Dr. Mark Zobeck Earns 2025 Hyundai Hope on Wheels Grant and PEAR Award

Congratulations Dr. Mark Zobeck on receiving the 2025 Hyundai Hope Scholar Grant, which provides $400,000 to support his research aimed at improving outcomes for children with rhabdomyosarcoma using multimodal artificial intelligence. He also received a PEAR Award from Baylor College of Medicine, recognizing his sustained mentorship contributions.

 Enjoy photos from the recent Hyundai Hope On Wheels celebration at Texas Children’s Cancer & Hematology Center. With appearances by Toro and two Houston Texans cheerleaders, the event brought energy and excitement to patients and families. Children added colorful handprints to Dr. Zobeck’s lab coat and a Hyundai vehicle—symbols of hope and solidarity in the fight against childhood cancer.

This research funding will enable Dr. Zobeck’s team to develop AI-powered models that combine clinical, genomic, transcriptomic, and imaging data to better predict survival and guide treatment for pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma. The goal: help clinicians tailor care more precisely, reducing unnecessary toxicity and improving outcomes. Through support from Hyundai Motor America and its dealers, the grant will fund this work through 2027.

 Since 1998, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has supported the families, researchers, doctors and children affected by childhood cancer. Thanks to Hyundai Motor America and its nationwide dealers, the foundation has awarded over $277 million in research grants. Every project funded brings us closer to ending childhood cancer. Texas Children's Hospital is deeply grateful for their support and partnership. More info: https://hyundaihopeonwheels.org/

Dr. Zobeck also received the PEAR Award—short for Professional Educator Appreciation and Recognition—a student-nominated honor created by Baylor College of Medicine students. The award recognizes exceptional and sustained mentorship, reflecting the kind of long-term guidance that helps shape future leaders in medicine.

View Dr. Zobeck’s profile here.