Ann Arbor, MI — June 8, 2012 — Dental student Robert Vander Broek (D4) is one of 45 dental and medical students from around the country selected by the National Institutes of Health to participate in its new Medical Research Scholars Program (MRSP).  The year-long enrichment program provides mentored training to creative, research-oriented dental, medical, and veterinary students at the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland.

In August, Vander Broek will join other MRSP participants at NIH and begin work on basic, clinical, or translational research projects in areas that match their personal interests and research goals.  They will also attend courses, seminars, a structured lecture series, and clinical teaching rounds.  At the end of the 12-month program, Vander Broek and colleagues in the program will present the results of their research to the NIH community.

“I’m looking forward to this great opportunity to collaborate with students from around the country and learn from leading researchers in their respective fields,” Vander Broek said.  “This experience will delay my dental school graduation plans by a year, but I don’t mind given this wonderful opportunity and the support I have received from the faculty and others.”

Dr. Nisha D’Silva, associate professor of dentistry in the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, said during the time Vander Broek worked in her laboratory, he investigated the clinical relevance of proteins that promote the progression of early cancers.  “Due to his natural curiosity, ability to understand and apply key concepts, and ask important critical questions, he’s an outstanding scientist in training.”

Unsure about his plans after graduation, Vander Broek said “the additional year will give me an opportunity to firm those up.”  During the time he is at NIH, Vander Broek and others will be assigned to a tutor/advisor who will help develop a personalized career plan. 

The MRSP blends elements of two former highly successful programs – the NIH Clinical Research Training Program and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute/NIH Research Scholars Program.