Tag: College of Dental Medicine

Faculty Member Gives Presentations on Stress at Conferences

Sharon C. Siegel

Sharon C. Siegel

Sharon C. Siegel, DDS, MS, MBA, gave two presentations this fall, both of which focused on coping with stress.

She gave a presentation on Sept. 26 at the Emerald Coast Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) meeting in Destin, Fla. The title of her presentation was “Reducing Your Stress, Restoring Your Sleep and Managing Your Burnout: One Breath at a Time.”  The presentation was well-attended, and participant feedback was positive.

Siegel also presented at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) Annual Session in Orlando on Oct. 26 with two ACLM colleagues. The title of her presentation was “Combatting Provider Stress: The Solution May be Right Under your Nose.”

The session was sold out. The ACLM is a specialty in the American Medical Association that uses the six pillars of healthy lifestyle to focus on addressing chronic illness in their practices. The six pillars are nutrition, exercise, sleep stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and social connection.

NSU Announces Provost’s Research and Scholarship Awards

It has been 14 years since we first launched the Provost’s Research and Scholarship Award. This program offers awards across two career stages and two disciplinary categories. This year, we are grateful for an added recognition provided by NSU Business Services, where each winner will receive a year’s membership to the NSU Faculty Club, valued at $300.

Arts, Business, Humanities, Law, and Social Sciences

weissman

Weissman

Assistant Professor Award goes to Jeremy Weissman, assistant professor in the Halmos College of Arts & Sciences.

Jeremy was honored for his significant contributions to research and scholarship, particularly in the ethics of technology and biomedical ethics. His work addresses timely and relevant issues, positioning him as a future leader in these fields. Notably, his book, “The Crowdsourced Panopticon: Conformity and Control on Social Media,” published in 2021, has garnered many positive reviews and has been featured on platforms like the Academy of Ideas.

Beyond his research, Jeremy has actively engaged with the NSU community, addressing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence in higher education. He has delivered talks, participated in podcasts, and contributed to initiatives aimed at inspiring students in their research endeavors. Through his efforts, he is not only advancing academic discourse but also fostering the development of responsible professionals for the future.

Neymotin

Neymotin

Professor Award goes to Florence Neymotin, professor in the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

Florence was recognized for her outstanding contributions to research and scholarship, having been trained by a Nobel Prize winner who instilled in her a commitment to excellence. Throughout her academic career, she has published over fifty journal articles in top-tier journals, including Health Economics, Journal of Economic Psychology, and Obesity. Notably, her work on the economics of education was selected as an editor’s pick in Science and has received significant media attention.

In addition to her research, Florence is dedicated to mentoring junior colleagues and fostering collaboration across disciplines. She has developed courses in economics and related fields and has received excellent evaluations for her teaching. By linking research with education, she is shaping the next generation of scholars and leaders.

Banks

Banks

Professor Award goes to Jonathan Banks, associate professor in the College of Psychology.

Jonathan was recognized for his impactful research on attention control, exploring how factors like stress, mindfulness, and exercise influence cognitive functions. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of mind wandering as both a consequence of poor attention control and a contributor to cognitive impairments related to stress.

He has published 34 peer-reviewed articles, with notable contributions to high-impact journals such as Emotion and Journal of Experimental Psychology. Jonathan has also presented his findings at 42 national and international conferences, often including student co-authors.

His research has received external funding, including a recent NSF award with Dr. Jamie Tartar, aimed at examining the interplay between stress, mind wandering, and cognitive function. Through his innovative work, Jonathan is making vital contributions to cognitive psychology and enhancing our understanding of how mindfulness can mitigate stress-related cognitive challenges.

STEM and Health/Medicine

Cheema

Cheema

Assistant Professor Award goes to Aman Cheema, assistant professor in the Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Aman was recognized for her impactful research in complex multi symptom illnesses. She has secured significant funding, including three Department of Defense awards, and published in top-tier journals.

Notably, she led the first Phase II trial funded by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, focusing on veterans. Her work has garnered 161 citations, highlighting her influence in the field. She is a Co-Chair of the NSU IRB and Director of the INIM office of Clinical Research.

Aman is also a dedicated mentor, guiding numerous students in research and contributing to the establishment of an interdisciplinary PhD program at KPCOM. Her collaborative efforts and leadership in the SHIELD TOXIC EXPOSURES conference further underscore her commitment to advancing research and supporting the next generation of scientists.

Kawai

Kawai

Professor Award goes to Toshihisa Kawai, professor in the College of Dental Medicine.

