Staff: Alyssa H. Harrell, MA

Alyssa H. Harrell, MA
Cancer Research Training Award Fellow
- Office of the Associate Director (OAD)
- Behavioral Research Program (BRP)
Alyssa Harrell, M.A., was a Cancer Research Training Award communications fellow in the Office of the Associate Director (OAD) of the Behavioral Research Program from July 2022 to June 2024. Ms. Harrell was previously an NCI Communications Fellow in the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) Neuro-Oncology Branch.
Ms. Harrell earned a Master of Arts in Mass Communication from the University of South Florida where she focused her studies on how entertainment media influences health behaviors. She also holds a bachelor's degree in Public Relations and Advertising from the University of Central Florida.
"Where are they now?": Following up with past BRP fellows
Updated June 2024
Current Title
PhD Candidate
George Mason University
How has your BRP fellowship influenced your career?
I believe my fellowship and the experiences provided in BRP/DCCPS prepared me for graduate school extremely well. My fellowship included a variety of tasks, including research, and they all enhanced my professional develop skills allowing me to confidently enter academia or industry.
Describe a favorite memory or two from your fellowship experience.
One of my favorite parts of being a fellow in BRP/DCCPS were the opportunities offered for fellows. From social events to symposiums there was always an opportunity to grow as a researcher and a professional while also meeting friends with similar interests. The environment is very supportive and fun.
Describe your current position, your current organization, and what you do.
I will be attending George Mason University for a PhD in communication with a focus on health.
Awards, Honors, and Recognitions
- 2023: Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS) Best Oral Presentation - 2023 DCCPS Fellows Symposium
- 2023: DCCPS Outstanding Fellow Award
- 2024: DCCPS Collaborative Research Award for Fellows in Training, $5,200 (2022-2024)
Publications from Fellowship Work
- Harrell AH, Kueppers GC, Vanderpool RC, Dean D Jr, Rohde JA. Perceptions of HPV-Linked Oropharyngeal Cancer Risk Messages Among a Sample of Young Adult Men in the US: A Pilot Study. Am J Mens Health. 2024 May-Jun;18(3):15579883241252524. doi: 10.1177/15579883241252524. PMID: 38767052; PMCID: PMC11107372.
- Rogers JL, Roche KN, Harrell AH, Cordeiro BB, Armstrong TS. Developing a virtual neuro-oncology journal club series during the COVID-19 pandemic to promote interprofessional education and collaborative research. Neurooncol Adv. 2022 Aug 31;4(1):vdac139. doi: 10.1093/noajnl/vdac139. PMID: 36193289; PMCID: PMC9452136.
- Harrell A, Panzer M, Maher M, Acquaye A, Odom K, Armstrong TS. Making materials matter: Developing Central Nervous System (CNS) tumor education for patients and caregivers. Poster presentation to the American Psychosocial Oncology Society Annual Conference. 2022 March.
Current and/or past BRP mentors include Amy Caplon.
To request edits to this profile, please contact us at ncidccpsbrpadvances@mail.nih.gov.