Alumna Katelyn Means won a national scholarship to pursue dual Pitt Dental Medicine degrees

Katelyn Means has been awarded the National Health Service Corps Scholarship, a full ride to pursue a dual Doctor of Dental Medicine and Master of Public Health degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. In return, the scholarship program requires four years of service practicing dentistry in a medically underserved community after graduation.

The National Health Service Corps Scholarship program is a division of the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Means’ full scholarship was one of only 222 scholarships awarded nationally in 2018. In April 2018, Means completed her Bachelor of Science in microbiology at Pitt, with minors in Studio Arts and chemistry.

“I spent most of my time as an undergrad at Pitt working full-time while being a full-time student. That meant keeping two restaurant jobs within the city on top of my campus leadership roles, volunteer positions, and other extracurriculars,” Means said. “The financial relief of this scholarship, and now my ability to pursue two degrees within the time of one, are immeasurable for me, my family, and for the care I will be able to give my patients as I fulfill my service commitment.”