Modupe Coker, BDS, MPH,PhD

Professional Biography

Dr. Modupe Coker holds multiple key roles at Penn Dental Medicine, serving as the Assistant Dean of Clinical and Translational Research, Director of the Center for Clinical and Translational Research (CCTR), and as an Associate Professor in the Department of Basic and Translational Sciences. In these capacities, Dr. Coker is a pivotal figure in advancing the clinical research agenda at Penn Dental Medicine (PDM), driving innovative research initiatives while supporting her colleagues and elevating the institution’s research capabilities.

As Director of CCTR, Dr. Coker is responsible for the strategic oversight and operational management of the Center, ensuring that research activities are conducted with the highest standards of excellence and integrity. She is instrumental in expanding the clinical research portfolio at PDM, identifying and nurturing opportunities that have the potential to make significant contributions to the field of dental and translational sciences.

In her role as Assistant Dean, Dr. Coker oversees all clinical research operations at PDM, aligning them with the school’s mission and strategic objectives. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment. She is deeply involved in mentoring and guiding the team members of CCTR, Principal Investigators (PIs), as well as students and faculty across the school. Dr. Coker’s mentorship is characterized by her dedication to cultivating the next generation of researchers, empowering them to excel in their careers and make meaningful contributions to science.

Dr. Coker’s research interests focus on the study of the microbiome and its relationship with early-life infections, behavioral factors, and environmental influences on oral and dental health. Her research is driven by a passion to uncover therapeutic interventions that can improve health outcomes, particularly for the vulnerable. Her work not only seeks to advance scientific understanding but also to translate research findings into practical solutions that benefit populations and communities.

Prior to joining Penn Dental Medicine, Dr. Coker established a robust research program at Rutgers University, where she mentored master’s and doctoral students, guiding them through their academic and research endeavors. Since 2019, she has served as an Assistant Professor of Oral Biology and held adjunct faculty positions at several esteemed institutions, further reflecting her dedication to education and research.

Dr. Coker’s academic credentials are impressive: she earned her PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, her Master of Public Health from the prestigious Johns Hopkins University, and her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. Her comprehensive education, combined with her extensive research and leadership experience, uniquely positions her to lead and inspire at the forefront of clinical and translational research.

Education

• PhD in Epidemiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
• Master of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University
• Bachelor of Dental Surgery, University of Ibadan in Nigeria.