Kajol Kalliecharan wins Friedman and Simon's 2025 academic scholarship

Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. named University of Miami student Kajol Kalliecharan the winner of its 2025 Academic Scholarship, citing her cancer research, advocacy and leadership. Kalliecharan, a microbiology and immunology pre-med student, was chosen from 1,891 applicants and plans to pursue an MD/PhD focused on aggressive cancers.

Why it matters: - Kajol Kalliecharan's scholarship spotlights a pre-med student whose academic work, cancer research and advocacy are aimed at improving treatment and patient support. - The award gives the University of Miami student added support as she prepares for an MD/PhD path focused on physician-scientist training.

What happened: - Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. named Kajol Kalliecharan the recipient of its 2025 Academic Scholarship. - The firm selected Kalliecharan from 1,891 applicants. - Kalliecharan studies microbiology and immunology at the University of Miami on a pre-med track. - The scholarship announcement was dated July 1, 2026, from Jericho, New York.

The details: - Kalliecharan's family history shaped her focus on cancer, including the loss of nine of her grandfather's 11 siblings to the disease and the death of a young cousin from neuroblastoma. - She plans to become a physician-scientist and wants to develop more effective treatments while offering compassionate care to patients and families. - At the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Kalliecharan works in Shah Lab studying tumor behavior and treatment resistance. - She was accepted into a University of Miami Miller School of Medicine cancer research program as one of 22 students chosen from 500 applicants. - She also serves as an undergraduate trainee in the SPARK, or Scholarly Projects and Research Knowledge, program. - Kalliecharan wrote a children's book in high school titled The Superpower of Imagination – A Clever Approach to Pediatric Cancer. - In partnership with the Live Like Bella Foundation, she helps distribute the book to pediatric cancer wards across South Florida and to public libraries. - She serves as Co-Chair of Mentorship for the American Medical Student Association and as External Treasurer for the Committee on Student Organizations. - Kalliecharan founded the first American Cancer Society On Campus chapter in Miami-Dade County. - She volunteers with the Live Like Bella Foundation to support pediatric cancer patients and their families.

Between the lines: - The scholarship panel appears to have valued a mix of research credentials, leadership and personal motivation rooted in family experience with cancer. - Kalliecharan's work bridges laboratory research and patient-facing advocacy, a combination that aligns with the physician-scientist path she wants to follow. - The children's book and its distribution effort suggest she is using communication and creativity as part of her cancer advocacy, not only academic research.

What's next: - Kalliecharan plans to pursue an MD/PhD after graduating from the University of Miami. - She hopes to work on therapies for aggressive cancers, including glioblastoma and pediatric brain tumors. - Friedman & Simon said the scholarship is intended to help her focus on her work as she continues toward that goal. - More information is available on the firm's Instagram page, Facebook page and X account.