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 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
  • CBD
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 Kim Capehart
Kim Capehart

DBA, 2017, University of Phoenix
MBA, 2005, Regis University
DDS, 2001, West Virginia University 
BS, 1997, Marshall University 

AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • Obesity and Periodontal Disease
  • Public Health
  • Dental Materials

 

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 Disorders
  • 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 Yukiko Kitase
Yukiko Kitase

PHD, 2000, Tokushima University
BDS, 1996, Tokushima University

AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • Bone biology and mineralized tissue research
  • Osteocyte function as mechanosensors and regulators of bone remodeling
  • Osteocyte energy metabolism and endocrine signaling
  • Influence of osteocytes on systemic metaboliam
  • Effects of aging and diet-induced obesity on bone health
photo of Mizuho Kittaka
Mizuho Kittaka

PHD, 2013, Hiroshima University, 2013
DDS, 2008, Hiroshima University

AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • Pathophysiology of periodontal disease
  • Interplay between periodontal disease and cellular senescence
  • Role of bone-embedded osteocytes in periodontal pathology
  • Impact of periodontal infection on systemic health
  • Use of mouse genetics, cellular models, and human data for translational research
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 Linah Shahoumi
Linah Shahoumi

PHD, 2019, Augusta University
MSOB, 2014, Georgia Regents University
BDS, 2007, University of Garyounis

AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • Cancer Biology
photo of Marlina Manhiani
Marlina Manhiani

DMD, 2017, Augusta University
PHD, 2008, Augusta University
MS, 2002, University of South Carolina
BA, 1997, College of Charleston
BS, 1997, College of Charleston

AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • Oral inflammation and infection
  • Effects of inflammation on oral health
  • Strategies to reduce oral inflammation and infection
photo of Regina Messer
Regina Messer

PHD, 1999; University of Alabama at Birmingham 
MSBE, 1993; University of Alabama at Birmingham 
BS, 1990; University of Tennessee

AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • Biomaterials
  • Bone
  • Biomechanics
  • Inflammation
  • Blue Light
  • Mechanobiology
  • Bioreactors
photo of Ana Carolina Morandini
Ana Carolina Morandini

PHD, 2012, Universidade De Sao Paulo
MDS, 2009, Universidade de Sao Paulo
DDS, 2006, Universidade de Sao Paulo

AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • Purinergic signaling in periodontitis
  • Fibroblast metabolism and its role in oral inflammation
  • In vitro and in vivo models of periodontitis and metabolic dysfunctionIdentification of biomarkers for early diagnosis and prevention
  • of periodontitis
  • Linking oral health with systemic health outcomes
  • Translational research aimed at improving oral and systemic health span
photo of Mahmood Mozaffari
Mahmood Mozaffari

DMD, 1991; University of Alabama at Birmingham 
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 Rafael Pacheco
Rafael Pacheco

PHD, 2017; State University of Campinas
MDS, 2012; State University of Campinas 
DDS, 2010; State University of Campinas

AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • AI
  • Dental Materials
  • Dental Biomaterials
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 Erivan Schnaider Ramos
Erivan Schnaider Ramos

PHD, 2014 University of Rio de Janeiro
MS, 2009, Universidad De Sao Paulo
DDS, 2000, Universidade Estadual de Ponta

AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • Interface between chronic inflammation and bone metabolism
photo of Todd Schoenbaum
Todd Schoenbaum

MS, 2020; University of California, Los Angeles 
DDS, 2005; University of California, Los Angeles
BS, 2001; California Polytechnic State University

AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • Fixed Implant Prosthodontics
  • Study Design
  • Biostatistics
photo of Evila da Silva Lopes Salles
Evila da Silva Lopes Salles

DSC, 2019, Universidade Federal de Alfena

AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • Cannabidiol (CBD) and therapeutic potential in neurological diseases
  • CBD in seizure prevention and epilepsy management
  • Neuroinflammation and immune responses in neurological disorders
  • CBD as a potential therapy for glioblastoma and Alzheimer’s disease
  • Stroke severity and immune response mechanisms
  • Brain health and glymphatic system biomarkers
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
Lei Phillip Wang

PHD, 2002, Columbia University
MPHIL, 1995, Columbia University
MA, 1994, Columbia University

AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • Pathophysiology of neural injuries and dementia
photo of William Yuedall
William Yuedall

PHD, 1991, University of Glasgow

AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • Cancer biology
  • Oral biology
photo of Nancy Young
Nancy Young

 

AU Faculty Profile | Research Profile

Research Keywords

  • Restorative dental materials and techniques
  • Enamel staining and bonding strength
  • BCT and 3D imaging in periodontal assessment
  • Dental education and assessment technology
  • Migraine care and Botox in dentistry

Part Time Faculty

• Anthony J. Didato, DMD, Clinical Assistant Professor
• Emmanuel C. Ngoh, DDS, Clinical Assistant Professor