NIH Medical Research Scholars Program welcomes the 2026-2027 class
The National Institutes of Health is proud to announce the Class of 2026-2027 Medical Research Scholars Program (MRSP) Scholars as they begin their year-long research fellowship program this summer.
John A. Burns School of Medicine
University of Hawaii at Manoa
“The Medical Research Scholars Program’s mission is to cultivate the next generation of our nation’s biomedical research leaders by bringing exceptionally talented medical, dental, and veterinary students together to the NIH for a year of immersive research, mentorship, and collaboration. From this transformative experience, Scholars enter clinical training inspired to integrate research into their careers and translate scientific discoveries into better care for patients. As we begin our 15th year, we celebrate a legacy of launching outstanding careers as clinician-scientists while fostering a close-knit community of alumni united by a shared commitment to discovery and improving human health,” said Dina S. Parekh, MD, Director of the MRSP.
The incoming students represent schools from across the country, including Hawaii, and will come together to participate in this comprehensive professional development program. The MRSP selection process is highly competitive. After careful review and evaluation by a panel of NIH investigators known as the MRSP Board of Advisors, the 2026-2027 class was finalized and consists of:
University of Illinois
College of Medicine, Peoria
- 29 medical school participants
- 25 distinct US-accredited universities represented
- 23 third year and six second year
During their year, all Scholars will engage in rigorous, mentored research training tailored to their individual interests and long-term career goals. This experience is the foundation of the program, enabling Scholars to pursue research across the full spectrum of scientific disciplines with a focus on advancing public health. Each Scholar is paired with a selected and approved full-time NIH investigator, whose expertise spans basic, clinical, or translational research, and an Advisor, who provides personalized guidance in developing a comprehensive career development plan.
As part of a formal curriculum, MRSP Scholars will participate in a seminar series with invited speakers featuring Institute Directors and distinguished senior investigators, engage in clinical teaching rounds, present collaborative journal club presentations, and attend medical education lectures focused on professional development.
Penn State College of Medicine, Peoria
Throughout the fellowship year, MRSP Scholars build connections with their peers and program alumni, and have opportunities to present their research and meet a broader professional community at NIH and national professional conferences, through invited poster and podium presentations.
The MRSP is supported by the NIH and other partners via contributions to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health. Including the incoming class, 676 students have participated in the MRSP program since its inception in 2012.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my medical education thus far has been realizing both how far modern medicine has come and how many important questions remain unanswered. I am drawn to research because it offers a path forward—an opportunity to identify problems, pursue solutions, and expand what is possible for patients. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to learn from leaders in scientific discovery and join a community committed to transforming scientific insights into meaningful advances in patient care.”
– Michaela Kop, MS-IIII
John A. Burns School of Medicine University of Hawaii at Manoa"I feel very honored and ecstatic to have the opportunity to join this cohort and learn from the expert leaders of the research community here at the NIH. I look forward to further developing the skills needed to coordinate my own projects in the future. With the thoughtful guidance of this mentorship, I will be more prepared to make positive change in not only my chosen field but also in my community and in the lives of my patients."
– Hunter Levingston, MS-III
University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria“I am honored to be joining the 2026-2027 NIH MRSP Cohort and am deeply grateful to my advisor and research mentor for helping me align my passions for research and community engagement. I am excited to explore how to advance health research while remaining committed to advancing health equity.”
– Yessenia Hernandez-Cruz, MS-III
Penn State College of Medicine, Peoria
MRSP 2026-2027 scholars:
- Trevor Barker, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Shraddha Bhonsle, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Nathaniela Bourdeau, Drexel University College of Medicine
- Cindy Carvajal, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
- Arshi Chopra, University of Louisville School of Medicine
- Benjamin Coffey, State University of New York Upstate Medical University College of Medicine
- Gargi Dixit, Duke University School of Medicine
- Tara Foley, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western University
- Anas Gondal, University of Kentucky College of Medicine
- Yessenia Hernandez-Cruz, Penn State College of Medicine
- Adam Honig-Frand, New York University School of Medicine
- Suraj Joshi, Tufts University School of Medicine
- Ziam Khan, University of Maryland School of Medicine
- Iris Kim, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
- Michaela Kop, John A. Burns School of Medicine University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Jeewon Lee, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
- Rhonda Lee, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria
- Hunter Levingston, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria
- Diana Lois, William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Anh Luu, University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine
- Gopi Patel, University of Florida College of Medicine
- Shivni Patel, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
- Patrick Potoczak, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western University
- Conor Reid-Tedesco, University of Kansas School of Medicine
- Cynthia Siego, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
- Rekha Swamy, University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine
- Celine Thormann, Indiana University School of Medicine
- Jerry Wu, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western University
- Megan Zacarias, Wayne State University School of Medicine