Contact: Amy Gilliam

Giulia Pagano

At the conference, Pagano will present her research, the over expression of genes that control cell growth in the body, specifically the tumor suppressor gene p16, to oral dysplasias and carcinomas that have potentially been caused by the human papillomavirus.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 28, 2005) -- University of Kentucky College of Dentistry first-year dental student, Giulia Pagano, will attend the American Dental Association’s (ADA) 41st Annual Dental Students’ Conference on Research held at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) and the Paffenbarger Research Center (PRC) in Washington, D.C., April 9-12, 2005. 

The goal of the conference is to introduce outstanding dental students to scientists from the ADA, industry, NIDCR, and the ADAF Paffenbarger Research Center to raise awareness of the wide-ranging careers available in oral health research.

“As the number of unfilled faculty jobs in the United States grows, it is wonderful to have bright and interested students getting early exposure to research and researchers so that they are attracted to faculty positions which allow them to use both their clinical and basic science research skills,” said Dr. Sharon P. Turner, dean, UK College of Dentistry.  “I am pleased to have a UK student with such a strong affinity for basic science research and look forward to recruiting her into a faculty position in the future.”

“I am very grateful that I am able to participate in a conference such as this one in my first year of dental school,” said Pagano. “It will be a great experience sharing my research with others, as well as seeing the research don by other dental students throughout the country.”

At the conference, Pagano will present her research, the over expression of genes that control cell growth in the body, specifically the tumor suppressor gene p16, to oral dysplasias and carcinomas that have potentially been caused by the human papillomavirus.

Founded in 1962, the UK College of Dentistry is recognized as one of the nation's outstanding dental institutions. In addition to the Doctor of Dental Medicine degree, the college offers postdoctoral programs in six fields of study: General Practice Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orofacial Pain, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry and Periodontics. Graduate students in Orofacial Pain, Orthodontics and Periodontics receive a Master of Science degree from the UK Graduate School and a specialty certificate.