OU Graduate College Student Earns Prestigious National Cancer Institute Grant

OU Graduate College PhD candidate Alex Arreola has been awarded a prestigious National Cancer Institute (NCI) grant—one of only 15 awarded nationwide this year. The competitive award supports doctoral and postdoctoral training for promising cancer researchers, and Alex’s selection highlights both his scientific potential and his dedication to a long-term career in cancer research.

For Alex, preparing a successful application required careful planning, persistence, and patience. He encourages other students to approach the process with the same level of strategy. “Preparing your first grant application will require a notable amount of time,” he shared. His advice begins with mapping out all required documents, estimating how long each will take, and then starting at least a month earlier than expected. Even with templates, he notes that tailoring materials takes much longer than most applicants anticipate.

Alex also emphasizes the importance of thorough proofreading—something he learned firsthand. “Even after countless rounds of edits, I still found a few typos after submission,” he said. Giving yourself time away from the writing before revisiting it can make a significant difference. “Grant writing is a marathon,” he added. “Protect time for breaks and rest to avoid burnout.”

For students considering the highly selective F99/K00 award, Alex underscores the importance of early planning. Beyond the research proposal, applicants must articulate their long-term goals, research trajectory, and how their past and current experiences connect to their vision. Because the award has only one submission cycle a year and requires an institutional nomination, timing is critical. “I would encourage others to aim for a submission during their third year,” he said. “There’s no guarantee of a nomination or funding, so planning ahead gives you the best chance.”

Alex also offers candid advice about the often stressful waiting period after submission. The months-long review process can bring waves of optimism and uncertainty. “You’ll get promising emails followed by disclaimers that nothing is final,” he said. His strategy: mark key dates, stay focused on research, and “go with the flow.”

Alex’s achievement is a proud moment for the OU Graduate College and a testament to the dedication, resilience, and excellence found among its students. His journey—and his candid advice—serve as inspiration for fellow researchers preparing to take their next steps in competitive grant funding.