#  Developmental Biology 

 



#  Developmental Biology 

Transforming our understanding of growth, development, and repair through cutting-edge research, innovative education, and exceptional clinical care.



 

 

 

      ![Research holding up a sample](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_4_3__1540x1160/public/2024-12/DevBioHero.jpg?itok=VR9_ghst) 

 

 



 

 



 

 

 

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## Department overview

The Department of Developmental Biology at Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) brings together clinical expertise in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics with groundbreaking basic research. Our faculty are committed educators and mentors, supporting the academic and professional growth of postdoctoral fellows, orthodontics fellows, pediatric dental residents, DMD students, MD and PhD candidates at Harvard Medical School, and undergraduates at Harvard University.



 

##  Associated degree programs 

Explore our programs in pediatrics and orthodontics, designed for hands-on training and career advancement.



 

 



 [  arrow\_forward  Orthodontics ](/orthodontics) [  arrow\_forward  Pediatrics ](/pediatric-dentistry) 

 

 

 

 

##  Clinical expertise 

Our full-time clinical faculty deliver exceptional care across prestigious institutions, including:

- Harvard Dental Center's Faculty Group Practice
- Boston Children’s Hospital
- Massachusetts General Hospital

Part-time faculty extend our department’s impact through their expertise in private practice settings.

### Research and innovation 

Research conducted by our full-time faculty spans:

- Early embryonic development
- Skeletal and vascular morphogenesis
- Tissue growth and repair regulation
- Conditions such as osteoarthritis, fibrosis, and osteoporosis



 

 

 

 

####  Faculty laboratories 

Our labs are dedicated to advancing understanding in these critical areas to improve patient outcomes and further scientific discovery.



 

 



 [  arrow\_forward  Rosen laboratory ](/rosen-laboratory) [  arrow\_forward  Whitman laboratory ](/whitman-laboratory) [  arrow\_forward  Yang laboratory ](/yang-laboratory) 

 

 

 

 

 

##  Developmental biology news 

Stay updated on our latest research, achievements, and innovations.

 

 



  [### Orthodontics resident finds inspiration in treating complex cases

 ](/news/orthodontics-resident-finds-inspiration-treating-complex-cases) March 04, 2024 

 Growing up, Jennifer Shahar, MMSc25, and her family hosted a young girl from Poland who traveled to the U.S. to receive cleft lip and palate treatment. The first-hand experience opened her eyes to the crucial role an orthodontist can play in a person’s... 

 

 

   ![Jennifer Shahar](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/dental/files/jennifer_shahar.jpg?h=920929c4&itok=_PIa6OnR) 

 



 

 

   [### Department of Defense funding will advance study of rare bone disease at HSDM and MGH

 ](/news/department-defense-funding-will-advance-study-rare-bone-disease-hsdm-and-mgh) May 18, 2023 

Researchers at HSDM and MGH received a $3M Department of Defense grant to study Fibrous Dysplasia, aiming to uncover treatments for this rare skeletal disease.



 

 

   ![doctor holding xray of skull](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/dental/files/doctor_xray_web.jpg?itok=3MfEb2UP) 

 



 

 

   [### Investigating the Role of Stem Cells in Tooth Repair

 ](/news/researchers-investigate-role-stem-cells-repairing-teeth) January 10, 2022 

 Dr. Yingzi Yang, professor of Developmental Biology, and Dr. Jennifer Gibbs, assistant professor of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials Sciences and program director for Endodontics, have been awarded $200,000 in seed grant funding from the Harvard... 

 

 

   ![Drs. Gibbs and Yang](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/dental/files/_dsc1337.jpg?itok=nCg5atea) 

 



 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

##  Department chair 

 



  [### Vicki Rosen

 ](/people/vicki-rosen) [vicki\_rosen@hsdm.harvard.edu](mailto:vicki_rosen@hsdm.harvard.edu)Chair of the Department of Developmental Biology

Doctors Samuel and Ida Gelfand Professor of Developmental Biology

 

 

 

      ![Headshot of Vicki Rosen](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2024-07/Vicky_Rosen.jpg?itok=q-23JFCI) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

###  Developmental Biology Department 

Discover our team of faculty, research fellows, and staff advancing the field of developmental biology.



 

 



 [  arrow\_forward  Full-time faculty ](/hsdm-directory?f%5B0%5D=hwp_c_peoplebydepartmentpr%3A67736&f%5B1%5D=hwp_c_peoplerole12%3A67716) [  arrow\_forward  Part-time faculty ](/hsdm-directory?f%5B0%5D=hwp_c_peoplebydepartmentpr%3A67736&f%5B1%5D=hwp_c_peoplerole12%3A67721) [  arrow\_forward  Emeritus faculty ](/hsdm-directory?f%5B0%5D=hwp_c_peoplebydepartmentpr%3A67736&f%5B1%5D=hwp_c_peoplerole12%3A179401) [  arrow\_forward  Research/clinical fellows and associates ](/hsdm-directory?f%5B0%5D=hwp_c_peoplebydepartmentpr%3A67736&f%5B1%5D=hwp_c_peoplerole12%3A67731) [  arrow\_forward  Staff ](/hsdm-directory?f%5B0%5D=hwp_c_peoplebydepartmentpr%3A67736&f%5B1%5D=hwp_c_peoplerole12%3A67726)