significantly, I was introduced to teaching as a small group leader for dental students. These positive experiences shaped my subsequent decision to fully pursue an academic-research career.

In 2002, I completed a PhD in Oral Biology and Maxillofacial Pathology at the Medical College of Georgia. My thesis focused on mechanotransduction in orthodontic tooth movement in a rodent model. This very successful experience examining orthodontic tooth movement at the molecular level ignited my desire to gain a deeper understanding of the clinical aspect of orthodontics. After working one year as a teaching fellow at the University of Alberta, I entered a residency in orthodontics in 2004.

Having completed an orthodontic residency and an MSc in Biomedical Sciences, I accepted a faculty position at the University of California San Francisco in July 2007.  Recognizing the complexities of clinical research and my need for further instruction, I began a 1 year Advanced Training in Clinical Research (ATCR) certificate program offered by UCSF. I was very fortunate to receive the 2008 AAOF award that provided the means to gain additional training in the planning and implementation of clinical studies.  Specifically, I was able to study, under the mentorship of Prof. Stephen Richmond of the University of Cardiff, different occlusal indexes used to determine orthodontic treatment need. I am very thankful to the AAOF for the 2008 and 2010 awards.

My long-term goal is to develop an independent career combining clinical/translational research with clinical orthodontics. One of my interests is the pre-doctoral orthodontic curriculum and finding the most efficient and successful method/methods to teach dental students diagnosis of malocclusion and timely orthodontic referral.  The AAOF award will allow me to attend orthodontic and dental meetings where I will be able to present my research, interact with faculty from other programs and establish collaborations.

I am very grateful to the Foundation for this opportunity. Their financial support is making a significant difference in individuals like myself who are commencing their academic careers.