University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville medical student Erin Walker has been selected to participate in the 2023-2024 class of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Medical Research Scholars Program (MRSP).

Walker, a second-year medical student at SOMG, is among a total of 50 student scholars chosen for this comprehensive and prestigious award. 

Walker hopes to work in a lab on research with a neurovascular focus. She is especially interested in aneurysm or stroke formation, and specific research involving the huge disparity in incidence, morbidity, and mortality for Black South Carolinians affected by strokes. 

“I am extremely grateful for acceptance into the MRSP Program,” said Walker. “What excites me most is the opportunity to spend a year amongst 49 other students from across the nation, learning from NIH researchers who are leaders in their respective fields.” 

The Medical Research Scholars Program is a year-long research immersion program for future clinician-scientists that advances health by inspiring careers in biomedical research.  

“I would like to say a special thank you to Dr. (Ann Blair) Kennedy and Dr. (Phyllis) MacGilvray for supporting me and helping me during the application process, amongst so many others who have aided me in this process,” said Walker.