Ajeigbe receives AADOCR Outstanding Student Researcher Award

Olanrewaju Ajeigbe, third-year PhD candidate, received the 2026 AADOCR Outstanding Student Researcher Award.

Given by the American Association of Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research’s National Student Research Group, the award recognizes a highly-productive student researcher who is involved in NSRG.

Ajeigbe’s research focuses on the relationship between cellular metabolism and cancer progression. “We are working towards identifying how lactate transport and metabolism influences early oral dysplastic lesions, and the role of certain metabolic proteins in the transformation of these early lesions into oral cancer,” she explained. “Our overall goal is to utilize these proteins as diagnostic markers for cancer progression, and possibly target them for early stage therapy.”

Ajeigbe found her way to research thanks to her love of learning. “Research continually presents new problems to solve, sparking my curiosity and motivating me to think critically and creatively,” she said. “Through research, I have developed valuable skills, including science communication, scientific writing, critical thinking and data literacy. These experiences have strengthened my ability to analyze complex problems and share my insights with others.”

The National Student Research Group has been a key part of Ajeigbe’s research journey, particularly because of her interest in translational research. “The NSRG does a lot of work in bridging the gap between clinical dentistry and dental research and prioritizes the integration of the clinical and research aims of dentistry,” she said. Through NSRG, Ajeigbe has had the opportunity to mentor high school, undergraduate and dental students in lab research, and she’s participated in research and development support for her own work.

Ajeigbe was humbled to find out that she’d received the award. “There are a lot of students and researchers doing such good science here at the University of Minnesota and beyond,” she reflected. “I am just glad that I get to be one of those who are recognized. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities that research has provided me, and I am excited about the possibilities that a future in research holds.”

Ajeigbe received her certificate and was recognized during the NSRG Student Meeting and Awards Ceremony during the IADR/AADOCR General Session.