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FORUS fellows
2026-2027
Anna Xia
Project: Rates of Maxillary Sinus Floor Involvement and Sinus-lift Procedures in Maxillary Dental Implants - A Retrospective Study of Panoramic Radiographs.
Supervisor: Dr. Santiago Cobos
Benjamin Rain
Project: A Minimum Data Set to Assess the Impacts of the Canadian Dental Care Plan on a Dental School Clinic
Supervisor: Dr. Keith Da Silva
Sophie Whiting
Project: Spatial Proteomics of Dental Pulp Aging: Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Extracellular Matrix Remodeling
Supervisor: Dr. Georgia Nikoloudaki
Carolyne Kerrigan
Project: Hyoid Bone Position and Skeletal Patterns as Radiographic Indicators of Airway Collapsibility and Risk in a Diverse Canadian Population
Supervisor: Dr. Nilgun Ari
Muntdr Madlol
Project: AI-Enhanced Risk Assessment and Record-Keeping Framework for the New Standards in Implantology
Supervisor: Dr. Natalia Myrrha Melo
Jeran Sridharan
Project: Evaluating the Impact of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) on Children and their Families in the Children's Homes & Smiles Cohort Study (CHiMES)
Supervisor: Dr. Noha Gomaa
Julia Kaf-Alghazal
Project: Exploring How Elective Cosmetic Services Are Marketed on Canadian Dental and Medical Websites
Supervisor: Dr. Cecilia Dong
2025-2026
Abbas Canteenwala
Project: A Non-invasive, Frugal and Rapid Screening Test for Periodontal Disease - Efficacy analysis of PerioMonitor compared to clinical periodontal analysis
Supervisor: Dr. Noha Gomaa
Quote from student: FORUS has been a great opportunity for me to be able to apply a large portion of the knowledge that we learn throughout dental school into real world applications. Periodontal disease is something we learn about as a fundamental concept in dental school and being able to research tools that can help screen for it in non resource intensive settings is something that gives me a new appreciation of the junction between clinical practice and research. This project has been a rewarding experience that has helped fortify the need for new research needed in making vital dental care available to all.
Ali Gheraati Jahromi
Project: Comparative Analysis of Metal Artifact Reduction in CBCT Imaging: Carestream CBCT vs. e-Vox Dx 3D Rendering Software
Supervisor: Dr. Gürkan Ünsal
Quote from student: Being part of the FORUS program has allowed me to explore my research interests through a comparative analysis of metal artifact reduction techniques in Cone Beam Computed Tomography imaging. Under the guidance of Dr. Ünsal, this experience has strengthened my ability to think critically about imaging challenges and evaluate different pre-processing and post-processing approaches. Through mentorship and hands-on research, I have developed a deeper understanding of how advanced imaging methods can improve diagnostic accuracy, enhance patient benefit, and reduce unnecessary radiation exposure. FORUS has been instrumental in enhancing both my research skills and my appreciation for the role of innovation in clinical practice.
Amy Guo
Project: Effect of Topical Fluoride Exposure on the Mechanical Strength, Optical Properties, and Microstructure of Ultra-Translucent Zirconia
Supervisor: Dr. Sheila Butler
Quote from student: The FORUS program has been a defining part of my academic journey, strengthening my research skills within a clinical setting. This unique opportunity to collaborate with experienced dentists and interdisciplinary teams has broadened my approach to problem-solving in dentistry. I am grateful to Dr. Butler, Dr. Souza, and Dr. Rizkalla for fostering my curiosity, critical thinking, and appreciation for the scientific foundations that drive innovation in clinical dentistry.
Eric Mun
Project: Engineering and Characterization of ECM-Coated Substrates from Decellularized Pulp Tissue for Dental Stem Cell Applications
Supervisor: Dr. Georgia Nikoloudaki
Quote from student: Through FORUS I have been able to engage in meaningful research alongside excellent mentors. It has provided me with an invaluable opportunity to develop my skills as both a researcher and a clinician. I’m very grateful to Dr. Nikoloudaki for all the guidance and support that I have received throughout this experience.
Accomplishments/Awards:
- ODA – Summer Research Studentship (FORUS)
Gurneet Dhanoa
Project: Initial Clinical Validation of the Peak Alpha Frequency and Corticomotor Excitabilty Biomarker Signature for First-Onset TMD Arthralgia
Supervisor: Dr. Siobhan Schabrun
Quote from student: Investigating the neuroscience behind temporomandibular pain has allowed me to explore the scientific foundation of dentistry. The opportunity to work with a clinical population has been especially rewarding, and over the course of this program, both the depth and breadth of my scientific thinking have grown. FORUS has allowed me to channel my passion for patient care and is helping me become a more well-rounded clinician.
Accomplishments/Awards:
- Outstanding Undergraduate Student Presentation (1st) at 2025 UWO Research Day
Karishma Mehta
Project: The use of general anesthesia in pediatric dentistry in London, Ontario
Supervisor: Dr. Keith Da Silva
Quote from student: Being part of the FORUS program has provided me with a valuable opportunity to reconnect with my research background—something I’ve been grateful to continue exploring during dental school. Under the guidance of Dr. Da Silva, and with several years of experience in pediatric and global health research, this work feels especially meaningful and closely aligned with my interests. It has been particularly rewarding to integrate my research experience with my clinical training, especially in areas that influence pediatric oral health and access to care for vulnerable populations.
