A Record-Setting Day of Research and Discovery

Advancing innovation and expanding the frontiers of dental science, Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine (SDM) held its annual Research Symposium on March 3 at Stony Brook University’s Student Activities Center (SAC). A record 54 presenters — including undergraduates, dental students, residents, as well as master’s and PhD candidates — shared original research spanning a wide range of disciplines.

Eight participants were recognized with awards for excellence. Among them was second-year dental student Linda Cesark, recipient of the American Association of Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR)/Dentsply Sirona Student Research Award for her project, Data Collection Accuracy Based on Artificial Intelligence in Academia. The honor includes support from Dentsply Sirona to present her work at the organization’s 56th annual meeting next year in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

“This symposium is an event in which all students and their mentors can take immense pride,” 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 program opened with the Leo and Mickey Sreebny Distinguished Lectureship, presented this year by Kyle Vining, DDS, PhD, assistant professor of preventive and restorative sciences in the School of Dental Medicine as well as the Department of Materials Science in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania. His lecture, Engineering Biomaterials for Restoring Oral Health, drew an audience of more than 175 students, residents, faculty and staff to the SAC’s Sidney Gelber Auditorium.

“Dr. Vining’s timely and thought-provoking lecture was the perfect way to begin a day showcasing the many ways that we as scientists can advance the profession of dentistry,” said Stephen Walker, interim associate dean for research at SDM.

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.