DIRECTOR
Peter Polverini, DDS, DMSc
Jonathan Taft Distinguished University Professor of Dentistry
Dean Emeritus
neovas@umich.edu | 734-764-1543
Dr. Polverini is the Jonathan Taft Distinguished University Professor of Dentistry and dean emeritus, University of Michigan Dental School and Professor of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School. Dr. Polverini holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a DDS from Marquette University. He completed specialty training in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and was awarded the Doctor of Medical Sciences degree from Harvard University. He has held faculty appointments at the University of Pittsburgh, Northwestern University and the University of Minnesota where he served as professor and dean of the School of Dentistry.
Dr. Polverini has a distinguished scientific career in the field of vascular and cancer biology where he has long been a leader and influential figure. His current research focuses on the role of cancer stem cells in the progression of premalignant oral lesions and exploring strategies to integrate precision medicine into dental practice. He is considered an accomplished mentor, scholar, motivator and seasoned administrator who has fostered innovation in dental education by promoting scholarship and scientific rigor.
Dr. Polverini is a Diplomat of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Fellow of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, a recipient of the Distinguished Scientist Award in Oral Medicine and Pathology from the International Association for Dental Research and the Birnberg Award for Excellence in Dental Research from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Marquette University School of Dentistry and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and the William J Gies Award for Vision by a Dental Educator from the American Dental Education Association Gies Foundation. Dr. Polverini is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences, past President of the American Association for Dental Research and former Health Policy Fellow with the University of Michigan Center for Healthcare Research and Transformation. Dr. Polverini is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine.