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Ruth Aponte, DDS, MS - Assistant Professor |
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James Broome, DDS, MS - Associate Professor Dr. Broome’s research interests are in the clinical and laboratory evaluation of polymeric restorative materials. His current interest is in stress development during composite resin polymerization, and methods of controlling the stress clinically. In addition, he is collaborating with the Department of Physics in developing a non-destructive method of investigating resin polymerization through the use of Raman spectroscopy. |
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Dan Givan, DMD, PhD - Associate Professor Dr. Givan's interests include in vitro and in vivo performance of restorative materials with emphasis on resin composites as well as fixed, removable, and implant prosthodontics. Possible subject areas include mechanical durability, fatigue-life, wear resistance, fracture mode, and bonding integrity. |
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Jack E. Lemons, PhD - Professor
The research activities of J. Lemons have focused on the biocompatibility profiles of surgical implant devices with an emphasis on the role(s) of element and/or force transfers along biomaterial-to-tissue interfaces. Current research/student projects include: characterization of cell/fluid interactions with titanium (alpha, alpha-beta and beta) and zirconium alloy (Zirc II) surfaces (PhD study); in vivo and in vitro bone responses to surface modifications of titanium alloy (alpha-beta) implants (MS and PhD studies); biomechanical properties of implant stabilized removable dentures (MS study); in vivo explant and in vitro analyses of polyglass crown and bridge restorations (two MS and one undergraduate DMD study); in vivo and in vitro evaluation of metallic-metallic and metallic-polymeric wear of total joints (MS and PhD studies); and biocompatibility aspects of nanocrystalline carbon and hydroxyapatite modifications of alloys for temporomandibular joint replacement (MS study)
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Firoz Rahemtulla, PhD - Professor
The long-term goal of the research of Dr. Firoz Rahemtulla is to elucidate the role of salivary peroxidase system in oral health. In the oral cavity, this system generates an antibacterial agent, the hypothiocyanite anion, and detoxifies hydrogen peroxide. In vivo the salivary peroxidase system may be in a state of dynamic equilibrium which maximizes the production of antibacterial agent and minimizes the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide. Any changes in the dynamic state would result in a loss of the protective function with possible detrimental effects for the oral cavity. In continued effort to contribute to the knowledge of salivary peroxidase system, current work is focused on the regulation of the salivary peorxidase system; basic knowledge of the biological significance of the thiocyanate ion; and the physiological role of hydrogen peroxide in salivary glands and saliva.
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Shiro Suzuki, DDS - Professor
One Dr. Suzuki’s major research interests is the evaluation of wear of restorative dental materials. He has been involved in the evaluation of material degradation in vivo and in vitro for over 24 years. As director of clinical research, he has conducted numerous clinical studies including the evaluation of posterior composites, desensitizers for dentin hyper sensitivity, and resin bonded fixed partial dentures, and etc. In addition he has a special interest in broadening the relationship with international scholars via research cooperation.
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Ms. Toni Hulsey - Administrative Associate
Essentially nothing would happen in Biomaterials without the attention and expertise of Ms. Toni. From processing applications to requisitions to submitting scientific articles to writing grants to just generally keeping things on track: if you want something done, she is the best person to ask! |
