“Cyrus’s presentation is understated; he absorbs knowledge, commits himself to the project, and is sincerely appreciative of those who provide guidance in some small or big manner. Such students are a rare find.” -Teresa Marshall, professor, preventive and community dentistry

Hometown: Wheeling, Illinois

Faculty mentor/advisor: I-Ching (Izzie) Wang, DDS, MS, associate professor, periodontics; Hongli Sun, PhD, associate professor, oral & maxillofacial surgery; University of Iowa College of Dentistry; and Emilio Couso-Queiruga, DDS, MS, ITI (International Team for Implantology) fellow, University of Bern School of Dental Medicine.

What is your degree program and expected graduate date? DDS – Expected graduation June 2023

Please describe your research: My research interests have been in how dentists can preserve and/or regenerate bone and mucosa around teeth and dental implants. Additionally, I am interested in how accurately dentists assess health or disease.

In simple terms, why does this research matter? When a tooth is lost, dental implants are often the standard to replace the missing tooth. However, if there is not enough bone to place the implant screw into the jaw, the smile cannot be restored. My work helps to retain or regain robust bone to replace a tooth via a dental implant.

How soon after starting at the University of Iowa were you able to participate in research? After my first year.

How has being involved in research made you more successful at the University of Iowa? Being involved in research opens doors in academia. People like to see you work on projects and with others. However, I have found the knowledge I have gained to be far more valuable. It has allowed me to explore the niche within dentistry I find interest in.

What are your career goals and/or plans after graduation? I will attend LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry for a three-year residency training in periodontics.

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