Toshi was recognized for his outstanding contributions to research, having published 143 original papers and secured over $20 million in extramural funding. He is internationally acclaimed for his innovative monoclonal antibody platform and has five issued patents.

Since joining Nova Southeastern University in 2016, Toshi has expanded his research to include microbiology and osteoimmunology, focusing on mucosal infectious diseases. His NIH R21 and R01 grants led to groundbreaking discoveries in autoimmune responses related to bone diseases, including periodontitis, TMJ disorder, and osteoarthritis, and he is currently developing a novel humanized mouse model to enhance preclinical drug testing.

Toshi’s expertise is recognized globally, with numerous invited lectures at prestigious institutions and conferences, and service on numerous NIH study sections. He actively mentors junior researchers and students, fostering a collaborative and supportive research environment. His commitment to advancing dental and biomedical research and training the next generation of scholars makes him a highly respected figure in his field.

Figueiredo

Figueiredo

Professor Award goes to Joana Figueiredo, associate professor in the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences.

Joana was recognized for her pioneering research in coral reef restoration, a critical area of study with significant scientific, social, and economic implications. Since joining Nova Southeastern University in 2014, she has secured millions in external funding and currently serves as the Interim Executive Director of the National Coral Reef Institute.

With over 2,000 citations and an h-index of 24, Joana has published extensively in prestigious journals such as Nature Climate Change, Ecology, and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. She actively contributes to the academic community as a reviewer for multiple journals and topic editor for Coral Reefs.

Her expertise has led to invited presentations at renowned institutions, including the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, The Nature Conservancy, and the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research in Germany. Joana also plays a vital role in mentoring students, having advised over 40 master’s students on their thesis projects and including them in numerous publications. Her leadership and commitment to coral reef research make her a valuable asset to the field and the university.

Student Dental Association Honors Assistant Professor

Amini

Dr. Aryia Amini

Dr. Aryia Amini, assistant professor at NSU’s College of Dental Medicine, received the 2024 American Student Dental Association’s (ASDA) Advocate Award.

The ASDA is a national student-run organization that protects and advances the rights, interests, and welfare of dental students.

The Advocate Award recognizes faculty or school administrators who have shown a commitment to dental students and provide leadership and direction in addition to commitment to organized dentistry.

This is the second consecutive year that Dr. Amini has received the award.

Grant Provides Dental Care for Ukrainian Refugees in Florida

From left: Kateryna Klymenko, Dr. Yehuda J. Benjamin, Class of 2024 endodontic resident Dr. Daniel Romero, Class of 2025 endodontic resident Dr. Rachel Schapiro, and patient Polina Danilova

The Ukrainian Refugee Resettlement Project (URRP), led by founder Angie Watstein in coordination with the Department of Endodontics at NSU’s College of Dental Medicine, has been awarded the 2023 Domestic Access to Care Grant by the Foundation of Endodontics and U.S. Endo Partners. This collaboration marks a significant step toward providing critical endodontic care to Ukrainian refugees in Florida, many of whom face barriers to accessing dental services.

This initiative will help Ukrainian refugees needing endodontic services who are ineligible for Medicaid, don’t have dental insurance or cannot afford dental care. The project aids those affected by the Ukrainian conflict, offering support to individuals facing challenges in accessing health care.

Watstein’s team is facilitated by URRP medical needs volunteer Julie Klitzner, who is the operational lead and first contact point. Services are coordinated by Dr. Yehuda J. Benjamin, faculty and staff. The services are performed by postgraduate endodontic residents. Dr. Benjamin is chair of the Endodontics Department. The initiative aids those in need while highlighting the profound impact of collaborative efforts in providing critical care to underserved communities.

One story underscoring the impact of this initiative involves Polina Danilova, a young Ukrainian refugee and her mother, Kateryna Klymenko, who were faced with the prospect of selling their car to afford a vital endodontic dental procedure. Because of intervention by URRP and the College of Dental Medicine, the family received the necessary endodontic treatment, showcasing the life-changing support this grant and initiative offer to a vulnerable population.

For more details on this initiative and others, visit the URRP and NSU College of Dental Medicine‘s websites.

Posted 04/07/24

Dental Medicine Student Studies Postures of Fellow Students

Natalia Sayeg

NSU’s College of Dental Medicine D4 student Natalia Sayeg presented her poster titled “Ergonomic Posture of Dental Students Prior and After Receiving a Flyer with Information on Proper Ergonomics – Pilot Study” at this year’s American Dental Education Association meeting in New Orleans.

