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As a full-time faculty in orthodontics at UNMC, Dr. Premaraj is currently course director for one pre-doctoral orthodontic course and 3 graduate orthodontic courses. In addition, he is an instructor on other six graduate level orthodontic courses and seminars. Dr. Premaraj is a graduate faculty member on the Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Area graduate program at UNMC. He currently serves as a major advisor for three MS degree students. He also is the advisor for two pre-doctoral students’ research projects.
Dr. Premaraj maintains an active research laboratory at the UNMC and his research program seeks to understand the Beta-catenin signaling pathways in periodontal ligament and alveolar bone in response to orthodontic loading. His other research interests include the role of cytokines in cranial suture fusion and Tgf-beta cell signaling in osteoblasts. Dr. Premaraj is the current President of the Nebraska Society of Orthodontists. He also maintains a part-time intra-mural private practice in Lincoln, NE.
The goal of Dr. Premaraj’s current research is to understand the molecular pathways associated with orthodontic mechanotransduction. This research will help to identify molecular targets that can be manipulated to accelerate or impede tooth movement. These studies are of an important and under-investigated area of orthodontics and will identify the precise molecular mechanisms of how tooth movement occurs when an orthodontic force is applied to a tooth. This research has relevance to orthodontic therapy, because understanding of these mechanisms may lead to more efficient and predictable of tooth movement.
Dr. Premaraj is very grateful to AAOF for the continued support for his academic development. This fellowship will be used to supplement his salary. Financial support from the AAOF is very important for Dr. Premaraj to achieve his academic career goals. This award will allow him to dedicate most of his time for teaching and research.
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