Ker-Yung Hong
Project: Patient Acceptability for A Non-invasive, Frugal Diagnostic Test for Periodontal Disease
Supervisor: Dr. Noha Gomaa
Quote from Student: The FORUS fellowship program has allowed me to expand my research in preventive and translational oral health. My current project evaluates patient acceptability of PerioMonitor, a frugal diagnostic mouthrinse aimed at improving early detection of periodontal disease. The program has given invaluable insight on how to help the oral needs in underserved communities. My FORUS research also builds on my previous research linking oral health to cardiovascular function, where a similar rinse helped patients better understand both their oral and systemic health. These experiences have strengthened my interest in accessible diagnostic tools that promote early intervention and patient education.
Accomplishments/Awards:
- Schulich Dentistry Research Day poster presentation (October 2025)
- CDA (Canadian Dental Association) Oasis Research Feature (September 2023)
Tan Trieu Nguyen
Project: Initial Clinical Validation of the Peak Alpha Frequency and Corticomotor Excitabilty Biomarker Signature for First-Onset TMD Arthralgia
Supervisor: Dr. Siobhan Schabrun
Quote from student: The FORUS program has given me a unique opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Schabrun’s lab, allowing me to bridge my clinical knowledge with cutting-edge research. It has deepened my understanding of temporomandibular disease beyond what we typically learn in the clinic and given me a greater appreciation for how research can inform more thoughtful, patient-centered care.
Accomplishments/Awards:
- Outstanding Undergraduate Student Presentation (1st) at 2025 UWO Research Day
Completed FORUS projects
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Callahan Doughty Project: Mechanical Property Response to Aging of DLP 3D-Printed Dental Resins Manufactured at Various Printing Angles – Clinical Implications in Fixed Restorative Dentistry Supervisor: Dr. Santiago Cobos Quote from Student: The FORUS program has allowed me to merge my background in engineering and material sciences with clinical dentistry. Under the guidance of Dr. Cobos, I have gained invaluable experience in translational research—exploring how 3D-printing parameters and material aging influence the long-term performance of dental restorations. This opportunity has strengthened my skills as both a clinician and researcher, and I am grateful for the mentorship and collaboration that have shaped my professional growth. Accomplishments/Awards:
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Celina Tang Project: Adherence of Canadian Dental Practice Websites to Regulatory Guidelines Supervisor: Dr. Cecilia Dong and Dr. Peter McDermott Quote from Student: FORUS has played a significant role in shaping me into a more effective researcher and student, providing the tools and mentorship needed to excel. It has encouraged me to venture beyond my comfort zone, whether that is presenting at conferences or connecting with researchers around the world. Through its support, I have gained invaluable skills and the confidence to continuously strive for excellence. Accomplishments/Awards:
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Mansha Nayyar Project: Synthesis and Characterization of Class II Hybrid Biomaterials to be used as Synthetic Bone Grafts for Severe Periodontal Disease Supervisor: Dr. Amin Rizkalla, Dr. Douglas Hamilton Quote from Student: The FORUS program allowed me to apply skills from my Masters in Chemistry to Dental Biomaterials research. This program reinforced my ability to think critically and apply scientific reasoning to clinical challenges. Overall, this has been an enriching experience that improved my research skills and provided me a deeper appreciation for the science that supports dentistry. Accomplishments/Awards:
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Siyavash Motahari Project: The pediatric oral virome in health and disease: A pilot study in Southwestern Ontario Supervisor: Dr. Miguel Quinones and Dr. Noha Gomaa Quote from Student: The FORUS program has been a transformative part of my dental school journey, allowing me to supplement clinical and didactic learning with meaningful research experience. Working alongside dedicated mentors and researchers at Schulich Dentistry has strengthened my skills, broadened my perspective, and inspired me to pursue excellence in both clinical practice and scientific inquiry. Accomplishments/Awards:
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Ahmed Abbas Project: Towards Healthy Aging: Deciphering the Underpinnings of Inflammaging in the Periodontal Disease-Multimorbidity Connection Supervisor: Dr. Noha Gomaa Quote from Student: FORUS has given me the opportunity to connect what I am learning in class to real life applications. The guidance I am receiving from Dr. Gomaa and the S2CL lab is a privilege that is making me a better clinician and researcher. I am thankful for the experiences FORUS has given me this past year and looking forward to future endeavours! Accomplishments/Awards:
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Joeleen Philip Project: What is essential or medically necessary oral health care? Supervisor: Dr. Carlos Quiñonez Quote from Student: FORUS has been an enriching experience, equipping me with the skills and knowledge to excel in oral health research. Through this program, I've gained valuable training and a chance to collaborate with Schulich Dentistry's esteemed researchers and mentors. Accomplishments/Awards:
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Keng-Shuo (Alex) Pi Project: Effect of titania addition and sintering time on the T-TZP/Ti composite microstructure and mechanical properties Supervisor: Dr. Sheila Butler Quote from Student: The FORUS program has enabled me to pursue my dream of becoming a clinician-scientist. Through close collaboration and mentorship from Dr. Butler, Dr. Found, and Dr. Rizkalla, I have been able to expand my research expertise from chemistry into dental biomaterials. Connecting clinical and didactic education with research projects has inspired me to be both an innovator and a provider for my future patients. I am genuinely thankful for this fellowship, which has helped me find my sense of identity in dental school. Accomplishments/Awards:
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Liam D'Souza Project: Water Sorption and Flexural Properties of Bulk Fill Composites Supervisor: Dr. Jacinta Santos Quote from Student: FORUS has enabled me to explore my interests in engineering and dentistry in a single project that provides novel insights into the characteristics of modern dental filling materials. I am thankful for the opportunity to have participated in this program. Accomplishments/Awards:
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