2026 Benjamin McAllister Scholar

The Benjamin McAllister Research Scholar is a transformational one year program intended for outstanding young scientists, in loving memory of Benjamin McAllister. We are excited to announce this year's awardee, Olivia Hung Candidate '26.

Olivia Hung is an aspiring physician-scientist in her fourth year of undergrad under the mentorship of Dr. Peter O'Donnell. She is studying how pharmacogenomic testing, which uses a patient’s genetic information to guide medication choices, affects cancer care, particularly through the doctor-patient relationship. Her work examines how access to pharmacogenomic results changes the way providers communicate treatment options and how patients understand and feel about their care.

Through her research, she has found that when clinicians have access to pharmacogenomic testing results, they are more likely to engage in shared decision making, and patients are more likely to report less uncertainty about their expectations towards their treatments, including effectiveness and potential side effects. Uncertainty itself can be a major source of distress during cancer treatment; pharmacogenomic testing has the potential to do more than inform drug dosing. It can help patients and their families feel more informed and reassured during an otherwise overwhelming time, improving the overall patient experience.

As well as pursuing her degree, Olivia is the co-president of a health equity organization, United Against Inequities in Disease. She is also involved in volunteer work with APEX Hospice and Palliative Care and works as a medical scribe for Envision Physician Services.

The Benjamin McAllister Scholars program is continuing to develop, train, and inspire the most talented scientists of the next generation.