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About the Fellowship

The James D. Popp Student Research Fund was established in memory of Jim Popp who died of cancer at the age of 45 in August of 2007. He was a caring physician, talented athlete, faithful friend, devoted husband and loving father of five children. Jim worked in the laboratory of Dr. Jack Haar prior to and during the years he was a medical student and at MCV from 1984 to 1988.

A 4000 mile TransAmerica bicycle ride, RideForJim, was undertaken in 2008 by Dr. Haar and his son Philip as a way of raising funds and promoting the need for more resources to end the scourge of cancer. Dr. Haar completed the ride in the summer of 2008 with the support of Philip. A second year medical student, Charley Nottingham, completed the RideForJim in the summer of 2009 thus establishing it as an annual event. Each summer since then, except 2012, other riders have completed the Trans-America Ride For Jim.

The purpose of the James D. Popp Student Research Fellowship is to support talented first year medical and dental students to do cancer related research at the Massey Cancer Center beginning in the summer between their first and second year of professional school. The intent is to expose bright students to the world of cancer research with the hope that the experience will lead them to pursue a career that incorporates cancer research with patient care.

Through the efforts of the riders and contributions from hundreds of family members, friends, and supporters the fund has reached the point at which an annual award has been made each year beginning with the summer of 2010.  Applications are solicited in January of each year from students interested in being considered for the James D. Popp Student Research Fellowship.  The deadline for submission is the end of the first week of March.