Student Research Day Showcases Innovative Projects Advancing Oral Health

Soon-to-be graduating students showcased their research projects during Harvard School of Dental Medicine’s Student Research Day, held on Tuesday, April 9 in the medical school’s New Research Building. The event was a chance for DMD, MMSc, and DMSc students to present their posters to members of the community and learn about the work of their classmates.

 

Their work is the culmination of time spent exploring basic, translational/clinical, and global health research in a highly collaborative environment under the guidance of HSDM faculty mentors.

 

“HSDM Research Day was a fantastic opportunity for our students and trainees to showcase the results of their hard work and commitment to advancing oral health and dental medicine,” said David Wu, DMSc23, lecturer on Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity. “It was great to see the innovative and diverse nature of the research projects that our students and residents showcased ranging from improving our understanding of various oral diseases, to developing new strategies for regenerating craniofacial tissues, to improving public health and policies.”

Following the poster presentations, students, faculty, and staff attended the Professor Donald B. Giddon Lecture, with a keynote presentation by Dr. Janice Lee, clinical director and chief of the Craniofacial Anomalies and Regeneration Section at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). Lee discussed the current challenges in managing craniofacial anomalies and the role of morphological integration in predicting facial development. She also discussed opportunities at the NIDCR for students interested in furthering their careers in research.

 

The annual lectureship was established through the Dr. Donald B. Giddon Teaching Fund to support HSDM’s teaching programs.

 

Awards for Innovations

 

This year, nine students from the Class of 2024 were honored for outstanding posters in the areas of basic and translational research, clinical research, and public health and dental education.

 

“I am proud to witness the culmination of years of hard work and dedication of our students,” said Francesca Gori, Associate Professor of Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity. “Each poster reflects the rich tapestry of knowledge, diversity, and intellectual creativity within HSDM.”

 

The following prizes were awarded for the top student posters:

 

Basic/Translational Research Awards

 

Kedkanya Mesil, DMSc24, Oral Pathology
The Role of Bone Morphogenetic Protein and Activin Membrane-Bound Inhibitor (BAMBI) in PTH Signaling in Bone
 

Ridhima Seth, DMSc24, Research Academy
PTH Signaling in Ctsk+ Lineage Cells is Critical For Skeletal Homeostasis and Tooth Formation and Eruption
 

Joud Omari, DMSc24, Oral Pathology
Blockade of a Novel T Cell-Mediated Pathway Prevents Oral Carcinogenesis

 

Natalie Yam, MMSc24, Periodontology
Comparative Analysis of Sharpening Devices for Periodontal Hand Instruments and Their Impact on Root Surface Roughness: An In Vitro Study

 

Abigail McVicar, DMD24
Investigation of The Age-Related Changes in Immune Function in Age-Associated Periodontal Disease Reveals Fgf2 Treatment as a Potential Therapeutic Approach For Aging-Associated Periodontal Disease

 

Clinical Research Awards

 

Grace Huang, MMSc24, Orthodontics
Individualizing Aligner Change Schedule: A Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

 

Lindsey Pius, DMD24

Arthroscopic and Histologic Findings Associated with the Temporomandibular Joint Direct Joint Loading Test

 

Public Health and Dental Education Awards

 

Precious Ettah, MMSc24, Dental Health Education

Impact of Health Professional Shortage Area Scores on Dental Services at Federally Qualified Health Centers: A Comparison of Urban and Rural Areas

 

Sheridan Danquah, DMD24

Can Remote Learning and Low Fidelity Simulation Trainers Improve Confidence and Fundamental Skills in TMJ Arthroscopy?