Celebrating Student Research

Student research posters on display inside the Center for the Arts.

Rows of student research posters were on display during the 2024 Student Research Day. 

By SARAH SMYKOWSKI

Published April 25, 2024

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“This annual event affords us the opportunity to think differently about problems we have faced in the laboratory or clinic. We can be inspired to apply what we've learned from our amazing students to our own research or clinical practice. ”
Marcelo W.B. Araujo, DDS, MS '99, PhD '03, Dean
School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo

Student excellence in research and innovation was on display at the School of Dental Medicine’s Student Research Day, held in the Center for the Arts on Feb. 23.

Seventy-four students presented research on topics ranging from laser-assisted tooth extractions to the gut microbiome’s role in linking obesity to periodontal disease. Though the topics were as diverse as the fields they represented, they shared a common aim to advance oral health and dentistry.

Student Research Day, now in its 30th year, is an opportunity to celebrate research conducted by students at all stages. This year’s event featured poster presentations by undergraduates, predoctoral students, advanced education students and postdoctoral fellows. Across the dozens of rows of presentations were as many unique perspectives and approaches to investigative discovery.

“This annual event affords us the opportunity to think differently about problems we have faced in the laboratory or clinic,” said Marcelo Araujo, dean of the School of Dental Medicine. “We can be inspired to apply what we’ve learned from our amazing students to our own research or clinical practice.”

The event’s keynote speaker was UB alumna J. Leslie Winston, DDS, PhD ‘95, vice president for global oral care measurement sciences and professional scientific relations at the Procter & Gamble Company. Winston spoke to students about career resiliency in dentistry and embracing unexpected opportunities, a mindset critical to professional success.

Her keynote address resonated with both aspects of the audience’s identities: students on the precipice of their careers and researchers on the brink of discovery. “Dentistry brings tremendous opportunities,” Winston remarked, “But you need to have the courage to try something you might not have thought was possible.”

This event was a success thanks to the efforts and leadership of Dr. Lindsay Chakan, director, Office of Research Support, who created a memorable experience for the participants.

2024 Student Research Day Poster Awards

Junior

UB Undergraduate Students

UB Pre-Dental Association Award: Mariadela Demoura

Dental Students

AADOCR/Dentsply Sirona SCADA*: Zofia Rozmus

Hinman Student Research Symposium*: Emily Genovesi

James English Award for Predoctoral Students: William Meyer

UB School of Dental Medicine, Department of Oral Biology Award: Emma Chubb

Excellence in Predoctoral Research Award: Julia Ophals and LeAnn Richert

Maryanne Mather Clinical Research Award (Predoc)*: Parisa Tadi

Frank A. Scannapieco Oral Biology Research Award: Winifred Mei

 

Senior

Master’s Students

James English Award for Advanced Education and/or M.S. Students: Dam Soh

Doctoral Students

James English Award for Ph.D. Students: Theresa Wrynn                  

Ernest J. Hausmann Oral Biology Ph.D. Research Award: Dayron Leyva Rodriguez                                                  

Clinical Residents

Russell J. Nisengard Advanced Programs Research Award: Manavjot Kaur Gill

Maryanne Mather Clinical Research Award*: Omar Glover

 

Postdoctoral

Clinical Fellows, Volunteer Scholars, and Postdoctoral Fellows

UB School of Dental Medicine Award (Postdoc): Christian Ahearn    

                                   

All Presenters

AADOCR Student Research Day Award*: Rodwan Ibrahim

*indicates travel award