Three Harvard Dentist-Scientists Elected 2017 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

November 30, 2017
Three Harvard Dentist-Scientists Elected 2017 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

A Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) faculty member, and two HSDM alumni were among 396 individuals chosen as 2017 AAAS Fellows for their work in science and technology, scientific leadership and achievements across disciplines. AAAS is the world's largest multidisciplinary scientific society, and has granted the distinction since 1874 when the tradition began. Fellows are elected by their peers to join the prestigious group of scientists.

AAAS Awardees

Floyd E. Dewhirst, DDS, PhD, a senior member of the staff at the Forsyth Institute and professor of Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity at HSDM, was chosen for his work characterizing the oral microbiome. He has helped identify the diverse genetic capability and pathogenic potential of organisms present in the human oral cavity.

HSDM alumna Linda C. Niessen, DMD77, MPH77, MPP82, PD82, dean of Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine was chosen for her outstanding work in the field of dental public health, specifically with geriatric oral medicine, dental services and health policy.

HSDM alumnus Ichiro Nishimura, DDS, DMSc86, DMD93 professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dentistry, began his research in tissue regeneration and biotechnology at HSDM and served as director of the Predoctoral Research Program from 1995-97. He was chosen for his groundbreaking work in the field of biotechnology of tissue engineering and wound healing.

The new AAAS Fellows will be recognized at the 2018 AAAS Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas in February.

See also: Awards, Faculty