June 28, 2016

Dr. Charles Shuler, professor and dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, has won the 2016 Distinguished Scientist Award in Oral Medicine and Pathology from the International Association for Dental Research (IADR).

Dr. Charles F. Shuler

This award, one of the highest honours bestowed by IADR, recognizes Prof. Shuler, according to the organization’s news release, for his outstanding and sustained peer-reviewed research in three major areas: 1) development of the secondary palate; 2) characterization of molecular changes in oral cancer; and 3) characterization of the role of microbial biofilms in bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaws.

Moreover, the news release recognized Dean Shuler’s accomplishments with the following statement: “For nearly 30 years, the primary research focus of Shuler’s laboratory has been investigations of the control of fusion of the secondary palate. These studies have examined the medial edge epithelium (MEE) of the palatal shelves. He and a team of scientists in his lab identified the critical role of TGF-β3 in the process of palatal fusion and the expression of that molecule in the MEE. Their findings of the critical role of TGF-β3 in palatal fusion have been translated into clinical applications screening pregnant women and it has been shown that some isoforms of TGF-β3 are associated with increased incidence of cleft lip/palate in humans when the mother smokes while pregnant. Their studies continue to examine the mechanism of TGF-β3 during palatogenesis to identify specific targets for teratogenic molecules that are linked with craniofacial birth defects. Additionally, he has been involved in education research and several clinical research projects.”

The award was presented to Charles Shuler in absentia at the opening ceremonies of the IADR’s 94th General Session & Exhibition on June 22, 2016, in Seoul, Republic of Korea.