Press Releases

University of Minnesota School of Dentistry’s Sarah Lynn Selected for NIH Medical Research Scholars Program

Published on: August 10, 2022

August 5, 2022, Alexandria, VA – The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Medical Research Scholars Program (MRSP) has selected its incoming class of 2022-2023, who arrived at the NIH campus in July. Among the 51 new members is Sarah Lynn, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, who enters the program as its only dental student. 

“This year will be an unrivaled immersion in the process of scientific discovery with mentorship from great minds in their respective fields,” Lynn said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to engage with and learn with others as we answer novel questions.”

The MRSP is a 10-12 month research immersion program for future clinician-scientists that advances health by inspiring careers in biomedical research. By engaging students in basic, clinical, or translational research investigations, offering a curriculum rich in didactics and professional development, and featuring a robust mentorship and advising program, MRSP prepares its Scholars to become tomorrow's leaders in medicine and biomedical research.

One of AADOCR’s core objectives is to develop the next cohort of researchers and clinician-scientists who will make the important discoveries that will advance oral health and related research for future generations,” said AADOCR President Jane Weintraub. “The MRSP at NIH is a natural partner in this enterprise and we are proud to continue our support for the program during Sarah’s tenure there.”

The MRSP is supported by the NIH and other partners, via contributions to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH). AADOCR provides US$75,000 in annual support to the FNIH provided at least one dental student is among the scholars.

After final review and evaluation, the 2022-2023 class was finalized and consists of:

  • 51 participants; 50 medical students and one dental student (Lynn)
  • 39 represented U.S. accredited universities
  • 40 third-year and 11 second-year students
  • 47% female participants

Including the incoming class, 520 students have participated in the MRSP program since its inception in 2012. AADOCR has provided $75,000 in annual support for each MRSP class since 2012, except for one year when no dental student was selected.   

About the NIH Clinical Center
The NIH Clinical Center is the world’s largest hospital entirely devoted to clinical research. It is a national resource that makes it possible to rapidly translate scientific observations and laboratory discoveries into new approaches for diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. Over 1,600 clinical research studies are conducted at the NIH Clinical Center, including those focused on cancer, infectious diseases, blood disorders, heart disease, lung disease, alcoholism and drug abuse. For more information about the Clinical Center, visit: https://www.cc.nih.gov/.

About AADOCR
The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) is a nonprofit organization with over 3,000 members in the United States with a mission to drive dental, oral, and craniofacial research to advance health and well-being. AADOCR is the largest division of the International Association for Dental Research which has over 10,000 members. Learn more at www.aadocr.org.