Reasons For Running
Graduate students, including master's and PhD candidates, clinical or non-clinical, form an active and dynamic workforce, contributing significantly to the global dental research community. Yet, challenges persist in helping graduate students successfully integrate into professional communities and establish healthy connections with peers and faculty. Recent reports (Nature Biotechnology 2021) reveal a prevalence of isolation, depression, and anxiety among graduate students, disproportionately affecting those from underrepresented backgrounds. These issues have been further exacerbated by remote learning environments necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As an international graduate student raised from the largest developing country, I am profoundly grateful for the guidance and support I have consistently received from mentors, colleagues, schools, and the entire dental research community. Therefore, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility to represent and serve as a bridge between graduate student members and the Board of Directors.
In alignment with my long-term professional goals, I am committed to fostering a sense of belonging and nurturing the development of a professional identity among graduate students from diverse backgrounds, with a special focus on underrepresented groups and those from developing countries.
I believe that by i) assisting graduate student members in building meaningful interpersonal connections, and ii) inviting faculty members at different stages of their careers to share insights into scientific paths, together we can support a diverse set of students, alleviate anxiety, and ultimately promote academic motivation, achievement, persistence, and well-being for all graduate students working in dentistry-related research areas.
Research Conducted
1. University of Michigan Lahann Laboratory (Sept 2020-Present)
Supervisor: Joerg Lahann, PhD, Director of Biointerfaces Institute
- Design novel protein nanoparticles with exceptional performances, and explore their applications and potential clinical translations;
- Spearheaded the writing of the first Perspective paper for a prestigious nanotechnology journal, outlining best-practice approaches to study nanoparticle-mediated gene delivery;
2. Harvard University/University of Michigan Giannobile Laboratory (Sept 2019-Sept 2020)
Supervisor: William Giannobile, DDS, DMSc, Dean of Harvard School of Dental Medicine
- Designed and fabricated a 3D-printed multiphasic scaffold for coordinated periodontal regeneration, featured on the cover of Journal of Dental Research;
- First reported worldwide about the usage of a FDA-approved antibody to repair bony defects around teeth;
- Actively participated in preclinical studies, market analyses, and commercialization strategies as core member of Michigan-Pittsburgh-Wyss Regenerative Medicine Center.
3. Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Development and Regeneration (Sept 2014- June 2018)
Supervisor: Lili Chen, DDS, PhD, Dean of Huazhong University of Science and Technology School of Stomatology
- Led a series of biomaterials research projects focused on modifying oral implant surfaces, garnering over 150 citations worldwide so far.
Student Activities
1. Founded and led the "X-Implant" undergraduate research team at Huazhong University of Science and Technology School of Stomatology, winning first prize in the 2017 University Research Competition among 100+ competing research teams across various disciplines and levels.
2. Launched an innovative dental research training program at Huazhong University of Science and Technology School of Stomatology in 2018, achieving notable success featured in China's top education journal, Chinese Journal of Medical Education.
3. Served as a graduate student representative on the Oral Health Sciences PhD program admission committee at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry from 2019 to 2021. Reviewed over 50 applications and interviewed more than 10 prospective PhD candidates, providing valuable insights and feedback to the PhD program leadership throughout the recruitment process.
Academic Honors
- AADOCR NSRG Outstanding Student Researcher Award AADOCR 2023
- AADR NSRG 411 Research Competition Second Place AADR 2021
- AADR Hatton Competition Finalist AADR 2021
- Dean's Scholarship School of Dentistry University of Michigan 2018-2023
- Mitacs Globalink Research Internship Award Mitacs, Canada 2017
- FAZU QIU Memorial Prize Huazhong University of Science and Technology 2015
- National Scholarship Ministry of Education of China 2014