All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

WVU medical student first in state selected for prestigious NIH scholar program

MORGANTOWN – One West Virginia University student is taking her passion for biomedical research to the next level after becoming the first in the state to be selected for a prestigious National Institutes of Health (NIH) program.

Sundus Lateef, a second year medical student in the WVU School of Medicine and Bridgeport native, was one of only 50 students selected from across the nation to participate in the NIH Medical Research Scholars Program (MRSP).

The MRSP program was created in 2012 to build the next generation of impactful clinician-scientists by inspiring careers in biomedical research. As an MRSP scholar, Lateef will live on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland for one year and participate in a variety of training and research activities under the guidance of an NIH advisor and a research mentor.

“I’m so excited to bring what WVU has taught me to the NIH, where I know I will experience top level research and interact with scientific leaders conducting innovative programs,” said Lateef. “This experience will continue to inspire me with ways and practical applications to become a better physician-scientist.”

While only in her second year of medical school, this is one of many impressive accomplishments Lateef has achieved as a WVU student. She is a past participant of WVU’s Initiation to Research Opportunities Summer Research Program and is a Van Liere Research Scholar.

She is also the 2019 recipient of the School of Medicine’s annual Patricia Fedeles Award, given to a medical student who shows outstanding compassion.

Lateef’s past awards include the prestigious WVU Foundation Scholarship and Order of Augusta, both of which she received as an undergraduate student in the WVU Honors College.

Lateef credits the high level of mentoring and sponsorship she has received during her time at WVU as a key factor in all of her success.

“I am truly thankful to have had the opportunity to be mentored and learn from great scientists and teachers like Dr. Sally Hodder, Dr. Paul Lockman, and Dr. Robert Tallaksen,” said Lateef.

“This is an incredible opportunity that will provide an invaluable toolkit of skills and experiences for Sundus as she embarks on her career as a physician-scientist,’ said Sally Hodder, M.D., director of the NIH-funded West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute. “It really is the chance of a lifetime for these gifted, young investigators.

After completing the MRSP program, Lateef is interested in pursuing a career in the fields of oncology or radiology. After completing her training, she plans to pursue a career in academic medicine in West Virginia.

“Sundus is the perfect example of an intelligent and passionate future physician-scientist who will be driving impactful research and patient care in the years to come. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this opportunity,” said Hodder, who has served as a mentor for Lateef.

WVCTSI Background

WVCTSI is funded by an IDeA Clinical and Translational grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (5U54GM104942-03) to support the mission of building clinical and translational research infrastructure and capacity to impact health disparities in West Virginia.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital team members engage in statewide healthcare leadership program

Two WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital employees were honored by the West Virginia Hospital Association Leadership Academy, with Paula Cutright graduating and Matthew Scott selected for future participation in the statewide healthcare leadership program.

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.

BCT to light up the stage with Mamma Mia starting this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present the musical Mamma Mia! at the Colonial Arts Center starting July 12, featuring ABBA hits, lively performances, and a cast assembled from across the region.

St. Joseph’s Hospital supports healthy habits with mile-long midday walks

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has launched a noon walk initiative, inviting staff and community members to join daily one-mile walks to promote physical activity and improve health outcomes.

John Paul Ingram

John Paul Ingram, 83, a beloved Buckhannon resident, ordained minister, and avid outdoorsman who shared his faith and kindness with many, died July 6, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Wesleyan finishes seventh in MEC Commissioners Cup standings

West Virginia Wesleyan finished seventh in the 2024-25 Mountain East Conference Commissioner’s Cup standings, while the University of Charleston captured its eighth consecutive and tenth overall title for all-around athletic excellence.