ADEA Enid A. Neidle Scholar Program

Purpose

This scholar program honors Enid A. Neidle, former President of ADEA (1985-86). Under her leadership, ADEA adopted a policy focused on expanding opportunities to academic leadership within dental education.

The program offers a unique experience for an oral health educator to explore research that addresses key topics in academic dentistry, health professions or faculty development, with potential to inform institutional practices and shape the future of oral health education.

Overview

The ADEA Enid A. Neidle Scholar receives a $10,000 stipend to engage in a year-long research project, as well as network and participate in leadership development opportunities at the ADEA headquarters in Washington, DC. Through in-person and virtual engagements, the scholar gains a comprehensive understanding of a wide array of issues shaping oral health education and the advancement of the health professions, including oral health, health care delivery, representation, faculty development and advancement, leadership, workforce trends, and global health.

Each scholar is assigned a senior ADEA staff member(s) and is involved in a number of ADEA activities in addition to conducting their primary research project. The scholar's experience is intentionally designed to reflect the scholar’s academic interests and professional goals while addressing contemporary topics relevant to academic dentistry and health care. ADEA remains committed to providing a supportive and flexible environment that accommodates the scholar’s research agenda and visit schedule to Washington, DC.

The Scholar Experience

ADEA provides a range of experiences to support the scholar’s progress on their research project and personal and professional development, which may include:

• Networking opportunities through ADEA events and scheduled meetings with leaders in oral health, higher education, government and beyond;
• Guidance during the writing and research process;
• Participating in advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill;
• Understanding best research approaches;
• Conducting preliminary or exploratory investigation;
• Developing a draft report or preliminary study;
• Establishing a research plan and exploring avenues for academic or professional impact;
• Participating in special events and meetings for ADEA members and alumni of the ADEA Enid A. Neidle Scholar Program; and
• Other experiences, as arranged.

ADEA acknowledges that although the scholar is granted protected time by their institution to participate in this program, responsibilities still exist, and time to devote to projects is still limited. For these reasons, ADEA staff work with each scholar to customize an experience that enhances their career and prepares them for future success as an oral health educator.

Outcomes

The outcome(s) of the scholar experience is specific to each individual and the plan set forth at the start of the program. The scholar is requested to attend the ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition at the start of their scholar year to be recognized at various events and meetings, and at the conclusion of their scholar year to offer a presentation on their research project.

Eligibility Requirements

An applicant must:

• Hold a full-time faculty position with a primary teaching appointment in a predoctoral, allied or advanced dental educational program at an ADEA Member Institution. Junior faculty are encouraged to apply.
• Receive prior approval from their dean or program director supporting their application and full participation in the program if selected.
• Be an ADEA Individual Member.

Application Process Checklist

The following items must be submitted by Sept. 15, 2025, using the ADEA online application process.

1. One Nominator Letter: A letter of nomination from the applicant’s dean or program director specifying how the program would benefit the institution and the applicant and agreeing to pay their salary and fringe benefits for the duration of the ADEA Enid A. Neidle Scholar Program. Applicants will be asked in the online application to provide the name and email address of the nominator who will submit the letter on their behalf. The nominator will receive an email from Eric Lund, LundE@adea.org, with instructions for uploading their nomination letter.


2. One Letter of Reference: A formal letter from an individual who will serve as a mentor (may be a department/program chair). The reference will provide additional guidance regarding the applicant’s research during the program. The letter should note particular ways in which the mentor can offer research support to advance the applicant’s skills and project. Applicants will be asked in the online application to provide the name and email address of the individual agreeing to serve as a reference and mentor. The mentor will receive an email from Eric Lund, LundE@adea.org, with instructions for uploading their letter of support.


3. A research summary (one page maximum) describing the proposed research project, including the title, purpose, background, problem statement, research question(s) and proposed methodology.


4. A current curriculum vitae.


5. A personal statement (two pages maximum) addressing the following questions:
   • What are your general interests and expectations for the ADEA Enid A. Neidle Scholar experience?
   • How will this experience help you in your personal and professional development?
   • How will this experience help your institution, ADEA and ADEA members?


6. A brief annotated bibliography (two pages maximum) related to their research topic. For examples of annotated bibliographies, see the University of Central Florida Writing Center or the Purdue University Online Writing Lab.

Application Deadline

All applications must be submitted online by Sept. 15, 2025. Applications will not be considered if they are incomplete or submitted after Sept. 15, 2025.

Notification Date and Award Announcement

Select applicants for the ADEA Enid A. Neidle Scholar Program will receive a virtual interview, and all applicants will be notified of their application status by Dec. 6 of each year.

The new Enid A. Neidle awardee will be recognized at the 2026 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition, March 21–24, 2026, in Montréal, Canada.