Iowa Section of AADR - The University of Iowa College of Dentistry

Dear Colleagues:
Thank you for your participation in the University of Iowa College of Dentistry’s Local Research
Day on February 14, 2012. Research is central to our mission. Research is important in itself
and for the culture of inquiry that it supports. This day is one of the highlights of our life as an
academic community. The event’s planning committee and research presenters are to be heartily
commended for their hard work.
We are honored to host Dr. Isabel Garcia, Deputy Director of NIDCR, as our keynote speaker.
Dr. Garcia has worked tirelessly and effectively, not only to lead NIDCR as Acting Director, but to
raise the visibility of dental research at the NIH. This critical visibility for dental research at the
NIH was enhanced through her work on the NIH Roadmap and in assisting Dr. Larry Tabak in
his post as Interim Deputy Director of the larger NIH.
Since our last Research Day, half of our fourth floor research space has been renovated and occupied.
This state-of-the-art transformation was possible with the support of the Roy J. Carver
Charitable Trust. The Carver Charitable Trust will be represented by Troy Ross, Ph.D. and
Lynne Sasmazer, Ph.D.
Local Research Day shows the people and the spirit of discovery that have always made possible
outstanding education, service, research, and patient care within our College.
Local Research Day and this research abstract book offer many opportunities to learn about fascinating
research within our College. Thank you for being a part of this important event.
Best wishes,
David C. Johnsen, D.D.S., M.S.
Dean
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