UNMC College of Dentistry Dean Gerard Kugel, DMD, PhD, this week announced two new appointments, congratulating:
- Megan Christiansen, assistant professor of surgical specialties and co-director of the undergraduate periodontic clinic, on being awarded the Dr. F. Gene Dixon and Rosemary Dixon Faculty Fellowship for Excellence in Teaching at the UNMC College of Dentistry; and
- Sangamesh Kumbar, PhD, associate dean for research and tenured professor, on being named the Byron H. and Mary V. Weeth Professor of Dental Research.
Both appointments were effective Nov. 1.
Christiansen’s fellowship recognizes full-time faculty who demonstrate excellence in teaching and have developed and implemented educational programs/courses that enable students to grow in their leadership abilities.
Christiansen is a 1994 graduate of the UNMC College of Dentistry Dental Hygiene program. She has spent 31 years practicing clinical dental hygiene, with 30 years in the field of periodontics. Her academic career began in 2013 when she returned to the UNMC College of Dentistry as a staff dental hygienist. She then was promoted to a clinical instructor position, working with dental students in the undergraduate periodontal clinic, and is now an assistant professor and co-director of the undergraduate periodontal clinic. In addition to her work at the UNMC College of Dentistry, Christiansen teaches expanded function courses to dental assistants and is serving as president-elect of the Nebraska Dental Hygiene Association.
Dr. Kumbar’s professorship recognizes full-time faculty for their research ability and accomplishments, as well as academic promise.
Dr. Kumbar joined the UNMC College of Dentistry in January 2025 in the department of growth and development and was appointed as the associate dean for research on Oct. 1. Dr. Kumbar has a distinguished record of academic leadership and scientific innovation, with prior faculty appointments at the University of Virginia and the University of Connecticut. An internationally recognized expert in biomaterials, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, his research has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, and multiple foundations.
“I am excited to congratulate Prof. Christiansen and Dr. Kumbar on these distinguished appointments,” Dr. Kugel said. “Dedicated, effective teaching and visionary, innovative research both are important to our college, and these recognitions are well-deserved.”