Nickel-Iwasaki Lab

Our focus is on clinical and translational research that investigates the effects of biomechanics on the craniofacial system. Among our foci are measurements of jaw-loading mechanics and behaviors in order to understand conditions of growth, maintenance, degeneration, and pain associated with the human temporomandibular joint (TMJ).​

PI: Jeff Nickel and Laura Iwasaki

The focus of our oral microbiome laboratories is to determine the symbiotic and pathogenic interactions among the oral microbiome and how these interactions interface with biomaterials.

Wu lab

Our focus is investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation for bacterial persistence and chronic infections.  We are particularly interested in understanding molecular cross-talks between microbes and aim to develop new anti-infective approaches that prevent and treat persistent infections.​

Visit the Wu Lab page.

Kreth Lab

The Kreth lab investigates fundamental processes of commensal bacterial interactions in the oral biofilm. We aim to identify and characterize the molecular mechanisms that promote commensal species to better understand the healthy oral microbiome.​

Visit the Kreth Lab page.

Merritt Lab

Our focus is on the molecular and cellular microbiology of the human oral microbiome to understand how mucosal health is regulated in the human body.

Visit the Merritt Lab page.

Our biomaterials laboratories are leading the way to develop bacterial-resistant dental materials.

Pfiefer Lab

​Polymeric materials provide a versatile platform for innovation in many different applications. Our laboratory focuses on developing novel monomers and oligomeric additives, with a strong emphasis on photopolymerization.

Visit the Pfiefer Lab page.

Fugolin Lab

The Fugolin lab focus is to design and validate biomimetic synthetic systems that induce minute, orchestrated changes, leading to significant physicochemical and biological responses to external and internal stimuli.​​

Visit the Fugolin Lab page.

Ferracane Lab

Our focus has been on conducting clinical research in private dental practices through practitioners working with their own staff and patients. While we have studied a variety of dental conditions, we recently conducted the largest prospective study of cracked teeth, including nearly 3000 patients in over 200 dental offices as a part of the NIH-funded National Dental Practice-based Research Network.

PI: Jack Ferracane

Our tissue engineering and regenerative medicine laboratories are using 3D printing to form the matrix for stem cells to attach and grow not only teeth, but tissues like heart and cartilage.

Bertassoni Lab

Our focus is 3D bioprinting for the fabrication of complex tissue environments with functional vascular networks for regenerative applications. We are also interested in the development of functional hydrogels for the study of the interaction of biomaterials with matrix molecules on the nanoscale.​

Visit the Bertassoni Lab page.

Hsu Lab

The Hsu lab's research in dentistry focus lies at the intersection of stem cell molecular biology and translational research. The current subjects of studies in Hsu lab include novel differentiation factors for bone repair, characterization of osteogenic perivascular stem cells, and stem cells in degenerative joint diseases.​​

Visit the Hsu Lab page.

The Division of Dental Public Health, led by Drs. Foster-Page and Kohli, focuses on research, policies, and providing oral health care in underserved populations, including at the Russell Street Clinic and clinics throughout Oregon. Their work focuses on innovative workforce models to improve dental access and care and highlight the importance of oral health to improve oral health outcomes at the local and policy level.​

PI: Lyndie Foster-Page, Richie Kohli, and Kirsten Lampi