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NIH National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) Home page
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NIH’s First Woman Scientific Director

Timeline Display Date
1977

In June, Dr. Marie Ussing Nylen became Director of Intramural Research and NIH's first woman scientific director. A native of Denmark, Nylen first came to NIDR in 1949. Nylen pioneered electron microscopy of tooth enamel, made foundational observations regarding dental structure and development, and according to colleagues, "made pathways for similarly interested young women to follow."

Marie Ussing Nylen with an electronic microscope
NIDCR
Marie Ussing Nylen
Edward Hamppand Trench Mouth
Explore an Interactive Timeline of NIDCR's History

Learn about important events, scientific breakthroughs, and publications starting in 1945.

Last Reviewed
December 8, 2025
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