Ameritas Nebraska Dental Student Research
Overview
Traditionally, the UNMC College of Dentistry has had a small, but active, student research group. Our emphasis has been on a "quality, not quantity" research environment for student research. In essence, we may not have a lot of students conducting research, but the ones who are conducting research are conducting high-quality research. Nonetheless, by the time any particular dental class graduates, on average approximately 20-25% of its students will have had a formal research experience that includes personal mentoring on an in-depth research project. Many students who have availed themselves of a formal student research experience have gone on to enroll in residency and graduate programs.
Sponsorship
Funds to support the student research program at the College of Dentistry come from three principal sources. First, in 1999, Ameritas generously agreed to partially support the student research program. In recognition of Ameritas' generosity, the research group is now known as the Ameritas Nebraska Dental Student Research Group (ANDSRG). In addition, a small, focused fund-raising campaign was started in 2001. Through the generosity of many alumni from the Dental Classes of 1993-1997 and other classes, who made donations to the University of Nebraska Foundation, the student research program has been able to grow further. Lastly, the Associate Dean for Research (Dr. Jeffrey Payne) and the Dean of the College of Dentistry (Dr. John Reinhardt) have made a strong commitment to the ANDSRG program, both in terms of financial and vocal support. The ANDSRG is fortunate to have the support of Ameritas, College of Dentistry alumni and the College administration. Individuals who are interested in donating to support the ANDSRG should contact Ms. Susan Norby at the University of Nebraska Foundation for additional information (402)-472-0430.
Frequently-asked Questions
#1. How do I get started in student research?
There are two principal mechanisms by which a student may conduct research:
A. Student Summer Research Fellowship Program
Every year approximately 10-13 Fellowships are awarded to students and their mentors to conduct research over the summer. The Fellowship provides a stipend of $1500 for each student (the stipend is split if two students participate in a single project) as well as a small budget for supplies ($750). Most often, students who apply are between their D2 and D3 years. Although students between their D1 and D2 years can conduct research over the summer break, they only can do so after National Boards Part I are completed, which often leaves little time (and energy!) for research. A request for applications is made in October and January for application submission in March to the Office of the Associate Dean for Research.
B. Informal Research
On occasion, a student works with a faculty mentor on a project that is not funded by the Student Summer Research Fellowship program. In these instances, the student may volunteer his/her time or may be paid by his/her mentor. Research conducted informally is often as rewarding to the student and the mentor as research supported by a Student Summer Research Fellowship. Specific arrangements should be determined clearly and at the beginning of any student-mentor relationship so that misunderstandings do not occur. Regardless of which mechanism a student chooses to conduct research, it is the responsibility of each interested student to identify a mentor and work closely with the mentor.
#2. How do I find a research mentor?
The first step in becoming a dental student researcher is to find a research mentor. In finding a mentor, you should think about what type of research interests you. Once you decide on this, you can find a faculty researcher who may be an appropriate mentor for you. If you have questions regarding mentorship, please contact Dr. Johnson (the faculty advisor for the ANDSRG) at (402)-472-9406. Dr. Johnson is aware of the majority of student research possibilities at the College of Dentistry and can direct you to the most appropriate potential mentor(s). In addition, previous and present student researchers are also a good source of information and may be able to answer questions for you (see list below).
#3. Will I be able to present my research findings?
There are local, regional, national and international venues in which students can present their research. Local venues include the College of Dentistry's Professionals Day and regional venues include the Midwest Student Research Forum (Omaha, NE) and the Nebraska Academy of Sciences (Lincoln, NE). The American (AADR) or International (IADR) Association for Dental Research Annual Meetings, the American Dental Association Annual Meeting and the Hinman Student Research Symposium are examples of national and international venues. Recipients of a Student Summer Research Fellowship are obligated to present their research findings at a national or international meeting. A listing of national and international presentations made by College of Dentistry students in the past few years is included below. At these meetings, students are making either a poster presentation or an oral presentation of their results.
Note: Travel funds are available for students who present their research at national/international meetings.
IADR/AADR Meeting March 16-19, 2011, San Diego, CA
- Daniell Freburg-Hoffmeister, Class of 2011
- Piper Larson, Class of 2012
- Jennifer Marshall, Dental Hygiene, Class of 2010
- Conrad Parks, Class of 2012
- Lori Petersen, Class of 2012
- Chad Snow, Class of 2011
- Michael Sullivan, Class of 2011
- Nathan Thomas, Class of 2011
- Ashley Young, Class of 2012
Hinman Student Research Symposium 2010, Memphis, TN
- Jessamy Stengle, Class of 2011
- Kaylene Harms, Class of 2011
Past Hinman Student Research Symposium Presenters
Current President (2011-2012) of the Ameritas Nebraska Dental Student Research Group (ANDSRG)
- Emily Tschetter, Class of 2014
Past ANDSRG Presidents:
- 2010-2011 Angela Cook, Class of 2011
- 2009-2010 Melissa Moutray, Class of 2010
- 2008-2009 Melissa Moutray, Class of 2010
- 2007-08 Angela Curry, Class of 2008
- 2006-07 Angela Curry, Class of 2008
- 2005-06 Lennard Hopper, Class of 2006
- 2004-05 Mikala Genrich, Class of 2005
- 2003-04 Sara Meng, Class of 2004
- 2002-03 Ben Thornton, Class of 2003
- 2001-02 Michael Thylin, Class of 2002
- 2000-01 John McPherson, Class of 2001
