Topics at a glance: UTHSC-H HONORS YOUNG INVESTIGATORS: Dr. Walji recognized at annual appreciation luncheon … ASDA Holiday Giving Tree will help children in need … Periodontology teaching award goes to Dr. Raouf Hanna … American Society of Microbiology honors Dr. Goldschmidt … Win friends, influence people with Winter Wishes Candy Bags … Dr. Ontiveros to lead University Advisory Council for American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry 

UTHSC-H HONORS YOUNG INVESTIGATORS

Dr. Walji recognized at annual appreciation luncheon

Associate Dean for Research Karen Storthz, Ph.D., and Director of Educational and Technology Services David Taylor, Ed.D., congratulate Muhammad Walji, Ph.D. (center) on being recognized at the Young Investigators Appreciation Luncheon.

Muhammad Walji, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Diagnostic Sciences at the UT Dental Branch, was one of six researchers honored at the Fourth Annual Young Investigators Appreciation Luncheon Nov. 18 at the Fayez S. Sarofim Research Building. The annual event recognizes the achievements of young researchers and fosters diverse and collaborative research programs at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

New UTHSC-H President Larry R. Kaiser, M.D., welcomed the attendees. “I am delighted to be here to honor these young investigators, seeing how distinguished they really are,” he said. “I hope to be able to create an environment where we encourage and recognize the careers of young investigators. So much of the success of the institution is based on outstanding young investigators.”

UT Dental Branch Dean Catherine M. Flaitz, D.D.S., introduced Walji and noted that he was recruited to the Dental Branch in 2006 to help bridge the gap between impersonal technology and the human touch. Since then, she noted, “He's been working to develop persuasive health technology that actively engages patients in their health care decisions. He is our delightful, digital guru, for all things dental. And he's the key for developing dental informatics in our school.”

For an overview of Walji's projects and a list of all the Young Investigator Luncheon honorees, CLICK HERE.

ASDA Holiday Giving Tree will help children in need

It's never been easier to do a good deed, thanks to the American Student Dental Association's annual Holiday Giving Tree benefiting the Depelchin Children's Center. To participate, visit the tree outside Room 207 and take an ornament, then put your name on the sign-in sheet next to the tree. Each ornament has suggestions for items to purchase for a child in need this holiday season.

Depelchin has asked for gift cards for teenagers, as well as items for infants and very young children, so most ornaments are for one of those two categories. Bring your gift to the Student Affairs Office in Room 155 by Friday, Dec. 12, and then sign your name again so organizers will know when all ornaments have been returned. Please keep gifts under $100 (although you don't have to spend that much). Any amount will be appreciated. Questions? Contact Eric Braunlin at Eric.T.Braunlin@uth.tmc.edu.

Periodontology teaching award goes to Dr. Raouf Hanna

Raouf Hanna, D.D.S.

The American Academy of Periodontology Award for Outstanding Teaching and Mentoring has been presented to Raouf Hanna, D.D.S., assistant professor in the Department of Periodontics at the UT Dental Branch. Hanna earned his dental degree at Cairo University School of Oral Dental Medicine in 1998, followed by a master's degree in periodontics in 2003 from UTDB, where he currently serves as director of undergraduate periodontics. This award is presented annually to a periodontal educator who is recognized for phenomenal dedication and enthusiasm in teaching. Hanna was nominated by his department chair, James A. “Jim” Katancik, D.D.S., Ph.D.

With more than 8,000 members, the American Academy of Periodontology is known for advancing oral health and well-being through expertise in periodontics, implants, periodontal medicine, periodontal plastic surgery, and oral reconstructive surgery.

American Society of Microbiology honors Dr. Goldschmidt

Millicent Goldschmidt, Ph.D.

The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) has selected Professor Millicent Goldschmidt, Ph.D., to receive the 2009 Roche Diagnostics Alice C. Evans Award. The award will be presented at the ASM General Meeting Awards Banquet and dinner, and she will be the guest of honor at the annual reception hosted by the ASM's Committee on the Status of Women in Microbiology.

Goldschmidt has a joint appointment in the Department of Periodontics at the UT Dental Branch and in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at the UT Medical School.

The Roche Diagnostics Alice C. Evans Award recognizes contributions toward the full participation and advancement of women in microbiology. This award was established by the ASM's Committee on the Status of Women in Microbiology, and is given in memory of Alice C. Evans, the first woman to be elected ASM President in 1928. Nominees can be any member of ASM who has made major contributions toward fostering the inclusion, development and advancement of women in careers in microbiology. Nominees must demonstrate commitment to women in science through mentorship and advocacy and by setting an example through scientific and professional achievement.

Win friends, influence people with Winter Wishes Candy Bags

The University Classified Staff Scholarship Committee is taking orders for “Winter Wishes Candy Bags” to be delivered Thursday, Dec. 18 to anyone in The UT Health Science Center. Bags cost $2 each and will be for sale through Friday, Dec. 12. To order, print the form , fill out one for each order and return to your UCSC representative along with payment by Dec. 12. Questions? Contact Trish McFarland at Ext. 4105 or Patricia.McFarland@uth.tmc.edu.

Joe C. Ontiveros, D.D.S.

Dr. Ontiveros to lead University Advisory Council
for American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

Joe C. Ontiveros, D.D.S., associate professor in the UT Dental Branch Department of Restorative and Biomaterials, will chair the University Advisory Council (UAC) for the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). The UAC is an international group that works in partnership with the AACD in advising the Academy on teaching cosmetic dentistry in dental schools and other teaching institutes abroad. The AACD is the world's largest dental organization whose fundamental mission is to advance excellence in the art and science of cosmetic dentistry through education.

Dentist's wife says coat drive for Galveston teens successful so far

An fundraising effort to buy coats for the 1,800 students at Ball High School in storm-damaged Galveston has so far raised more than $25,000 - enough to buy 1,500 new coats, says organizer Karen Anderson, wife of UTDB alumnus Ernie Anderson, D.D.S. (Class of '71). When her story was first publicized in UTDB eFlash! on Nov. 18, the couple had only raised enough money to buy 327 coats. Money raised for the project will be sent to Coats for Kids Foundation Inc., a nonprofit group that buys coats in bulk for $17 each. They come in two styles with several colors and many sizes. If you would like to help, send donations to Coats for Kids Foundation, c/o Karen Anderson, 16411 Shelby Court, Spring, TX 77379. Make checks out to "Coats for Kids, Inc." and write "Galveston" on the memo line. The donations are tax-deductible.