the fundraising arm of the endowment.
Among the faces of UTHealth, our students stand out. They are the reason for so much of what we do. We are grateful that through your tremendous support, they will have the resources to reach their fullest potential and help solve the greatest health challenges of our time. - Kevin J. Foyle, Vice President for Development and Public Affairs, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Current Recipients:
2025-2026 Andrew Sowell-Wade Huggins Professors and Fellow:
Peyton High and Kendra Carmon, PhD
2025-2026 Andrew Sowell-Wade Huggins Scholars in Cancer Research:
Chia Hsin Lin - (Advisor: Nicholas Navin,
Javier Leo (Advisor: Di Zhao, PhD)
Ping Xu (Advisor: Nicholas Navin,
Sarah Schneider (Advisor: Stephanie Watowich, PhD)
Shao-Ping Yang (Advisor: Dihua Yu, MD, PhD)
2025-2026 Cancer Answers:
Mackenzie Wienke (Advisor: Charles Ishak,
2025-2026 Cancer Answers/Sylvan Rodriguez Scholar:
Tyler Bateman (Advisor: Ali Azhdarinia,
2025-2026 Sylvan Rodriguez Foundation Scholars honoring George M. Stancel, PhD:
Anthony Kang (Advisor: C. Dave Fuller, MD, PhD)
Select the Designation: GSBS Cancer Answers Endowment Fund
For more information, please contact Susan M. Simon, Director of Development, Office of Development, representing GSBS
Phone: 713.500.3118
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History
The Andrew Sowell/Wade Huggins Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 1991 by Joann Sowell and Marcia Huggins Jahncke in appreciation for the successful treatment of their sons at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and in recognition that the hope of defeating cancer lies in those dedicated to research. The scholars, chosen from outstanding students at the MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), are engaged in research at UTHealth and MD Anderson Cancer Center. In 1996, Joann and Marcia formed Cancer Answers to be the fundraising arm of the endowment.
The first Andrew Sowell/Wade Huggins Cancer Answers scholarships were awarded in 1992. The recipients are chosen by GSBS faculty for their contributions to research in cancer biology. In 2001, the first Sowell/Huggins Professorship and Graduate Fellowship award was presented. This full stipend is a one- to three-year award given to a professor
and student team who combine experience, innovation and excellence in their laboratory.In 1999, The Sylvan Rodriguez Foundation, created to recognize the beloved media personality and community leader, chose Cancer Answers as a beneficiary of its philanthropy. In 2000, a significant gift was given which lead to the establishment of the Sylvan Rodriguez/Cancer Answers Scholarship to honor Sylvan who succumbed to pancreatic cancer in April of that year. This award takes into consideration community service as well as academic excellence.
Over 100 Cancer Answers Scholarships have been awarded providing much needed support to the students and faculty at GSBS. The Cancer Answers team will maintain undeterred focus and drive along with the school and the next generation of scientists who are committed to finding Cancer Answers.
