University of West Florida Assistant Professor of Public Health Dr. Karishma Chhabria Unrue, has secured a nearly $825,000 grant through the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund to lead a statewide initiative focused on supporting breast and prostate cancer survivors.
The award to the Indian American researcher represents one of the largest externally funded research grants received by an assistant professor within the Usha Kundu College of Health, according to a university release.
It also marks a significant milestone for both Dr. Chhabria Unrue’s research program through the Integrated Mental Health and Population Analytics for Clinical Translation, or IMPACT, Lab and UWF’s growing research enterprise.
“This award reflects the innovative, community-focused research taking place within the Usha Kundu College of Health and the tremendous leadership of Dr. Karishma Chhabria Unrue,” said interim dean Dr. Shelley Diviney.
READ: Rishi Sharma receives SBB Research Group scholarship for cancer research (March 13, 2026)
“This funding allows us to translate research into action by working directly with cancer survivors and the communities that support them,” Chhabria Unrue said. “Our goal is to develop evidence-based approaches that improve health outcomes and can ultimately be implemented across Florida.”
While advances in screening and treatment have dramatically improved survival rates in breast and prostate cancer patients, many survivors continue to face lasting physical and emotional challenges and are at increased risk for chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. These challenges can affect quality of life, increase healthcare utilization and create additional burdens for survivors and their families.
To combat these challenges, Chhabria Unrue will lead “Move & Nourish Florida,” an innovative lifestyle intervention designed to help cancer survivors improve their long-term health through nutrition, physical activity and stress management. The program is designed to be practical, accessible and sustainable, providing survivors with tools they can incorporate into everyday life.
Read: Indian American students create health care guide for new immigrants (March 11, 2026)
Participants in “Move & Nourish Florida” will receive personalized support from healthcare professionals, including guidance on healthy eating, physical activity and stress-management strategies. The program combines the best available scientific evidence with a hands-on approach designed to fit into real life and meet survivors where they are.
The project builds upon the work of the IMPACT Lab founded and directed by Chhabria Unrue. Through the IMPACT Lab, Chhabria Unrue leads interdisciplinary research focused on cancer survivorship, mental health, chronic disease prevention, women’s health and population health analytics.
Chhabria Unrue earned a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from University of Mumbai, India, before getting a master’s and a PhD in Public Health from University of Florida.