Faculty Receives Presidential Award From Leading Dental Research Organization

“Dr. Mina’s contributions to the scientific community are exceptionally well known, as is her long and distinguished career in dental academia," said Dr. Steven Lepowsky, dean of the School of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Mina Mina, professor and chair of pediatric dentistry in the Department of Craniofacial Sciences, is a recipient of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research’s (AADOCR) 2022 Presidential Citation.

Dr. Mina Mina, professor and chair of pediatric dentistry at the UConn School of Dental Medicine.

This recognition acknowledges AADOCR members that have made significant contributions and helped further the Association’s mission of advancing health and well-being through dental, oral, and craniofacial research.

“I am truly honored by this recognition and award by AADOCR,” said Mina. “I joined this organization in 1984 as a graduate student. I have truly enjoyed my time in this organization as these years have shaped my professional life, my organizational and leadership skills.”

“Dr. Mina’s contributions to the scientific community are exceptionally well known, as is her long and distinguished career in dental academia,” said Dr. Steven Lepowsky, dean of the School of Dental Medicine. “The Presidential Citation from the AADOCR is a wonderful and fitting acknowledgment of her many achievements.”

Mina, who is also the director of the D.M.D./Ph.D program and co-director of the Skeletal, Craniofacial, and Oral Biology training grant at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, served as President of the International Association of Dental Research (IADR) Mineralized Tissue Group and the Student Training and Research (STAR) Network. Mina has also served as Secretary and Treasurer of the IADR Women in Science Network, and as a member of the Journal of Dental Research Editorial Board. In 2006, she won the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award for Craniofacial Biology Research.

Mina, along with two other recipients from the National Institutes of Health and the University of Michigan was recognized during the AADOCR President’s Induction Ceremony of the 51st Annual Meeting of the AADOCR on March 25, 2022.

“I was present in person when Dr. Mina received this national-level award,” said Dr. Rajesh Lalla, associate dean for research at the School of Dental Medicine. “It was indeed a proud moment for our School. I am very pleased that her outstanding and sustained contributions to the AADOCR and to dental, oral, and craniofacial research have been recognized.”

The full press release from the AADOCR can be found here.