Program Structure & Curriculum

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

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 Year 2
Coursework (custom fit) — 10% of time
Immersion & Interactive Activities, and Clinical/Regulatory Sessions — 10% of time Immersion & Interactive Activities, and Optional Entrepreneurship Sessions — 10% of time
Mentored Research & Career Development
(F32 Award K/R Award) — 80% of time
Mentored Research & Career Development
(F32 Award K/R Award) — 90% of time

 

CiPD

 

240 South 40th Street | Philadelphia, PA | 19104
215-746-2654 | donohol@upenn.edu