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Baylor Dental Record Online

Apr 2004

ADA president visits Baylor College of Dentistry

Dr. Eugene Sekiguchi, president of the American Dental Association, visited Baylor College of Dentistry on March 16 prior to speaking at the Dallas County Dental Society’s general membership meeting that evening. He toured the school, attended a reception in his honor and presented to students and faculty about current issues in dentistry, future trends and his journey from private practice to ADA president.

Sekiguchi currently practices dentistry in Monterey Park, Calif. In addition, he is clinical professor and associate dean for international professional and legislative affairs at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry.

Prior to his presidency, Sekiguchi served the ADA as a delegate and a member of key committees relating to the organization’s structure and budgetary process. He also is past president of the California Dental Association and the San Gabriel Valley Dental Society.

Student Research Group presents Research Day

A speaker, student competitions and vendor exhibits will be featured during Baylor College of Dentistry’s annual Research Day April 7. Dr. Sharon Gordon, director of the Office of Education at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research/National Institutes of Health, is the keynote speaker.
Set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the sixth floor lobby, Room 604 and Room 605, the program features poster and oral presentation formats as well as student competitions that include cash awards for winners. Vendors will be on hand to provide information about various dental products. Additionally, participants can earn up to five hours of lecture/demonstration continuing education credit.

Co-sponsored by the BCD Student Research Group and the Office of Research and Advanced Education, Research Day receives additional support from the Baylor Oral Health Foundation, the American Association for Dental Research’s Dallas section and participating vendors.
For more information, see “Research Day set for April 7” in the March issue of the Baylor Dental Record Online.

SRG auction offers tax-day fun

April 15 won’t be quite as taxing thanks to the Baylor College of Dentistry Student Research Group’s sixth annual auction. The auction serves as SRG’s major fund-raising event of the year.

The live auction begins at noon on April 15 in the sixth floor lobby. The silent auction begins in the B-level atrium April 13 from noon to 1 p.m., continues at the same time April 14, then concludes April 15 along with the live auction on the sixth floor.
SRG auction items are donated by faculty, staff, students and vendors. To donate items or for more information about the auction, contact Dr. Robert D. Spears (BCD ’02), SRG faculty adviser and assistant professor of biomedical sciences, at Ext 8297 or rspears@bcd.tamhsc.edu.

BCD faculty, students stand out at AADR/IADR meeting

Baylor College of Dentistry faculty and students made an impressive showing at the American Association for Dental Research/International Association for Dental Research’s annual session in Honolulu March 10-13. Several faculty members and students made presentations and brought home accolades as well.

Kelton Stewart (D2) took first place and Mike Ryan (D2) took third place in the basic sciences division of the AADR’s Caulk/Dentsply Student Research Group Award Competition for original research. They were two of only seven finalists whose poster presentations were evaluated by the organization’s judging committee. Both received certificates and cash awards; Stewart received $600 and Ryan received $250. Stewart’s mentor is Dr. Paul Ezzo (BCD ’93), research assistant professor of biomedical sciences; Ryan’s mentor is Dr. Robert Spears (BCD ’02), assistant professor of biomedical sciences.

"This is quite an accomplishment to have two students win awards in this highly competitive competition," Spears said.

Stewart, Amber Callis, Chris Gerwig, Mihir Patel and Sarah Pollan (all D2 students) each received an AADR Bloc Travel Grant to present their posters at the meeting. Supplemented by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the $500 grants helped defray the expense of attending the meeting.

Dr. Robert Hinton, associate professor and acting chair of biomedical sciences, was elected vice president of the IADR’s Craniofacial Biology Group. Over the next four years, he will serve as president-elect, president and immediate past president.

Erik Kern Harrington (D4), president, and Joe Rawlins (D3), vice president, completed their terms of office for the National Student Research Group at the meeting. Spears said they received numerous congratulations and accolades for their efforts in making the past year a success for the organization.

