Satheesh Elangovan, DDS, DMSc

Satheesh Elangovan, DDS, DMSc, 2011 Foundation Fellow to the ADEA/AAL Institute for Teaching & Learning in the Health Professions, 2011 Abram and Sylvia Chasens Fellow, 2013 Sunstar-AAP Foundation Research Fellow, 2008 Tarrson Regeneration Scholar:

1. What is your research focus?

Currently, our research group is focusing on developing non-viral DNA and RNA delivery systems for periodontal and bone regeneration. My secondary focus is the appraisal of evidence in periodontal literature and health outcomes research, with a focus on periodontal disease.

2. What has/have been the most significant contribution(s) of your research to our specialty?

Developing RNA based bio-material for bone regeneration can be a significant development in the field of molecular therapeutics for tissue regeneration, which has far reaching clinical implications.

3. What are some future directions of your research program?

Fine tuning DNA and RNA based bio-materials for tissue regeneration and translating these technologies for clinical applications.

4. What influence did the support from the Foundation have on your career as a researcher?

The AAPF allowed me to focus on what I'm passionate about (research and teaching) and not worry about student loans, which play a major role in a graduating student's decision to enter academia.