WASHINGTON (April 15, 2024) -- A talented group of DrPH students at Milken Institute School of Public Health garnered widespread acclaim in last week’s GW New Venture Competition. The team, comprised of John Russell, Bhakthi Sahgal, Bridget Kelly, Alvaro Rivera, and Ornsiree Junchaya, all from the class of 2026, led their project, Oncovana, to win multiple prestigious awards. In addition, Brooke Moses GWSPH '26 won first place as part of an interdisciplinary team in the Consumer Goods and Services category and the Best Market Assessment specialty prize.
Oncovana is a pioneering digital platform that addresses a crucial gap in healthcare: providing accessible, quality fertility services to newly diagnosed cancer patients who wish to preserve their fertility. This initiative offers a comprehensive package that includes education, psycho-social support, financial assistance, and connections to timely fertility preservation services, ensuring that every patient’s needs are met, regardless of location.
The team's dedication to understanding the user's experience and needs won them the Best Customer Discovery Award, reflecting their thorough approach to engaging with potential users and tailoring the platform to meet real-world needs effectively. Their ability to convey the significant impact of their service through powerful narratives earned them the Best Storytelling Award. These stories not only illustrated the emotional and practical value of Oncovana but also highlighted the transformative potential of the platform for patients facing fertility concerns post-cancer diagnosis.
Brooke Moses' interdisciplinary team won a total of $15,000 in the Consumer Goods and Services category and the Best Market Assessment specialty prize for creating the EveryActive brand. It’s a company redesigning current sportswear to minimize its adverse impact through unique products.
Their first product is Adjust-A-Bra, a redesign of the modern-day sports bra that aims to minimize the financial and societal cost of women’s size fluctuations through three aspects of adjustability. Brooke's teammates were GW Business juniors Camryn Baum, Laura Sofia and Joanna Destil in addition to Columbian College of Arts and Sciences senior Sofia Bertini.
Congratulations to our amazing students!