AADOCR NSRG Secretary Candidate 2026-2027
University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
St. Paul, MN
Graduation Date: 2031
Reasons for Running
A commitment to both basic and clinical research is crucial for the future of dental health. As a DDS/PhD student, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the rich dialogue that exists between research and the clinical practice of dentistry, and I’m eager to advocate for student engagement in dental, oral, and craniofacial research for the benefit of future patients. To encourage student involvement in research, I currently serve as an NSRG Midwest Regional Representative and a Minnesota Student Research Group (MSRG) board member.
In addition to dental research advocacy, serving on the leadership board of the South Dakota Science Olympiad, working as a writing tutor for three years, and acting as a student representative have prepared me well to take on the role of Secretary for the NSRG. These experiences instilled in me a passion for engaging diverse audiences in STEM and allowed me to develop leadership and communication skills crucial for the position.
As NSRG Secretary, I am committed to fostering an inclusive environment, facilitating the free exchange of ideas, and ensuring the accessibility of dental research. I will use my experiences in leadership, advocacy, and communication to inspire student engagement in dental research.
Research Conducted / Student Activities
Published Research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Kress+Lauren
Research:
- Acetylation of BfrAB two-component system (TCS) in the oral pioneer colonizer Streptococcus gordonii, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (01/2024-present).
- Optimized protocol for detection of cytokines via multiplex immunoassay, Summer Research Fellowship, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (05/2023-09/2023).
- Investigation of bacterial infection and immunity in the body louse, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine (08/2021-05/2023). Master of Science. Two first-author publications.
- The effect of N-methyl fluoxetine on the expression of select genes of Trichophyton interdigitale, Black Hills State University (05/2019-08/2019). Studied the effect of a novel antifungal compound on T. interdigitale gene expression.
Activities:
- Midwest Regional Representative, National Student Research Group (06/2024-Present).
- Representative to the Council of Graduate Students (COGS), University of Minnesota (08/2024-Present).
- Minnesota Student Research Group Leadership Board, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (08/2024-Present).
- Student Representative to the Oral Biology Faculty, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (09/2023-06/2024).
- CLARION Interprofessional Case Competition Winner, University of Minnesota (02/2024)
- South Dakota Science Olympiad Resource Manager (08/2022-05/2023). Increased community engagement, student participation in STEM, and sponsorships.