Research Events and News
The OHSU School of Dentistry encourages and supports research concerning dental disease, clinical techniques, oral biology, and basic biomedical research. More than twenty principal investigators and numerous technical staff pursue a wide variety of projects, ranging in scope from the basic mechanisms of diseases to evidence-based dental treatment. Research projects are funded by Federal grants (NIH, NSF, NASA) as well as a variety of corporate sponsors. All basic science and clinical research faculty have their primary appointments, teaching commitments, and laboratories at OHSU in the School of Dentistry. For further information and opportunities for research, contact the principal investigators or the Office of Research Affairs at the School of Dentistry.
In the news
Ana Paula Fugolin, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D.: March 2023 Katz R01 Letter of Award
Dr. Ana Paula Fugolin has been awarded the Stephen I. Katz Early Stage Investigator Research Project R01 Grant for her project entitled “Bio-Responsive and Immune Protein-Based Therapies for Inhibition of Proteolytic Enzymes in Dental Tissues.” The award is from 3/17/2023-2/28/2028.
Bertassoni Lab: Feb 2023 Oregon Public Broadcasting
OPB highlighted the Bertassoni Lab and their incredible research using 3D printing to replicate cells. Read the article and watch the video on the OPB website.
Richie Kohli, B.D.S., M.S.: Feb 2023 American Dental Education Association
In the February 2023 issue of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), Richie Kohli, B.D.S., M.S. and Karan Replogle, D.D.S., M.S. were highlighted for, "Amid Opioid Epidemic, Training Helps Dentists Safely Manage Patient Pain."
Carmem Pfeifer, D.D.S., Ph.D.: Jan 2023 Gender Equity in Academic Health and Medicine (GEAHM) Leadership Conference
Congratulations to Carmem Pfeifer, D.D.S., Ph.D. on receiving the 2023 Mentorship Award at this year's Gender Equity in Academic Health and Medicine (GEAHM) Leadership Conference in January.
Dr. Pfeifer is an impressively successful researcher who strongly advocates for inclusion and diversity in the STEM workforce and supports the career development of women from underrepresented groups.
"She encouraged me to transform my weaknesses into strengths and set me up to succeed as an independent researcher and educator. "
"She believed in me and my potential before I could believe in myself."
"She invested a lot of time and efforts guiding me on how to sharpen my technical skills but also how to stand up for myself and be proud of my journey."
Dr. Pfeifer is a prominent supporter of the Apprenticeships in Science and Engineering (ASE) program, which connects motivated high school students from underrepresented groups with mentors.
"This recognition is a concrete symbol of Dr. Pfeifer's outstanding contributions to close the global gender gap in STEM and propagate an equitable culture model."
Stephanie Momeni, Ph.D.: Nov 2022 American Society for Microbiology
Dr. Stephanie Momeni was featured in ASM (American Society for Microbiology) "Follow Your Passion" Spotlight for November 2022. She is a Postdoctoral Scholar in Dr. Hui Wu's Lab. Her research is focused on investigating the role of oral microbiota on overall human health. Dr. Momeni's current postdoctoral research is concentrated on the identification and role of novel metabolites in early childhood caries.
Upcoming events
2023 SoD Research Day
Research Day 2023 is coming in March! March 2, 2023 at KCRB
Dean's Research Seminars
OHSU School of Dentistry offers monthly lectures to share new and ongoing research with students, faculty, staff, and the greater community. The Dean's Research Seminars provide an opportunity to learn from and connect with distinguished speakers in the area of oral health research from respected institutions worldwide. Speakers are hosted by OHSU School of Dentistry faculty, and regularly offer Continuing Education (CE) credits for alumni and the greater dental community. On a quarterly basis, the School of Dentistry offers Faculty Research Seminars, wherein current OHSU SOD faculty share information and current research from their labs and specific areas of expertise. At the beginning of each school year, OHSU SOD research faculty also present a Meet the Mentor seminar, introducing students to research activities and opportunities throughout the school.
Dean's and Faculty's Seminars will be hosted virtually until further notice, and are streamed and recorded for viewing on the SoD Research Echo360 page.
Bacteriology Research Group
SoD hosts a monthly Bacteriology Research Group featuring discussions and presentations by faculty and staff in this field across the OHSU campus and beyond. Most sessions are held on the 3rd Friday of the month at 1:00 pm. Please contact Stephanie Momeni, Postdoctoral Scholar in Dr. Hui Wu's lab, for more information.