Sivaraman Prakasam, DDS, PhD

Sivaraman Prakasam, DDS, PhD, 2012 Foundation Fellow to the ADEA/AAL Institute for Teaching & Learning in the Health Professions, 2013 Teaching Fellow:

1. What is your research focus?

I am involved in translational research and I am focusing on innate immunology, particularly on exploring potential of soluble pattern recognition receptors as biomarkers for oral and systemic diseases. I am also interested in developing checklist-based systems to improve safety and success of dental surgical procedures.

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

Through our work we have identified that soluble pattern recognition receptors may have the potential to serve as surrogate markers to measure response to periodontal therapy. We have also developed a surgical safety checklist for dental implant placement through a "Delphi Process"

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

We are currently exploring the potential of soluble innate immune receptors as biomarkers for periodontal disease. We are also planning to explore the role of pattern recognition receptors that may spillover into the circulation as a result of chronic mucosal inflammation in causing and/or exacerbating adverse systemic conditions e.g., Preeclampsia.

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

Support from the foundation has been very critical for my career as a researcher in two key ways. On a personal level, I believe it has been the single most important factor that has allowed me to be a translational researcher by alleviating my student debt burden. On a professional level it has given me recognition and leverage that has enabled me to pursue my research career goals.