BCD presentations and authors are listed below; presenters are marked with an asterisk. Spears provided most of the information, although some individual contributions were submitted as well. Please send any omissions to Elizabeth J. Fulce, publications editor in communications and development. They will be published in the May issue of the BDR Online.

DDS Poster Presentations

DDS Oral Presentations

Graduate Student, Postdoctoral Associate and Visiting Scientist Oral Presentations

Graduate Student, Postdoctoral Associate and Visiting Scientist Poster Presentations

Staff Poster Presentations

Faculty Oral Presentations

Faculty Poster Presentations

Faculty Workshop Presentations

Awards and Honors

AAA taps Roberts for national award

John Roberts, a second-year dental student working on his dual DDS/MS degree at Baylor College of Dentistry, will compete for the American Association of Anatomists' Langman Graduate Student Platform Presentation Award April 17. He will present his master's research, "TGF-Beta3 Induced EMT of the Chicken Palatal Shelves is PI-3 Kinase Dependent."

Roberts is one of only six finalists chosen from dental, medical and veterinary graduate students nationwide to compete for the award, which honors noted embryologist and educator Jan Langman. First place and two runners-up awards will be presented at the association's annual Experimental Biology meeting in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Robert Spears (BCD '02), assistant professor of biomedical sciences, is Roberts' mentor. He also has worked closely with Dr. Kathy Svoboda, professor of biomedical sciences. Roberts is married to Dr. Raenie Oakes (BCD '03), an orthodontics resident at BCD.

AIChE presents award to Kramer

The Dallas Section of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers presented its Outstanding Young Engineer of the Year Award to Dr. Shannon Kramer, senior research associate in biomedical sciences, during a gala awards ceremony Feb. 28. Her biography was included in a special "Engineer Week" insert in The Dallas Morning News Feb. 22.

Kramer was recognized for her work in integrating her perspective as a chemical engineer with the current research conducted at Baylor College of Dentistry. Some of her current projects include studying the effects of high-aspect ration vessel culturing on periodontal cells, the effects of estrogen on autoimmune responses, and the effects of nicotine on feeding behavior.

BCD students receive scholarships

One dental and two dental hygiene students were awarded scholarships recently.
Chad Allen (D4) received a $1,500 Dental Student Scholarship Award from the Foundation of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, an international honor dental organization. Awarded to one student at each of the 55 U.S. dental schools, the award is based on scholarship, leadership and financial need as well as integrity, imagination, initiative and communication skills.

Laurie Rodriguez (DH2) received the B.J. Long Memorial Scholarship from the Dallas Dental Hygienists’ Society. Awarded annually to an outstanding dental hygiene senior, the $500 scholarship is presented in memory of Long (BCD ’80-DHyg), a longtime member of DDHS.

Tiffiny Williams (DH1) received the B.J. Long Memorial Scholarship for $500 from the Texas Student Dental Hygienists’ Association’s. This scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates excellence in leadership and commitment to the dental hygiene profession.

BCD Alumni Association hosts golf tournament April 17

The ninth annual Open-Wide Open golf tournament tees off April 17 at Castle Hills Golf Club in Lewisville, Texas. Presented by the Baylor College of Dentistry Alumni Association and the Dallas County Dental Society, the tournament will be sponsored by Dentsply International for the third year in a row.

Alumni, faculty, staff and students are invited to play. Check-in begins at 7:15 a.m. with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. Lunch and awards will be at 1 p.m.

Registration deadline is April 7. The registration fee is $50 for students and $150 for all others. Registration includes greens fees, range balls, cart, two Mulligans, two dental flosses, Open-Wide Open T-shirt, goody bag loaded with golfing goodies, opportunities to win golfing prowess prizes and door prizes, and the awards luncheon. All proceeds will benefit the Betty J. Scott Scholarship Fund at BCD.

Scott's 75th birthday will be celebrated during the luncheon. To attend the luncheon only (no golfing), the price is $50 per person.

To register or for more information, contact Bonnie Robinson, associate director of student and alumni events, at Ext 8961, stop by Room 525, or check out the association's Web site at www.bcdalumni.org.

