Research Focus
Research conducted within the CiPD and this training program revolves around new frameworks to study, prevent, and treat oral diseases and craniofacial disorders in susceptible populations.
Domains of Research
- Microbiology
- Cell biology
- Immunology
- Bone/Tissue regeneration
- Drug delivery
Areas of Impact
- Diseases (caries and periodontal)
- Craniofacial disorders
- Head & neck cancers
Emerging Tools
- Advanced materials
- Bio/Nano-technology
- Devices/Bioprinting
- Robotics
- Artificial intelligence
- mRNA technology
Goals
The overarching goals of this research are:
- Fundamental and mechanistic discoveries
- Low-cost precision diagnostics
- Feasible therapeutic/regenerative approaches
The program provides trainees with customized coursework and research experience tailored to their specific career goals at the engineering/oral health interface for impact and innovation.
Appointments are for two years. Trainees spend 80% of their time in the first year and 90% in the second year on co-mentored project focused on research outcomes and grant proposals. There is no teaching requirement for this program.
Coursework includes:
- Oral and craniofacial sciences
- Engineering and computational principles
- Professional and career development
- Clinical and regulatory courses
Program activities include:
- Co-mentored research
- Annual retreat, workshops, seminars and symposia
- Industry interactions
- Joint activities with other academic programs at Penn
Year 1
- Coursework (custom fit) — 10% of time
- Immersion & Interactive Activities, and Clinical/Regulatory Sessions — 10% of time
- Mentored Research & Career Development (F32 Award K/R Award) — 80% of time
Year 2
- Immersion & Interactive Activities, and Optional Entrepreneurship Sessions — 10% of time
- Mentored Research & Career Development (F32 Award K/R Award) — 90% of time
