Berube in Barroilhet, Virumbrales-Muñoz Labs receives SMPH Collaborate Travel Award

Michael Berube, DVM, PhD, postdoctoral research associate in the Barroilhet and Virumbrales-Muñoz Labs, received a travel award at the 2026 SMPH Collaborate poster session! The February 6, 2026 SMPH Collaborate event was focused on postdoctoral research and accomplishments. This is the second year in a row that a postdoctoral researcher from the Department of Ob-Gyn received the SMPH Collaborate travel award!

Berube earned a $1,000 travel award for the poster Evaluation of Atovaquone as a Safe Preventive Strategy for High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma:

In this project, the Barroilhet lab is exploring new ways to prevent high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma in high-risk populations, such as women carrying BRCA1/2 germline mutations. Our team is evaluating whether atovaquone—an FDA-approved anti-malarial drug—can delay ovarian cancer development in a preclinical mouse model. The ultimate goal is to identify a safe, non-hormonal, and non-surgical preventive option that could improve quality of life for women at elevated risk.

Incredible work, Dr. Berube!