Summer Research Program cultivates future dental scientists
This summer marked the launch of the first School of Dentistry Summer Research Program for undergraduate students, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) R25 Education Projects program. This grant supports the development of innovative research education initiatives that enhance the training of future scientists.
Undergraduate students from universities across Texas applied to the twelve-week program, which was designed to immerse students in oral health research while equipping them with the skills and confidence to pursue careers as clinician-scientists.
The program’s mission is to provide a rigorous, hands-on research experience and to address the nationwide shortage of dental faculty and clinician-scientists. Early exposure to research is considered a critical factor in determining whether future dentists choose academic careers over starting in private practice after graduation.
“The program provides excellent exposure for prospective DDS candidates to the broad range of research in dentistry. We hope it will spark their interest in pursuing a research career in dentistry—after all, training the next generation of clinician-scientists is one of the school's core missions,” stated, Peter M. Loomer, DDS, PhD, MBA, professor in the Department of Periodontics, director of the Center for Global and Community Oral Health and research mentor in this year’s program.
Undergraduate student selection and mentor pairing process
Applicants were recruited through targeted outreach to twelve universities across Texas. Ten students were selected, and based on the students’ qualifications and research interests, they were paired with School of Dentistry scientists whose expertise aligned with the students’ goals. Once paired, they joined their mentors’ labs, contributing directly to ongoing research projects while benefiting from a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment that promoted networking, technical skill development and professional growth. The inaugural cohort comprised students from The University of Texas at San Antonio and the University of the Incarnate Word.
For this year's program, faculty mentors from the School of Dentistry included Brij B. Singh, PhD, associate dean for research and interim director of the Center for Regenerative Sciences; Peter M. Loomer, DDS, PhD, MBA, Xiao-Dong Chen, MD, PhD, professor in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry and researcher at the Center for Regenerative Sciences; Chih-Ko Yeh, BDS, PhD, professor in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry and researcher at the Center for Regenerative Sciences; Bibhuti Mishra, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Developmental Dentistry and researcher at the Center for Regenerative Sciences; Kyumin Whang, PhD, MSE, professor and researcher in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry; Natalia De Campos Kajimoto, DDS, PhD, MS, assistant professor in the Department of Periodontics and researcher at the Center for Global and Community Oral Health; and Shuo Chen, MD, PhD, professor in the Department of Developmental Dentistry and researcher at the Center for Regenerative Sciences.
From May 27 through July 31, the selected students worked full-time alongside their mentors, earning a $5,000 stipend for their contributions. In addition to their summer work, the students are invited to return to campus for the School of Dentistry’s annual research symposium to present their findings to faculty, peers and the broader research community.
The focus of the Summer Research Program was to develop and sustain a training initiative that provided the students with a twelve-week didactic and hands-on research experience. The students then summarized and published their projects through the Critically Appraised Topics (CATs) program.
Undergraduate student research highlights
Student: Chloe Phan
Mentor: Peter M. Loomer, DDS, PhD, MBA
Project: Developing and testing surveys that compare dental students’ experiences in traditional simulation labs with their expectations for virtual reality training in the future, with the goal of enhancing dental education methods.
Phan reflected on her experience this summer, sharing, "What’s surprised me most is how much goes into crafting a well-designed study. From the wording of questions to understanding how dental students might interpret them, it has changed my perspective on what goes into research surveys. I’ve also gained a deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that goes into educational improvements. The chance to publish an abstract has also kept me motivated throughout this summer, as it is an opportunity I have not yet had."
Student: Dev Patel
Mentor: Shuo Chen, MD, PhD
Project: Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology to study the role of the Dlx3 gene in dental cell growth and hard tissue formation, contributing to the understanding of genetic causes of dental and bone disorders.
Patel shared about his experience, saying, "I've found the R25 Research Program to be very entertaining and insightful. I'm learning about all kinds of gene editing methods and information. The program is also great since it allows me to do hands-on work, like performing the procedures rather than just watching someone do the labs. I'm having a great time learning and working with Dr. Chen."
Student: MacKenzie Gilder
Mentor: Kyumin Whang, PhD, MSE
Project: Measuring polymerization shrinkage stress in dental restorative composites predicted by machine learning models and assisting with mechanical testing of a novel antimicrobial orthodontic cement containing K18 and nanohydroxyapatite.
Student: Ryan Huddleston
Mentor: Natalia De Campos Kajimoto, DDS, PhD, MS
Project: Conducting a clinical study on the effectiveness of individualized oral hygiene instruction for patients in periodontal maintenance therapy, monitoring changes in clinical parameters and patient feedback over time.
Student: Kevin Clifford
Mentor: Peter M. Loomer, DDS, PhD, MBA
Project: Exploring dental students’ perceptions of haptic virtual reality simulation training through survey-based research to improve future dental education tools.
Professional development and presentations
Students also received presentations from faculty experts, including:
“Career Opportunities and the Future of Dentistry and Research” was presented by Kenneth M. Hargreaves, DDS, PhD, professor and dean of the School of Dentistry, and director of the Center for Pain Therapeutics and Addiction Research.
“The Critically Appraised Topics (CATs) Program” was presented by John D. Rugh, PhD, professor emeritus in the Department of Developmental Dentistry.
“Abstract Writing and Preparing Manuscripts” was the final presentation given by Cara B. Gonzales, DDS, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry.
Continuing the mission
The inaugural Summer Research Program brought together undergraduate students and School of Dentistry faculty to pursue diverse dental and oral health research projects. The School remains committed to cultivating the next generation of dental leaders and scientists through programs like this one, with the goal of providing ongoing opportunities that support research skill development and encourage exploration of academic careers in dentistry.
To apply as an undergraduate student or serve as a mentor for the 2026 Summer Research Program, contact Trisha Trainum at trainum@uthscsa.edu.