Dr. Leslie Frieden, PhD is an Extramural Training Officer in the Research Training and Career Development Branch of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR).  She manages the NIDCR program portfolio of individual fellowships (F), Predoctoral to Postdoctoral transition awards (F99/K00), Pathway to Independence awards (K99/R00) and Loan Repayment Awards (LRP).  In 2020, Dr. Frieden led efforts to develop the NIDCR Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Transition Award for a Diverse Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research Workforce (F99/K00) that supports the final two years of PhD research for students in NIDCR and related disciplines and the first three years of dental, oral, and craniofacial postdoctoral research.  A highlight of her year is organizing and facilitating scientific sessions to feature NIDCR supported students, postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty.  Prior to joining NIDCR in 2008, Dr. Frieden received her PhD from Harvard University in 2005 and performed postdoctoral training at Vanderbilt University.  Potential NIDCR grant applicants are always encouraged to contact Dr. Frieden to discuss NIDCR extramural awards to support their research career pathways.