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FORUS

The Fellowship in Oral Health Research for Undergraduate Dental Students (FORUS) is a competitive research training program awarded to dental students by Schulich Dentistry’s Research Committee. It is an opportunity to engage in impactful oral health research across the various dental disciplines and specialties.

Program objectives

Learn about current projects
  1. To foster a culture of research within Schulich Dentistry
  2. To provide dental students with training to acquire competency in academic research and scholarship
  3. To support the effective communication of Schulich’s oral health research at the national and international fronts

FORUS is a one-year program. For awarded fellows demonstrating exceptional progress, renewal for a second year may be possible depending on funding availability.

Awarded fellows are expected to work on their research projects full-time over the summer and flex-time during the academic year. The workplan consisting of a timeline and a set of deliverables are to be agreed upon between the faculty supervisor and approved by the Research Committee.

Fellowships are limited to one student per project. A student is allowed one fellowship during their time at Schulich Dentistry.

Fellowship stipend: Fellows are awarded a stipend of $5000 per year.

Stipend top-ups: Up to $1000 for conference registration and travel upon acceptance of an abstract to a recognized national or international conference. Assistance with open access publication fees can also be provided. (One time per fellowship)

Project operational funds: An amount up to $4000 can be awarded to fellowship projects to faculty mentors based on funding availability.
  • Applications are accepted from first- and second-year students including ASP program.
  • Applicants must be in a good academic standing.
  • Previous research experience is an asset but not required.

By accepting an award, fellows commit to:

  • Following a workplan consisting of a defined timeline, milestones and deliverables
  • Participating in regular scheduled meetings with other program fellows and mentors over the summer months, and a once per term meeting in the Winter and Spring to report on progress and prospective plans.
  • Attending and actively participating in all Seminars in Dental Sciences taking place over the academic year.
  • Participating in research activities and events at Schulich Dentistry (e.g., research workshops, lunch and learn events, Dental Academic Research Trainee (DART) events)
  • Presenting at the Seminars in Dental Sciences (Requirement: one time per fellowship)
  • Presenting at the Schulich Dentistry Research Day (Requirement: one time per fellowship)
  • Submitting an abstract and presenting in a recognized national or international conference as per the recommendations of the main mentor (Requirement: one time per fellowship)
  • Ensuring that the necessary certifications and Research Ethics Board approvals are obtained, where applicable. Students should be encouraged to take part in this process.
  • Ensuring that all research procedures strictly follow the Standard Operating Procedures for Clinical Research at Schulich Dentistry, where applicable.
  • Working with the student/fellow to set a timeline and deliverables for the project, which are to be submitted to the Research Committee.
  • Being actively involved in project supervision throughout the duration of the fellowship.
  • Participating in the regular fellowship meetings to be held through the academic year and prompting students to present project progress.
  • Prompting the fellow to participate in research events in and outside of Schulich Dentistry.

Current FORUS fellows

C. Doughty

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:

  • Podium Presentation at the International Association for Dental Research (IADR), 2025
  • Western’s Nominee for the 2025 Canadian Dental Association (CDA) – Dentsply Student Clinician Research Program
C. Tang

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:

  • London Health Research Day (Schulich 2025 Poster Winner) poster presentation (May 2025)
  • IADR (International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research) poster presentation in Barcelona, Spain (June 2025)
  • Schulich Dentistry Research Day poster presentation (October 2025)
M. Nayyar

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:

  • 3rd place in Outstanding Undergraduate Student Presentation Award, 2023
  • Ontario Dental Association Research Studentship Award, 2025
S. Motahari

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:

  • IADR (International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research) poster presentation in Barcelona, Spain (June 2025)
  • IADR Pediatric Oral Health Research Group Student Award Winner (June 2025)
  • Schulich Research Day Poster Presentation (October 2025)

Contact us

Program Director: Dr. Noha Gomaa, BDS, MSc, PhD
Assistant Professor and Associate Director, Research
ngomaa@uwo.ca

Administrative Assistance: dentistry.research@schulich.uwo.ca