Robert Knoerl, PhD, RN, an instructor in medicine and nurse scientist in the Phyllis F. Cantor Center for Research in Nursing and Patient Care Services at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, has been awarded the 2020 Oncology Nursing Society's (ONS) Victoria Mock New Investigator Award.
This prestigious award is given to a single candidate annually. It recognizes the contributions of new investigators in building a scientific foundation for oncology nursing practice.
Knoerl was recognized for his research into the use of integrative therapies for the management of cancer treatment-related symptoms; specifically, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. He is currently leading three studies. The first focuses on evaluating the efficacy of a clinician decision support algorithm to improve the assessment and management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in practice. The second explores the use of yoga for chronic painful chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The third aims to investigate the feasibility of implementing a mindfulness-based music therapy intervention to improve anxiety and stress in adolescents and young adults receiving chemotherapy.
Knoerl will be recognized during the ONS 45th Annual Congress, April 29-May 3, 2020 in San Antonio, Texas. As part of the award ceremony he will give a lecture that highlights his work and current research studies.
Knoerl joined Dana-Farber after completing his undergraduate and doctoral nursing education at the University of Michigan. Knoerl says while at Dana-Farber he has received incredible mentorship, saying, "The amount of resources Dana-Farber has to promote cancer research is second to none."
The ONS Victoria Mock New Investigator Award is named for Dr. Victoria Mock, who was a nursing pioneer in the 1980s whose work focused on fatigue management interventions. She lost her own battle with cancer a few years ago.
Knoerl is the third Dana-Farber Cantor Center nurse scientist to win the award. Meghan Underhill-Blazey, PhD, RN, AOCNS was the recipient in 2018 and Mary Cooley, PhD, RN, FAAN was the recipient in 2003.
About Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is one of the world's leading centers of cancer research and treatment. It is ranked in the top 5 of U.S. News and World Report's Best Hospitals for both adult and pediatric cancer care. Dana-Farber's mission is to reduce the burden of cancer through scientific inquiry, clinical care, education, community engagement, and advocacy. We provide the latest in cancer for adults through Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Care and for children through Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Dana-Farber is dedicated to a unique and equal balance between cancer research and care, translating the results of discovery into new treatments for patients locally and around the world.
