Research/Areas of Interest

1. Gene expression and regulation in bone development and formation using transgenics, gene knockouts, signal transduction pathway, and epigenetics including microRNA, long noncoding RNA and circular RNA;
2. Using adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to engineer and regenerate tissues;
3. Translational studies including treatment for bone disorders in diabetic and obese patients, bone metastasis of breast cancer, association of dental diseases with systemic disorders, e.g., Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and osteoarthritis, and osseointegration of bone implants;
4. Application of nanomaterials in cell-based gene therapy.

Education

  • Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD), Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, United States
  • Master of Dental Science (MDS), University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, United States
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Toronto, Canada