Donald Kerr Symposium
We are honored to extend an invitation for your attendance at the 3rd Donald Kerr Symposium, proudly hosted by the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine. Scheduled for October 11 & 12, 2024, this year's theme, “Head and Neck Cancer: Biological Breakthroughs, Diagnostic Tools, Treatment Strategies, and Artificial Intelligence,” seeks to unify internationally renowned speakers from the United States in a collaborative exchange of pioneering research and clinical practice. Emphasizing the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning, the symposium dedicates itself to presenting the most current findings in the biology of head and neck cancers and the evolving landscape of salivary gland tumors.
The event is particularly focused on fostering connections among clinicians and researchers from the Midwest and the broader global community. Our aim is to create a milieu conducive to dynamic interaction and shared learning experiences. In this spirit, the symposium offers a special platform wherein students and residents are encouraged to engage directly with experienced professionals. It is an exceptional opportunity for budding academics to gain exposure to advanced research dialogues and form potential mentorship relationships with experts in their fields.
We encourage early registration before August 19 to take advantage of reduced pricing and to secure your place at this meeting. Honoring the distinguished legacy of Dr. Donald Kerr, the symposium celebrates his profound influence on oral and maxillofacial pathology through an ongoing commitment to excellence in dental and medical scholarship.
We anticipate your participation with great enthusiasm and look forward to welcoming you to an event that promises to foster groundbreaking advancements in the treatment and research of head and neck cancer.
Kind regards,
Rogerio M. Castilho, Peter J. Polverini, Felipe Nor
The symposium honors the groundbreaking research and leadership of Donald Kerr, who was a member of the School of Dentistry and Medical School faculties for 40 years before retiring in 1977. Dr. Kerr was widely recognized for his work in periodontology and oral pathology, along with the development of special dental programs for oral cancer patients. He had the distinction of being president of the American Academy of Periodontology and president and co-founder of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. Every two years, a variety of topics is explored as part of the Kerr Symposium at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.
Dr. Antonio Amelio is the Vice Chair of Research in Head and Neck Oncology at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute. He oversees the Amelio Lab within the Cancer Biology & Evolution Program, focusing on the molecular mechanisms behind tumor development and progression. His lab employs light-based technologies and bioinformatics to examine cell signaling, gene expression, and their impact on cancer cell behavior. Amelio's interdisciplinary research particularly targets adaptive stress signaling networks in oral and head and neck cancers, aiming to understand these pathways to inform future therapeutic interventions.
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Dr. Carlos Caulin, an Associate Professor of Cancer Biology and Otolaryngology at the University of Arizona, leads the Translational Head and Neck Cancer Research program. Earning his PhD from Universidad Autonoma of Madrid, he further honed his expertise in skin carcinogenesis and epithelial cell apoptosis through post-doctoral work at The Burnham Institute. His journey includes a vital role at Baylor College as an Assistant Professor of dermatology, specializing in squamous cell carcinoma, and significant contributions to head and neck cancer research at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Caulin's lab presently focuses on the role of mutations in tumor development, immune response, and therapy resistance, employing mouse models for cross-species analysis to drive cancer treatment advancements.
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Dr. Castilho is a Professor at the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry with affiliations to the Rogel Cancer Center. Dr. Castilho is funded by the NIH, and he focuses on translation research to improve healing of burned patients through the modulation of signaling pathways involved in cellular migration and proliferation. Dr. Castilho has also explored epigenetic modifications in head and neck cancers, including salivary gland tumors, which can be pharmacologically targeted using new emerging epi-drugs. He is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine and for the Journal of Oral Diagnosis.
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Dr. Nisha D'Silva is the Donald Kerr Endowed Collegiate Professor at the University of Michigan's School of Dentistry and a Professor of Pathology at the Medical School. As a member of the Rogel Cancer Center, she conducts respected translational research on head and neck cancer, exploring biomarkers and mechanisms behind tumor progression. She earned her degrees from the University of Bombay and completed her PhD at the University of Washington. Honored with numerous awards, including the distinguished Scientist Award for Oral Medicine and Pathology Research, Dr. D'Silva blends her research with mentorship and clinical practice in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology.