Soldier thanks BCD 

When former Baylor College of Dentistry employee Lois Rockwell saw a post on The Texas A&M University Association of Former Students Web site from an Aggie serving in Iraq, she thought of BCD's Employee Activity Organization. The soldier, Army Captain Marshall Tway of the U.S. Cavalry, sent an appeal for little gifts and candy for Iraqi children for Operation Candy Drop as well as supplies and civilian items that the troops had difficulty procuring.

"EAO launched a drive at the college and BCD faculty, staff and students responded overwhelmingly," said Marge Palma, administrative assistant I in biomaterials science and co-president of the organization.

EAO sent 97 books, 16 sweatshirts, 300+ pens and pencils, paper, staplers and other office supplies for the troops as well as lots of crayons, coloring books, bags of candy and little toys for the Iraqi children.

On Feb. 27, Tway sent a thank you letter to those who responded to his appeal. He wrote: "I will never be able to put into words the feelings of gratitude and thanks that my fellow Troopers and I hold toward each and every one of you. … We have received literally tons of goods. More importantly, the many letters and cards of support bolstered morale and reminded us why we are here.

"… We literally could not have done it without you. It was your donations that made this possible. For this we are eternally grateful. From the Grad who sent me her husband's winter gear because he would not need it anymore (killed in action by an IED in the summer), to the grad who wrote me that helping us helped him get over the loss of his wife and returned him to social circles, those at Baylor College of Dentistry …and too many more to mention, we the Air Cav Troopers of the BlackHawk Squadron thank you.

"May you always know the jingle of spurs on your feet, the weight of steel in your hand, and the taste of dust on your lips (traditional cavalry farewell)."

BCD Employee Profile - Paolo Cardenas

Paolo Cardenas, dental dispensing technician in restorative sciences, works behind the scenes in the third floor dispensary at Baylor College of Dentistry, effectively meeting the needs of faculty and students in the clinic. Despite fighting bouts with asthma, he also works another job and is a devoted father – and he does it all with alacrity.

On Feb. 18, Cardenas was named BCD Staff Employee of the Year by the Staff Forum. When presenting the award, Steve Gonzalez (D1) said, "Paolo never appears down. He works hard and is very dependable and loyal." Gonzalez was one of four people who nominated Cardenas for the award.

Cardenas and his wife, Natalie, have been married for more than two years. They have one son, Gerard.

Hometown: Paranaque City, Philippines

Place I'd like to live/retire: My wife and I plan to retire to Boracay, an island in the Philippines that has a very beautiful beach with white sands. The people there are very hospitable and warm.

Role models: I look up to people who have a sense of dignity, self-respect and respect for others regardless of race, gender, economic status in life and educational attainment.

Personal motto: Try to give 110 percent effort in everything you do. It will pay off one day.

Best thing about my job or BCD: I enjoy being part of a team that molds aspiring individuals to become dentists in the near future.

Career highlight: Being named Staff Employee of the Year is an honor.

If I wasn't at BCD, I'd …: be attending nursing school full time. Later I would work on my master's degree in nursing anesthesiology.

Life philosophy: Live each day as if it were your last.

Pet peeves: I like things to be organized. I don't want a messy environment at work or at home.

Favorite vacation destination: When I get the chance, I'd like to travel the world and do something adventurous.

Dream car: Range Rover

Favorite hobby: I like to cook. I believe food brings people together. I like to be around family and friends and share a good meal with them.

Word that best describes me: Optimistic. I try to look at challenges and trials in life with a positive perspective. I consider every problem we face to be a source of growth and strength for every individual.

Something you might not know about me: A lot of people mistake me for a Hispanic man. Actually, I am Asian. I am proud to be Filipino.

Top three passions: I enjoy spending quality time with my family, traveling and going to the beach.

What my colleagues say about me: Hardworking is the word Cardenas' co-workers use to describe him. "No task is insignificant to Paolo. He does what needs to be done no matter what, and he's willing to stay late or come in early to get it done," said Derek Davis, dental dispensing technician in restorative sciences. "Paolo also is genuinely interested in people. He is always pleasant and treats everyone with respect."

