Faculty awards, reflections
Eight faculty members were honored at Texas A&M College of Dentistry’s virtual faculty awards ceremony on Feb. 25. College-presented recognitions included four teaching awards and two research awards. Two additional Distinguished Achievement Awards were presented by the Association of Former Students’ Kathryn Greenwade ’88, vice president for communications and human resources.
While the accolades were met with enthusiasm, these faculty members remain steadfast in their purpose: mentoring students and furthering research in the dental field. They share their thoughts here:
Teaching at Texas A&M College of Dentistry since: 2016
Most rewarding part of your work: Watching students grow into mature, competent professionals; seeing them gain confidence and proficiency throughout their years in our program; witnessing that “aha!” moment when things start to click into place. I think I am sometimes more excited than they are when I see them graduate.
Teaching at Texas A&M College of Dentistry since: 2001
Most rewarding part of your work: Knowing that I played a part in the education of a student, and this education has given them a lifelong career that provides for them and their families.
Teaching at Texas A&M College of Dentistry since: 2015
Most rewarding part of your work: One-on-one teaching with students, which, in my experience, is where the most teaching and learning take place. This model of teaching gives me an opportunity to be creative, to personalize my instruction, and to give real-time feedback that helps students enhance their skills.
Teaching at Texas A&M College of Dentistry since: 2017, 2006-2011
Most rewarding part of your work: I am inspired by all of my students, especially those who have struggled in the past but work hard to become much more confident in their knowledge of pharmacology and other subjects. The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that my students will be able to safely prescribe medications to give their patients the best possible care. I pray that the work we do together helps them become passionate, productive clinicians committed to improve the health of the communities they serve.
Teaching at Texas A&M College of Dentistry since: 2009
Most rewarding part of your work: I put much of my efforts into conducting research to advance our knowledge about the mineralized tissue (including bone, dentin and enamel) formation and diseases, but I also cherish the privilege of teaching different levels of COD students within my area of expertise. I really enjoy teaching and interacting with them, as I consider this the most rewarding part of my work. They will begin dental practice and serve our community after graduation, something that I cannot do as a researcher. I am very proud of each and every one of our dental and dental hygiene graduates.
Teaching at Texas A&M College of Dentistry since: 2016
Most rewarding part of your work: During the past two years, my research has been focused on TMJ development and diseases. My major contributions include: 1) demonstrating that direct transformation of chondrocytes into bone cells is a critical event during condyle development, rather than the old concept of hypertrophic chondrocyte apoptosis followed by bone marrow cell invasion; 2) tendon lineage, beyond its traditional function in joint movement and stability, has a direct role in TMJ condyle cartilage formation, which is partially regulated by the phosphorus level. I also devote efforts in clinical studies in orthodontic tooth movement and white spot lesions.
Teaching at Texas A&M College of Dentistry since: 2013
Most rewarding part of your work: The camaraderie with my co-workers and the positive energy that I receive from working with dedicated dental students who are striving to be the best clinicians they can possibly become.
Teaching at Texas A&M College of Dentistry since: June 2016
Most rewarding part of your work: As educators, we are in a privileged position and have the ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students – guiding them to be better professionals and people. I am fortunate to be a part of collaborative teams that further develop our students to be culturally and clinically competent, evidence-based practitioners. It is humbling to observe how vested our students are in personal growth and making a difference in the lives of those they serve. To see our graduates continue to apply these skills in professional practice is an achievement that we all can be proud of at the college.
