HILO » A University of Hawaii at Hilo pharmacy professor has received a $675,000 career development award from the National Cancer Institute. 

Dana-Lynn Koomoa-Lange’s award will support her research on treating cancer that affects children. 

The university said Tuesday this is the first time UH Hilo faculty has won the award.  It’s also the only time the award has been given to a Native Hawaiian in the University of Hawaii system. 

Hilo College of Pharmacy Dean John Pezzuto says the award is highly competitive and prestigious. He says Koomoa-Lange is a talented scientist who is destined to become one of the college’s stars.

Koomoa-Lange received her bachelor’s degree in biology from San Diego State University and her Ph.D. from Brown University in Rhode Island. She joined the College of Pharmacy last year.