Dentistry Graduate and Professor Recognized for Research Project

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 25, 2015) — University of Kentucky College of Dentistry graduate Jonathan Francis and Assistant Professor Lina Sharab were recognized for their research efforts by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and they presented their research during the recent 2015 AAO Annual Session in San Francisco. The AAO is the world’s oldest and largest dental specialty organization, representing more than 17,000 orthodontist members throughout the United States, Canada, and abroad.  

Francis was awarded second place, receiving $750, in the basic science category of the 2015 Charley Schultz Resident Scholar Award for his research titled, “Screw Diameter and Orthodontic Loading Influence Adjacent Bone Response.” A total of 23 research presentations were submitted for the award this year. Francis also received second place for this research in the UKCD College Research Day in the Graduate Student Clinical/Translational category. His mentor was UKCD Division of Orthodontics Chief Dr. Sarandeep Huja.

The Charley Schultz Resident Scholar Award was established by the AAO in 2004 as a means of offering graduate students/residents the chance to present clinical science and basic science research using narrative material and a posterboard.

"It’s exciting to be a part of research that can help advance the field of orthodontics. I am very grateful for all the guidance and help I received throughout this project," Francis said.

Sharab was one of four people awarded the 2015 Thomas M. Graber Award of Special Merit, established by the AAO in 2002, for her research titled, “Genetic and treatment related risk factors associated with external apical root reabsorption (EARR).” Sharab was mentored by UKCD Professor of Orthodontics Dr. James Hartsfield and also supported by Assistant Professor Dr. Lorri Morford, UK Center for Oral Health.

“Most people work hard to have their goals achieved. A variety of life obstacles start filtering away many of the hard working people, slowing them down, or leaving them deeply stressed," Sharab said. "Having enthusiasm as a motivation is the only guarantee to eventually reach one’s goal. When one reaches her/his goal, the best reward is a symbolic gift of the same nature; an award that was passionately created, named after one of the most passionate educators in orthodontics, and given to re-energize and nurture a young growing passion like mine.

"The Graber Award is the most rewarding gift to my love of both orthodontics and education. While it is true that research was required as part of earning the orthodontic degree; it was also a labor of love. I was lucky to get the inspiration and support from my mentors at UK.”

The AAO Awards selection process is very competitive, Huja said. "It is significant that two individuals in the Division of Orthodontics at the University of Kentucky were recognized and received awards in the same year. This is really a tribute to the graduate students’ hard work and the college’s mentors who work diligently to develop these research ideas."  

“I am delighted to see these superb young orthodontists receive national attention for the quality of their work. This is yet another indication of the high quality of our orthodontic program,” said Dean Sharon Turner. “Our faculty are world-class as demonstrated by their achievements and, even more impressive, by the achievements of those whom they so carefully mentor.”