Student Research Day celebrates innovation and discovery

Groundbreaking research is happening within the UB School of Dental Medicine, and it’s being conducted by students at all academic levels, from undergraduates to postdoctoral fellows. On Feb. 20, the UBDSM celebrated their discoveries at the 2025 Student Research Day in the UB Center for the Arts.

Rows of posters on display highlighted compelling work in biomaterials, salivary gland development, community water fluoridation and other critically important areas. Each of the 68 poster presentations represented a unique perspective in approaching a question or challenge in oral health and dentistry.

Student Research Day, an annual event, upholds a tradition of research excellence within the School of Dental Medicine, which is currently ranked No. 9 in the nation in support from the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. “I am proud of the significant contributions our students have made to enhance our understanding of oral health and the practice of clinical dentistry,” said Marcelo Araujo, DDS, MS, PhD, dean of the dental school.

This year, the school welcomed keynote speaker William Giannobile, DDS, MS, DMEdSc, dean and A. Lee Loomis, Jr. Professor of Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. His presentation, “Precision Dentistry: AI and Omics to Improve Clinical Care,” offered new insights into technologies and advancements that are shaping the future of oral health research.

The event was a success thanks to the efforts and leadership of Keith Kirkwood, DDS, PhD, senior associate dean for research, Imon Candelaria, PhD, program coordinator, research operations and advanced degree programs, and the many staff and volunteers who made the day possible.

View the Student Research Day photo gallery to see highlights from the event.

Congratulations to all the winners!

UB Undergraduate Students

• POC Smiles Award supported by Academic Affairs | Jorge Ortega

Dental Students

• AADOCR/Dentsply Sirona SCADA* | Zofia Rozmus
• Hinman Student Research Symposium Award* | Barinder Singh
• James English Award for Predoctoral Students | Jennifer Okewunmi
• UB School of Dental Medicine, Department of Oral Biology Award | Jooyoung James Lee
• Maryanne Mather Clinical Research Award (Predoc)* | Julianna Castle
• Frank A. Scannapieco Oral Biology Research Award | Emily Genovesi

Master’s Students

• James English Award for Advanced Education and/or MS Students | Dam Soh

Doctoral Students

• James English Award for PhD Students | Sheta Biswas
• Ernest J. Hausmann Oral Biology PhD Research Award | Theresa Wrynn

Clinical Residents

• Russell J. Nisengard Advanced Programs Research Award | Hosam Zebda
• Maryanne Mather Clinical Research Award* | David Feere

Clinical Fellows, Volunteer Scholars, and Postdoctoral Fellows

• UB School of Dental Medicine Award (Postdoc) | Lu Li

• Paul Ziarnowski Award for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Research | Andrew Jiang
• AADOCR Student Research Day Award* | Christian Ahearn

*indicates travel award