SDM Celebrates Discovery and Innovation at Annual Research Symposium

Continuing its mission to foster discovery and advance the field of dentistry, Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine (SDM) hosted its annual Research Symposium on February 26 at Stony Brook University’s Student Activities Center (SAC), with 46 students – at the undergraduate, dental school, master’s and PhD levels – as well as residents presenting their findings.

Eight presenters received awards, including second-year dental student Astrid Bucaro, who was honored with the American Association of Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR)/Dentsply Sirona Student Research Award for her study, Topical 5-Fluorouracil Is Effective In Young Patients With Odontogenic Keratocysts. The recognition includes funding from Dentsply Sirona, allowing her to present at the organization’s 55th annual meeting in San Diego next year.

“This symposium is an event that all students and their mentors can take immense pride in," said Patrick Lloyd, dean of the School of Dental Medicine. "Each year, it provides a platform for them to showcase the knowledge they've gained through countless hours of work—all while managing rigorous didactic, clinical and lab coursework. These efforts translate into discoveries that enrich our profession’s knowledge base.”

The event also featured the Leo and Mickey Sreebny Distinguished Lectureship, delivered by Kenneth Dill, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Professor of Physics and Chemistry at Stony Brook University, Affiliated Distinguished Professor in Applied Math, the Louis and Beatrice Laufer Endowed Chair of Physical and Quantitative Biology, and founding and current director of the university’s Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology. Dr. Dill delivered his lecture, titled “The Story of Deep Innovation in America,” to an audience of more than 175 students, residents, faculty and staff at the SAC’s Sidney Gelber Auditorium.

"We were incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Dill with us," said Stephen Walker, interim associate dean for research at SDM. "His lecture was informative, timely and highly relevant, adding to an already outstanding day that advanced our profession and the careers of those presenting."

The lectureship honors Dr. Leo M. Sreebny, a past dean and longtime faculty member at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. Passionate about fostering discovery among SDM students and residents, Dr. Sreebny and his wife, Mickey, pledged their support for the school’s annual Research Symposium before his passing in 2020.