2024 Commencement Award Recipients

Class of 2024 Commencement Award Recipients

DMD Student Awards

Advanced Graduate Education Student Awards

2024 Professional Awards and Special Recognition

2024 Faculty and Staff Awards

Outstanding Teaching Faculty Awards

Recipients of these awards were chosen by the DMD Class of 2024 to honor individuals who had a significant impact on the class.

Samuel Barr, DMD

Dr. Samuel Barr graduated from Tufts University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. He received his Doctorate in Medical Dentistry from Boston University and completed his general practice residency at the VA Hospital in Albany, New York. Before joining us at HSDM, Dr. Barr spent over 40 years in private practice in Oneida, New York. He has lectured globally on CERC Technology and is a reviewer for The Journal of The American Dental Association. In his short time at HSDM, Dr. Barr has made a tremendous impact on each of us in the Class of 2024. What sets Dr. Barr apart as a tremendous educator is not only his clinical acumen on the clinic floor or his sage lessons during treatment planning sessions, but also Dr. Barr’s unwavering compassion and belief in his students. Dental school is extremely challenging, and whenever we experience self-doubt, we know we can always turn to Dr. Barr for support, encouragement, and a good laugh. Before Dr. Barr arrived at HSDM, we would often hear, “Just wait until Dr. Barr comes, he will make such a difference,” and we can assure you he has made a tremendous one. Thank you, Dr. Barr, from the bottom of our hearts!

Peter Grieco, DDS, DMSc

Dr. Grieco, the Predoctoral Prosthodontics Director at HSDM, has shown unwavering support and mentorship for the Class of 2024. Dr. Grieco received his undergraduate degree from Boston College, his dental degree from the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, and completed his prosthodontic training at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Although we did not start working with Dr. Grieco until the beginning of our third year, he made a huge difference in our education in such a short time. From showing us how to make crowns for the very first time, rescuing us in clinic, and showing us how to handle complex and difficult cases, Dr. Grieco has helped mold us into the clinicians we are today. He’s spent so many hours in the preclinical lab, showing us the ropes of prosthodontics, and has managed extremely hectic clinic sessions with ease. Outside of clinic, Dr. Grieco has an incredible ability to relate to us, happily chatting about his restaurant recommendations or his current hobbies. Dr. Grieco is an exceptional person professionally, academically, and personally.

Outstanding Resident Teaching Award

The pre-doctoral Class of 2024 has elected to honor an advanced graduate dental resident for their significant contributions to the class.

Corinthia Wilkerson, DDS, MBS, MMSc

Dr. Corinthia Wilkerson is a highly accomplished dental professional with a deep-rooted passion for dentistry. She began her academic journey at Spelman College, excelling in biology. Dr. Wilkerson then pursued her Master's in Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in oral biology at Rutgers University. Her quest for knowledge led her to Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree and additional certificates in public health and health policy. Her dedication to advancing dental care extends to her current research at HSDM, where she focuses on ultrasonography and peri-implant disease with Dr. Tavelli and the development of global health curricula with Dr. Seymour and Dr. Hackley. In addition to her research, Dr. Wilkerson is actively involved in mentoring and teaching. The Class of 2024 can always count on Dr. Wilkerson for advice and mentorship and to help navigate the clinic with ease. Thank you so much, Dr. Wilkerson!

Outstanding Staff Award

The recipient of this award was chosen by the DMD Class of 2024 to honor an individual who had an immeasurable impact on the class.

Mohamed Alaeddin, CDT, RDT

Mohamed Alaeddin began his academic journey in Italy at the Galvani Institute of Dental Technology and Dental Arts in Emilia Romagna. Seeking further knowledge and expertise, he moved to the United States and earned his post-doctoral scholar certificate in biomaterials sciences, specializing in dental ceramics, at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. In 2006, Mr. Alaeddin relocated to Boston to explore new horizons. He has served in dental laboratory management roles at Tufts and B.U. Since 2009, Mr. Alaeddin has been saving the day for each student who walks through HSDM, from teaching dental anatomy with ease and helping students pour up casts before big presentations to guiding students with their lab work at HSDM. Alongside his dental education career, Mohamed Alaeddin and his wife, Angela Liguori, embarked on a parallel entrepreneurial journey, co-founding Studio Carta, a visionary studio rooted in the traditions of 19th-century Italy in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA. Thank you, Mr. Alaeddin, for guiding our class to success!

Distinguished Faculty Awards

Distinguished Senior Faculty Award
Jennifer L. Gibbs, MAS, DDS, PhD

Dr. Gibbs is an associate professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials Biomaterials Sciences. She serves as director of the Division of Endodontics and program director of Advanced Graduate Endodontics at HSDM. Dr. Gibbs heads a translational research group focused on understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of orofacial pain with a focus on dental pain, and patient-centered outcomes of endodontic treatments. She teaches clinically in the advanced graduate endodontic program and at Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Gibbs also provides endodontic care for patients in private practice. She is a past educator fellow of the American Association of Endodontics and is a diplomate of the American Board of Endodontists. Dr.

Gibbs is a talented and accomplished faculty member who truly represents HSDM’s core values and exemplifies exceptional clinical care, high educational standards, research excellence, and service to the institution.

Distinguished Junior Faculty Award
Hawazin Elani, BDS, MSc, PhD, MMSc

Dr. Elani is an assistant professor in the Department of Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. As a prosthodontist and epidemiologist, Dr. Elani's research focuses on examining the social determinants of population health, health disparities, and improving access to oral healthcare services. She uses big data analytics, including causal inference, econometrics, and machine learning approaches, to inform data-driven policymaking to reduce health disparities. Dr. Elani is leading several research projects funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Commonwealth Fund.

Dr. Elani is an accomplished clinician-scientist and contributes to the mission of HSDM through her research, teaching, clinical care, and committee service. In her early research career, she has already achieved promising success with an NIH K award, R00, and R0. She has developed and directed research education for HSDM learners and maintains a clinical faculty practice. She serves as a model to other junior faculty.