The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to an individual who excels in their chosen profession, whose accomplishments positively impact society and reflect favorably upon themselves, their community and Grand Valley.

Joyce Ohm is an internationally recognized leader in cancer research and education. Her pioneering work in oncology and commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists began when she was a GVSU undergraduate student. 
 
Ohm earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Grand Valley in 1996. She received a doctoral degree in cancer biology from Vanderbilt University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in tumor biology at Johns Hopkins University. Her early research into cancer and stem cell epigenetics laid the foundation for a career dedicated to advancing cancer discovery and treatment.

From 2009-2018, Ohm served as professor of biology, chemistry and oncology at the University of North Dakota. She then joined Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York, where she serves as professor of oncology and chair of the Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics. 
 
Throughout her academic career, Ohm has mentored students and scholars at every level, from high school to junior faculty, cultivating future leaders in biomedical research. Her passion for mentorship and education has been a hallmark of her work. 

Beyond her university roles, Ohm is active in several leading scientific organizations, including the American Association for Cancer Research, International Society for Stem Cell Research, Connective Tissue Oncology Society and Sarcoma Alliance for Research through Collaboration.

She has also participated in five Empire State Rides, a 500+ mile cycling adventure from New York City to Niagara Falls that raises funds to fuel cancer research.
 
Ohm’s excellence has been recognized with numerous awards. She received two early honors for research presentations from Vanderbilt University and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society in 2014. Recently, she earned the 2024 Graduate Student Association Award for Excellence and Mentoring from Roswell Park.

For more information about the GVSU Alumni Awards, visit gvsu.edu/alumni/awards.