Research Interests

 

1. Molecular mechanisms involved in the progression of oral and salivary gland cancers.

2. Structure-function relationships that drive pathological changes, in oral and salivary gland cancers.

3. Prevention strategies for oro-pharyngeal cancers.

3. Dental education research.

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Ongoing, Funded Research Projects:

1. 2021 MD Anderson Cancer Center HPV Vaccination Initiative

Vaccinate to Prevent: An interprofessional initiative to increase HPV vaccination against head and neck cancers.

2. 2021 MD Anderson Cancer Center Population Health Initiative

Smoking Cessation and Lung Cancer Screening for Dental Patients

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Completed Funded Research Projects (selected ):

 

1. 2018 AADR Research Fellowship, American Association for Dental Research

A ‘Twist’ed approach to activating apoptosis in salivary gland cancer.

2. 2018 ADEA/ADEAGies Education Fellowship, American Dental Education Association

EPAs as a framework for holistic competency assessments in predoctoral dental education.

3. 2017 Fraternal Order of Eagles State of Illinois Award

Membrane changes and apoptosis in human cancer cells.

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