Research Faculty

Augusta University Dental College of Georgia is dedicated to basic and applied scientific research to promote oral and systemic health.  Our research faculty have expertise in laboratory and clinical analysis which lead to a wide array of scientific innovations. 

Full Time Research Faculty

photo of Rafik Abdelsayed
Rafik Abdelsayed

DDS; 1993; Indiana University - Purdue University 
MS; 1990; Indiana University - Purdue University 
BDS; 1980; Cairo University 
AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • Precancerous lesions
  • oral cancer
photo of Worku Abebe
Worku Abebe

PHD; 1990; University of British Columbia 
MS; 1981; University of Bradford 
BS; 1974; Haile Selassie I University 
AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • diabetes
  • vascular biology
  • lipid signaling mediators
  • dental materials
  • taurine
  • adenosine
  • herbal medicine
photo of Babak Baban
Babak Baban

PHD; 1998; University of London 
MBA; 2008; Augusta State University 
MS; 1992; Tehran Univ of Medical Science 
BS; 1989; Urmia University 
AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • immunoregulation
  • Tregs
  • inflammation
  • stem cells
  • tolerance
photo of Martha Brackett
Martha Brackett

DDS; 2002; University of Nebraska Medical 
MS; 1991; Indiana University - Purdue Univeristy
AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • biomaterials
  • clinical restorations
  • biocompatibility
photo of Allison Buchanan
Allison Buchanan

DMD; 2005; Medical College of Georgia 
BS; 2000; Newberry College
AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)
  • radiology
  • digital imaging
  • disinfection
photo of Christopher Cutler
Christopher Cutler

PHD; 1990; Emory University 
DDS; 1986; Emory University 
BS; 1982; Florida Atlantic University
AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • dendritic cells
  • periodontitis
  • peri-implantitis
  • perio-systemic
  • biomarkers
photo of Ahmed El-Marakby
Ahmed El-Marakby

PHD; 2004; Medical College of Georgia 
MS; 1998; Mansoura University 
BS; 1993; Mansoura University
AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • cardiovascular diseases
  • renal injury
  • cytochrome P450 metabolites
  • heme oxygenase
  • inflammatory cytokines
photo of Stephen Hsu
Stephen Hsu

PHD; 1991; University of Cincinnati 
MA; 1985; Montclair State University 
BS; 1982; Wuhan University
AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • green tea
  • dry mouth
  • Sjogren's syndrome
  • autoimmune
  • EGCG
photo of Sajitha Menon Kalathingal
Sajitha Menon Kalathingal

BDS; 1995; Mangalore University 
MS; 2005; University of North Carolina
AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • digital imaging
  • cone beam computed tomography
  • radiographs
  • photostimulable phosphor plates
photo of Zoya Kurago
Zoya Kurago

PHD; 1997; University of Iowa 
DDS; 1989; University of North Carolina
AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • cancer
  • natural killer cells
  • dendritic cells
  • pathology
photo of Regina Messer
Regina Messer

PHD; 1999; University of Alabama at Birmingham 
MSBE; 1993; University of Alabama at Birmimgham 
BS; 1990; University of Tennessee
AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • biomaterials
  • bone
  • biomechanics
  • inflammation
  • blue light
  • mechanobiology
  • bioreactors
photo of Mahmood Mozaffari
Mahmood Mozaffari

DMD; 1991; University of Alabama at Birmi 
PHD; 1988; University of South Alabama 
BS; 1984; University of South Alabama 
BS; 1982; East Carolina University
AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • diabetes
  • hypertension
  • heart
  • kidney
  • ischemia-reperfusion
  • oxidative stress
  • inflammation
  • taurine
  • salivary gland
photo of Frederick Rueggeberg
Frederick Rueggeberg

DDS; 1979; Emory University 
MS; 1987; University of Michigan Ann Arbor 
BS; 1974; University of Delaware
AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • curing lights
  • biomaterials
  • dental biomaterials
photo of Mohamed Sharawy
Mohamed Sharawy

PHD; 1970; University of Rochester 
BDS; 1962; Cairo Univ - Sch of Dentistry
AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • bone
  • temporomandibular disorders
  • implant
photo of Franklin Tay
Franklin Tay

PHD; 1998; University of Hong Kong 
BS; 1981; University of Queensland
AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • biomineralization
  • biomimetic
  • collagen
  • apatite
  • silica
photo of Gary Whitford
Gary Whitford

DMD; 1975; Medical College of Georgia 
PHD; 1971; University of Rochester 
MS; 1969; University of Rochester 
BS; 1965; University of Rochester
AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • fluoride
  • analytical method
  • metabolism
  • toxicity

Part Time Faculty

Thomas E. Day, DDS, Diplomate, American Board of Endodontics, Clinical Assistant Professor
Brian D. Olson, DDS, Diplomate, American Board of Endodontics, Clinical Assistant Professor
Jason M. Ames, DMD, Clinical Assistant Professor
Brian B. Babb, DMD, Clinical Assistant Professor
Anthony J. Didato, DMD, Clinical Assistant Professor
Emmanuel C. Ngoh, DDS, Clinical Assistant Professor
Justin M. Parente, DMD, Clinical Assistant Professor
Henry E. Paris Jr., DDS, Clinical Assistant Professor