Standing on the Shoulders of Giants – Impact-Driven Science at the UWSoD
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Oak Hall Denny Room
Refreshments and check in: 8:00 – 8:30 am
Welcome, remarks and awards: 8:30 – 9:00 am
Oral presentations: 9:00 – 11:15 am
Poster session: 11:15 am – 1:00 pm
Dr. Brian Foster, PhD, Associate Professor and Chair, Division of Biosciences, Ohio State University College of Dentistry
Periodontal Tissues in Transition: Finding Mechanisms in Rare Disease Research
Brief description: Periodontal disease affects billions worldwide, yet therapeutic approaches are unpredictable, in part because of gaps in knowledge about periodontal development. This presentation explores a novel “outside-in” strategy: using insights from rare inherited disorders that disrupt cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone to uncover the biological foundations of the periodontium. By studying these conditions, we reveal new mechanisms that guide tissue formation and highlight promising approaches for restoring periodontal function through targeted repair and regeneration.
- Dr. Sue Herring, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Orthodontics
Small pigs and not-so-giant researchers
Brief description: As a beginning graduate student, I was entranced by the weird skulls and teeth of warthogs and other pig relatives. Strangely, minipigs turned out to be excellent models for human mastication, and they didn’t mind being wired up for muscle recordings as long as food was involved. For me, this became a career in dental schools, where I’ve had the privilege of working with these nice animals and persuading colleagues and trainees to do likewise. - Dr. Linda LeResche, ScD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Oral Medicine
The Pleasures of Pain Research
Brief description: In 1983, I came to UWSOD to investigate some basic questions related to facial expressions of pain. In the rich environment of UW, question followed question and my research broadened to include not only pain behavior, but temporomandibular disorders, pain assessment, pain epidemiology and gender differences in pain. This trajectory was made possible — and much more interesting — through collaborations with numerous colleagues in dentistry, medicine, psychology and public health.
Poster Session
Dental students, SURF students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and faculty
Abstract Submission Form – Opening Soon!
Entry forms for poster abstracts are due no later than January 11, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
POSTER GUIDANCE: Poster dimensions should be 2.5 feet wide by 4-5 feet long with a vertical orientation to match the requirements for AADOCR poster presentation guidance.
All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to participate.
- CDE credit will be available for Research Day attendance.
- OKU is providing cash prizes for the winners of the Dental Student Research Competition.
Co-sponsor: School of Dentistry, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) and the Seattle Section, American Association for Dental and Craniofacial Research