Student Research Day highlights innovation and discovery at HSDM

Standing beside scientific poster presentations that represented years of work, graduating dental students at Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) showcased their research at the school’s annual Student Research Day held April 7 in HSDM’s Research Education Building. 

The event marked the culmination of research developed in close partnership with faculty mentors. Students from DMD, MMSc, and DMSc programs contributed to a wide range of scientific inquiry—from basic and translational science to clinical research and global health their work reflected a shared commitment to advancing oral health.

“Our students and postdocs have continued to adapt, stay curious, and push their work forward. It’s truly inspiring to see how they’ve grown and thrived during such a demanding time,” said Francesca Gori, director of Research & Training Programs, and associate professor of Oral Medicine, Infection & Immunity. 

Several projects centered on advancing health and well-being, with research spanning infectious disease and regenerative medicine. Others turned inward to examine how dental education can evolve, identifying new approaches to better prepare and support the next generation of oral health professionals. 

Some students explored emerging technologies shaping the future of care. John Couri, DMD26, examined how artificial intelligence (AI) can help dentists decide whether a tooth should be saved or removed, one of the most important decisions in treatment planning. While dentists rely on established guidelines, few tools bring together the full range of clinical factors involved. His project evaluated how accurately AI could make these predictions in both ideal scenarios and real-world treatment planning.

“Clinically, I see these models more as decision-support and educational tools rather than a replacement for clinical judgment,” he said. “They have the potential to help clinicians make more consistent, data-driven decisions, especially in cases where prognosis is uncertain.”

Couri will continue his training in Boston after graduation through an orthodontics residency at HSDM. 

“Student Research Day reminded me that at HSDM we are in an environment where you can be inspired. It made me especially excited to start my residency, where I’ll be exposed to new questions and challenged to try to solve them,” he added.

Fransisca Meralus, MMSc26, focused her research on how a common oral bacterium responds to antibiotic treatment during her periodontology residency.  She will head to Atlanta after graduation to enter private practice. 

“I enjoyed sharing the research I've been working on during my residency with my colleagues and faculty,” Meralus said. “It was also really interesting to see what other students whom I've worked with on a clinical basis present the research they've been working hard on.”

Other projects focused on improving the tools clinicians use every day. Jessica Poon, MMSc26, explored how well 3D-printed surgical guides, which help dentists place implants with precision, maintain their shape over time. Her study looked at how different storage conditions and time influence the reliability of these guides. 

“Student Research Day was a great opportunity for me to showcase the work that I finally finished putting together throughout my three years in residency,” said Poon, who plans to enter private practice as a prosthodontist in the Boston area. “It was a wonderful way to share my work with friends and faculty!”

Following the poster presentations, students, faculty, and staff gathered for the annual Professor Donald B. Giddon Memorial Lecture in Behavioral Medicine and Dentistry. Invited lecturer, Dr. Jennifer Webster-Cyriaque, acting director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, spoke about her career in academic dentistry and research. She emphasized the role of mentorship in shaping the next generation of scientists and clinicians. She also highlighted opportunities at the Institute for students and fellows interested in research careers.

“This is a rewarding and privileged career,” Webster-Cyriaque said about working in dental research. “This is a field that is helping to make the world a healthier place.”

For graduating students, Research Day marked not just the end of a project, but the beginning of careers shaped by curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to advancing oral health.