"Paolo works hard and makes time to help people in any way possible," said Michael La Jesse, dental dispensing technician in restorative sciences. "He is always courteous and friendly to everyone, and he never hesitates to help students, faculty and co-workers. Even when he's very busy, Paolo goes out of his way to be helpful."

Leticia Osay, dental dispensing technician in restorative sciences, said, "Paolo does whatever he can do to help out professionally and personally whether it's assisting the students or listening to problems. He has an excellent, well-earned reputation for his kindness and diligence. Everyone who knows him appreciates his personality and professionalism."

College welcomes new employees

Four new employees joined Baylor College of Dentistry in February:

 

BCD Birthdays

 

April

 

May

1
  • Alan Loewinsohn
  • Leticia Osay
  • Jose Quintero
  • Suzanne Verma

1
  • Elain Benton

3
  • Steve Karbowski
  • Marge Palma

2
  • Colin Bell
  • Jeff Rossman

4
  • Susan Gregory
  • Rosemarie Zartman

3
  • Polly Johnson
  • Ellen Miller
  • Eric Solomon

5
  • Gracie Perez
  • Ellie Weigand

4
  • Pat Dunn
  • Kristal Grubbs
  • Masoud Majari
  • Jacqueline Vogt

6
  • Betzabethla Bird
  • John Fullinwider

5
  • Carolyn Cox
  • Willie Graham
  • Dorthea Webb

7
  • Garth Griffiths
  • Vanessa Hoot

6
  • Mohammed Elsalanty
  • James Utter

8
  • Matthew Heaton
  • Julie Horn
  • Carol Seiler
  • Jeff Siebert
  • Barbara Weyland

7
  • Michael Cohlmia
  • Lori Dees

9
  • Pearl Kapuscinski

8
  • Priscilla Gillaspie
  • John Wright

10
  • David Kerns

9
  • Dessie Freeney
  • Robert Spears

11
  • Qing Guo
  • Mark Luft

11
  • Paul Taylor

12
  • Marvin Hirsh
  • Artur Khurshudian

12
  • Larry Bellinger

13
  • Linda Boyd
  • Tommie Reeves

13
  • Bill Harman

15
  • Gerald Glickman
  • Terry Grayson
  • Bensley Mathew
  • Pascal Mbiene

14
  • Ed Alfaro

17
  • Robert Anderson
  • Matthew Beach
  • Vertie Dolly
  • Gregorio Sanchez
  • Art Upton

15
  • Darla Benson
  • Rowan Buskin
  • Emmanouil Sigalas
  • Bobby Wortham

18
  • Marty Baylor
  • Roberto Carrillo

16
  • Jim Beck
  • Paul Dechow

19
  • Kay Duckworth

17
  • Brandy Sanchez

20
  • Dale Lewis
  • Lilia Villamin

18
  • Wayne Woods

21
  • Katrina Grape

19
  • Rodney Cook
  • Joyce Peace

22
  • Delores Cruz

23
  • Isabel Paredez
  • Arasely Thompson

23
  • Christine Beninger

25
  • Jennifer Horn

24
  • Alex Mendoza
  • Connie Tillberg

26
  • Melodie Sanders

25
  • Marvin Stromberg

27
  • Phillip Kramer

26
  • Mikhail Brezner
  • Robert Cederberg
  • John Regan
  • Emet Schneiderman
  • Francis Wilburn

28
  • Marylou Gutmann
  • Jamie Hartgers
  • Regina Self

27
  • Virginia Lovelady

29
  • Jared Louviere

28
  • Gary Bailey
  • Qian Wang

31
  • Charles Berry
  • Shannon Kramer
  • Amp Miller
  • Marilyn Todd

29
  • Janice DeWald
  • Rick McDaniel
  • Nima Sahami

 

 


 

 


Baylor Dental Record is a monthly publication of the Office of Communications & Development, Baylor College of Dentistry of The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center.

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