Patricia I. Diaz

Patricia Diaz

Patricia I. Diaz

Professor of Empire Innovation, Director UB Microbiome Center

Department of Oral Biology

School of Dental Medicine


Specialty/Research Focus

Microbiology; Oral Biology; Periodontics

Contact Information
621 Biomedical Research Building (BRB)
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14214-8024
Phone: 716-829-5822
Fax: 716-829-3942
pidiazmo@buffalo.edu



Professional Summary:

My research program focuses on the oral microbiome. My laboratory uses clinical studies, genomics, computational biology and model systems to study the processes that lead to dysbiosis of the oral microbiome. Our goal is to understand community dynamics and develop tools to manipulate the microbiome thereby interfering with disease development. We are particularly interested in understanding the significance of the microbiome as a mediator of susceptibility to oral comorbidities of cancer treatment and as an essential trigger in periodontal disease. We also investigate the potential for the salivary microbiome to serve as a biomarker for oral and systemic conditions.

Education and Training:

  • MS, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2008)
  • Residency, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2008)
  • PhD, The University of Adelaide (2003)
  • DDS, CES University (1996)

Employment:

  • Professor of Empire Innovation, Oral Biology, University at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine (2020-present)
  • Associate Professor, Oral Health and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, School of Dental Medicine (2015–2020)
  • Assistant Professor, Oral Health and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, School of Dental Medicine (2008–2015)
  • Post Doctoral Fellow, Laboratory of Dr. Paul Kolenbrander, NIDCR, NIH (2003–2005)

Research Expertise:

  • Microbiology
  • Periodontology

Grants and Sponsored Research:

  • July 2020–June 2025
    Treatment of Periodontitis by Homing M2 Macrophages
    NIH
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • August 2019–May 2021
    HBD-3: A novel factor orchestrating microbial persistence in suspicious oral lesions
    NIH
    Role: Co-Investigator

Journal Articles:

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School News:

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Contact Information

621 Biomedical Research Building (BRB)
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14214-8024
Phone: 716-829-5822
Fax: 716-829-3942
pidiazmo@buffalo.edu