AADOCR NSRG Councilor Candidate 2026-2027
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
Graduation Date: 2029
Reasons for Running
As a long-term AADOCR NSRG member, I have been dedicated to an academic and research career since my pre-dental years. Though I did not pursue a DDS/DMD-PhD combined program, I remained committed to becoming a dentist-scientist. During dental school at the University at Buffalo, I took a pull-out year to join the NIH Medical Research Scholars Program (MRSP)—a pivotal decision supported by mentors and NSRG officers. I am now in a Periodontics residency and PhD combined program at the University of Michigan, funded by an NIH K12 award.
The support from NSRG colleagues and mentors has been essential in my journey. I now aim to encourage and inspire fellow student members to pursue academic and research careers. My roles within NSRG, including serving as a panelist for the NIH MRSP and Ohio Valley regional representative, have prepared me to effectively represent NSRG at the AADOCR Council.
As Councilor, I plan to enhance our impact through webinars promoting dental specialty/PhD, DMSc, and DScD combined programs, collaborating with dual-degree scholars nationwide. Additionally, I aim to strengthen collaboration between the AADOCR Board, Council, and NSRG to support the future of AADOCR and foster the next generation of academicians and researchers from our students.
Research Conducted / Student Activities
Student Activities:
National Student Research Group of the AADOCR:
- Current Ohio Valley Co-Regional Representative
- Member (2019-Present)
University of Michigan School of Dentistry:
- PhD Student Discussant for Responsible Conduct of Research and Scholarship Course
- Student Interviewer for PhD Program
National Institutes of Health:
- Medical Research Scholars Program Advocate/Panelist (2020-Present)
University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine:
- Teacher's Assistant, Indirect 1 Pre-Clinical Course for D2s – Emerging Educators Concentration
- Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity – Chapter Historian and Member
- Big/Little Program (Peer-Mentorship Program)
- Admitted Students Day Organizer/Volunteer
Research Conducted:
University of Michigan School of Dentistry:
- PI: Joseph T. Decker, “Investigating Sexual Dimorphism Surrounding T-Cell Responses in Experimental Periodontitis” (2024-Present)
- PI: Marco C. Bottino, “Optimization of beta-TCP-laden Interpenetrating-Polymer-Network Biomaterial Inks for Bone Tissue Engineering” (2023)
University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine:
- PIs: Keith L. Kirkwood and Patricia I. Diaz, “Quantitative Alveolar Bone Histomorphometric Analyses of Heterogeneous Stock Rats” and “Towards a Standardized Bone Microarchitecture Analysis of Alveolar Bone” (2021-2023)
- PI: Keith L. Kirkwood, “MicroCT Analysis on the Mouse Maxilla and Tibia” (2019-2021)
National Institutes of Health (NIDCR):
- PIs: Niki Moutsopoulos & Dr. Patricia I. Diaz, “Characterization of Oral Microbial Communities in Patients with Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency-1 through 16S Ribosomal RNA Sequencing” (2020-2021)