Alexandria, VA – The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) has announced Hom-Lay Wang as the 2024 recipient of the Irwin D. Mandel Distinguished Mentoring Award. Wang, from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, was recognized during the Opening Ceremonies of the 53rd Annual Meeting of the AADOCR, which was held in conjunction with the 102nd General Session of the International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research and the 48th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association for Dental Research, on March 13-16, 2024 in New Orleans, LA.
Wang’s tenure at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry dates to 1989, with the last 28 years in the role of Graduate Program Director. He has been instrumental in reshaping the curriculum to foster the development of clinical and leadership skills among students, which played a significant role in spurring intellectual rigor and advancements in research. During his students’ tenure in the program, they authored over 400 papers, including at least 40 reviews and book chapters.
More than 50% of the program's alumni have transitioned into full-time faculty roles, while others have established private practices. Wang served as the primary mentor for approximately 40% of his graduate students' research projects, guiding them in securing funding for their research initiatives and monitoring their progress to ensure the successful completion of high-quality projects. Currently, Dr. Wang serves as a member of Task Force as Future Science Strategy for the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), President of the Academy of Osseointegration (AO), Chair of AO Global Development Committee and AO Global Education Committee, and European Association for Osseointegration Advisor for Consensus Conference committee.
The AADOCR Irwin D. Mandel Distinguished Mentoring Award provides national recognition for outstanding efforts to foster and promote research training and career development of students, trainees, and junior faculty. It identifies individuals at all levels of their career with an exemplary record of mentoring. This award was renamed in 2012 in honor of its first recipient, Irwin D. Mandel. The award consists of a monetary prize of $1,000 and a commemorative plaque.
About AADOCR
The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research is a nonprofit organization with a mission to drive dental, oral, and craniofacial research to advance health and well-being.
AADOCR represents the individual scientists, clinician-scientists, dental professionals, and students based in academic, government, non-profit and private-sector institutions who share our mission. AADOCR is the largest division of the International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research. Learn more at www.aadocr.org.