The Lincoln Memorial University–College of Dental Medicine (LMU-CDM) celebrated innovation, discovery, and academic excellence at its annual Research Day. Held October 3 at the Knoxville Convention Center, the event showcased oral and poster presentations from dental students highlighting research in clinical, translational, and basic sciences.
“Research Day reflects the innovative spirit and intellectual curiosity that drive our community forward,” said Dean Qi Wang. “The scholarly achievements we celebrated are a testament to our students, faculty, and staff—and to our collective mission to advance oral and systemic health through research and education.”
Faculty, industry partners, and research professionals attended to judge presentations and honor top student researchers across multiple categories.
Oral Presentation Winners:
· Uswa Arain received the Dentsply Sirona: SCADA Award for Excellence in Student Research.
· Keegan Dedman and Braden Cole were awarded the NaserDean Foundation Award for Distinguished Research.
· Faraz Ghamgosar earned the O. Hilt Tatum Jr. Award for Excellence in Research.
· Julianna Iuorno received the NaserDean Foundation Award for Excellence in Research.
· Kyle Morris was honored with the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Oral Research Presentation.
Poster Presentation Winners:
· Kylan Burch received the NaserDean Foundation Award for Innovation in Research.
· Ashley Cottone was awarded the Edward R. Kusek Award for Excellence in Research.
· Athena Marlar received the NaserDean Foundation Award for Best Translational/Basic Science Poster.
· Nicholas Matuszak earned the Best Poster Award for Innovation and Discovery.
· John Pattison received the NaserDean Foundation Award as a Rising Scholar.
· William Pilgrim was recognized with the Outstanding Poster Presentation Award.
· Jordan Renard and Cade Morrow received the Best Translational/Basic Science Poster Award.
This year’s event was organized by Dr. Ammaar Abidi, DDS, PhD, Associate Dean for Research and Biomedical Sciences Faculty; Dr. Karima Ait-Aissa, MS, PhD, Director for Research and Biomedical Sciences Faculty; and Dr. Undral Munhk-saikhan, MS, MD, Biomedical Sciences Faculty.
Mentorship for student researchers was provided by a dedicated team of faculty, including Dr. Ammaar Abidi, Dr. Hala Abutineh, Dr. Karima Ait-Aissa, Dr. Ehsanul Hoque Anup, Dr. Susan J. Baker, Dr. Modar Kassan, Dr. Shaza Mardini, Dr. Undral Munhk-saikhan, Dr. Katherine Parfomak, Dr. Amal Sahyoun, Dr. Alivia Shasteen, Dr. George Steedley, and Dr. Wesley Whisenant.
Photographs from the event can be viewed here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCwhYe
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. Lincoln Memorial University-College of Dental Medicine (LMU-CDM) is home to the Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) and Dental Hygiene (DH) programs. It is located in Knoxville at the newly renovated LMU Tower. For more information about LMU-CDM programs contact, CollegeofDentalMedicine@LMUnet.edu.
