Improving Interventions for Cancer Survivors

Fiona Webb is a research study assistant supporting the Exercise and Health Lab in the Department of Preventive Medicine at Feinberg. She is currently working on a clinical trial that examines how social support and mindfulness-based strategies can promote physical activity among breast cancer survivors. 

Before working at Feinberg, she conducted research on different social behavioral interventions to improve quality of life in cancer survivors. Webb graduated from the University of Arizona in 2025 with a bachelor’s in psychology. 

Where is your hometown? 

I was born and raised in Chicago. I grew up on the northwest side in Jefferson Park and now live in the Lakeview East neighborhood.  

What led you to Northwestern? 

Northwestern has always been a community that I have felt part of. I grew up receiving exceptional care at Northwestern Medicine, participated in the Cancer Survivors' Walk and Run as a child (and still do), and even completed my first undergraduate summer internship here. It is so exciting to now feel like a meaningful contributor to a university that has done so much for me. 

What are you currently working on? 

Currently, I am a research study assistant in the Exercise and Health Lab run by Siobhan Phillips, PhD. Right now, we are in the final stages of the Fit2ThriveMIND trial, which examines how social support and mindfulness-based strategies can promote aerobic physical activity among breast cancer survivors. In addition, we are developing and refining a remotely-delivered exercise intervention designed to support physical activity engagement among individuals living with metastatic breast cancer. 

How does your work support the research enterprise at Feinberg?  

The work we do in the Exercise and Health Lab contributes to the broader research enterprise at Feinberg by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and generating evidence that can improve patient care and health outcomes. For example, our most recent studies, Opt2Move and Fit2ThriveMIND, have been conducted in collaboration with David Victorsen, PhD, and his team in Medical Social Sciences. Beyond formal collaborations, I have witnessed how even small interactions between research teams can spark new ideas, improve study design and enhance scientific rigor. These connections ultimately contribute to a more collaborative and innovative research environment across Northwestern.   

Why do you enjoy working at Northwestern? 

I enjoy working at Northwestern because I am proud to contribute to the impactful research that happens here every day. I am constantly inspired by the passion, expertise and dedication of the faculty and staff at Feinberg. Being surrounded by individuals who are committed to excellence motivates me to learn, grow and do my best work every day.