The co-authors of her study were Dr. Liliana Mosquera, Dr. Mauricio Schneider, Dr. Nydia Cummings and Dr. Alexander Bendayan.

 The findings from the pilot study shed light on the ergonomic postures of the college’s dental students during seated fixed prosthodontics appointments, revealing a concerning lack of proper posture, particularly in the trunk and neck. The distribution of an informative flyer on proper posture resulted in noticeable improvements for most students.

These observations reinforced the importance of integrating preventive measures and educational initiatives into the dental curriculum to address ergonomic concerns and promote long-term musculoskeletal health among dental students.

Posted 03/17/24

Dental Medicine Intern Shines at Science Fair Competition

Jade Lubin

Jade Lubin, an NSU University School Upper School student, recently competed in the Miami-Dade STREAM Science Fair competition and was awarded a top-seven finalist prize among more than 200 students. Lubin is a National Institutes of Health Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility grant-supported intern at the NSU College of Dental Medicine.

Lubin’s research was supervised by Dr. Shin Nakamura and Dr. Toshihisa Kawai. She also presented the results of her summer/winter research internship in our laboratory under the supervision of Dr. Nakamura and Elizabeth Leon, a first-year dental student.

Lubin discovered that a novel bacterial protein, RagA, produced by P. gingivalis can cause the differentiation of osteoclasts, in the absence of RANKL that is an authentic permissive osteoclast-differentiation. P. gingivalis is a pathogen of periodontitis (gum disease) that is associated with Alzheimer’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Lubin will be competing in the upcoming Florida state science fair and International High School Science Fair.

“This achievement highlights the significance of institutions like NSU in providing the necessary support and guidance for students to flourish and empowering them to reach their full potential, thereby contributing positively to both academia and society at large,” said Dr. Mauricio Schneider, director of Belonging, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the College of Dental Medicine.

Posted 03/03/24

Endodontics Department Gets Domestic Access to Care Grant

Dr. Yehuda Benjamin

NSU’s College of Dental Medicine’s Department of Endodontics has been honored as a 2023 Domestic Access to Care Grant awardee.

This grant, facilitated by the Foundation for Endodontics and U.S. Endo Partners, enables the university to provide critical endodontic care to Ukrainian refugees in South Florida, many of whom face barriers such as unemployment, language challenges, and ineligibility for Medicaid.

This project was led by Dr. Yehuda Benjamin, interim chair and director of post-graduate endodontics that exemplifies our commitment to serving those in dire need of dental care. We are proud to be a part of this humanitarian effort, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve.

The Foundation for Endodontics’ and U.S. Endo Partners’ Domestic Access to Care Program aids endodontic specialists in providing access to free endodontic care to underserved patients within the United States. The Foundation believes every endodontist has the capacity to make a significant difference and is proud to empower specialists to serve patients and spread goodwill.

For more information, see this link.

Posted 01/14/24

NSU Receives Approval by Top University Accrediting Body

Dr. Belle Wheelan, President of SACSCOC with NSU President and CEO George L. Hanbury II

Nova Southeastern University received notification from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) that our Fifth-Year Interim Report has been successfully accepted with no additional reporting requested.

SACSCOC is the body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. It serves as the common denominator of shared values and practices primarily among the diverse institutions in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Latin America and certain other international sites approved by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees that award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral degrees.

The Commission also accepts applications for membership from domestic institutions in the other 39 states, as well as international institutions of higher education around the world.

Congratulations to all for this recognition of NSU as a preeminent university of quality and distinction!

Posted 12/05/23

FY2025 PRG and QOL Grant Cycles Now Open

The FY 2025 President’s Research Grant (PRG), formerly the Presidents Faculty Research Development Grant (PFRDG), and Quality of Life (QOL) grant cycles are now open! This year the application process will take place on Cayuse Sponsored Projects, NSU’s new grant management system. Applications are due via Cayuse no later than January 22, 2024, 5:00 p.m.. More information, as well as application instructions, can be found on the PRG and QOL websites, linked below. Through these programs, eligible faculty may apply for internal grants of up to $15,000 in support of a variety of research and scholarly activities. PRG and QOL are tremendous opportunities to obtain support for research and scholarship at NSU, and to build faculty research capacity that can be leveraged toward external funding pursuits.

For more information about how to apply and program guidelines, visit the PRG program website here and the QOL website here. For questions, please contact PRG@nova.edu or QOL@nova.edu.

Posted 12/10/23

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