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Dr. Teresa Dolan is the Chief Dental Officer at Overjet, a pioneer in dental AI, and former Chief Clinical Officer at Dentsply Sirona. She is the dean emeritus of the University of Florida College of Dentistry and has earned accolades for her work in dental public health and advocacy for diversity. Dolan holds a DDS from the University of Texas and an MPH from UCLA. She is board-certified in Dental Public Health and holds prominent positions, including president of the American College of Dentists and past president of the Santa Fe Group.
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Dr. Andrew Fribley is an esteemed Assistant Professor at Wayne State University, where he advances research in head, neck, and breast cancer treatments. His work at the Karmanos Cancer Institute, forming key collaborations to advance clinical trials, complements over a decade of leadership as a Principal Investigator. With a rich publication record and a history of receiving accolades, Dr. Fribley aims to transition his expertise in oncology towards a role in translational medicine or as a medical science liaison in the industry.
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Dr. Raj Gopalakrishnan, Professor and Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Director at the University of Minnesota, also serves as the immediate past President of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. He practices surgical pathology, focusing on oral diseases, and researches early detection and treatments for oral cancers, as well as the elevated cancer risk in Fanconi anemia patients. With a BDS from the University of Madras and a PhD from The Ohio State University, his scholarly journey includes prestigious fellowships and a significant clinical impact.
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Professor Mark Lingen, a diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, focuses on early detection and prevention of head and neck cancers, particularly the tumor-suppressing effects of the NOL7 gene. With over 100 peer-reviewed articles and 10 book chapters to his name, Lingen is a frequent speaker at global conferences. His academic credentials include dental and doctoral degrees from Northwestern University, where he also pursued a residency and fellowship. He is a fellow of multiple esteemed dental and pathology colleges, highlighting his prominence in the field.
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Dr. Kayvan Najarian is a Professor at the University of Michigan with appointments in Computational Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and more, and is a leader in informatics labs and institutes focused on data science. His advanced degrees span from Canada to Iran, and his research develops machine learning and signal processing methods for clinical decision support to enhance patient care while reducing costs. Dr. Najarian has secured funding from NSF, NIH, and DoD, holds several journal editorial positions, and has over 200 publications including a notable textbook in his field.
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Dr. Jacques Nör is the esteemed Dean of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and the Donald Kerr Endowed Professor of Dentistry. He also holds a professorship in Otolaryngology at the University's Medical School. A former President of the AADOCR and a veteran member of the NADRC, Dr. Nör has an impressive publication record with 233 peer-reviewed papers and contributions to 15 book chapters. His research, backed by consistent NIH funding since 2002, centers on cancer stem cells in head, neck, and salivary gland cancers, alongside dental pulp stem cell regulation. He is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Dental Research, an AADR Fellow, and a recipient of multiple IADR awards, including the Distinguished Scientist Award.
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Dr. Felipe Nor is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan's School of Dentistry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. He earned a DDS and PhD in Oral Pathology from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and furthered his expertise completing a Master's in Oral Sciences and a Fellowship at the University of Iowa. An active researcher, Dr. Nor focuses on salivary gland tumor markers and small molecule inhibitors for head and neck cancers. He also contributes to scientific literature and serves on the University's Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Biopsy Service.
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Dr. Quintin Pan, Deputy Director for Research at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, and Dr. Lester E. Coleman, Jr., Chair in Cancer Research and Therapeutics, is shaping the future of oncology through precision medicine. At Case Western Reserve University, he focuses on translating genetic research into targeted therapies. With vast experience from the University of Michigan Medical School, Dr. Pan is pioneering the use of genomics to treat various cancers and leads over 300 clinical trials. His work emphasizes that understanding genetic alterations can revolutionize cancer treatment across different types.
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Medical oncologist Dr. Alexander T. Pearson specializes in treating head and neck cancers, particularly squamous cell carcinoma and salivary gland cancers. He integrates lab experiments with mathematical modeling to enhance understanding of cancer formation and improve treatment strategies. Serving as the principal investigator for an NIH-funded study on developing combination therapies for head and neck cancer, Dr. Pearson has contributed to over a dozen peer-reviewed publications, delivered numerous oral presentations at professional meetings, and is the editor of "Oncology Boards Flash Review."
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Dr. Pendse serves as the Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at the University of Michigan. He provides university-wide leadership and strategic direction for information technology. As a professor and researcher, he's garnered over $21 million in research grants, authored scholarly works, and earned multiple teaching accolades. With a B.S. from Osmania University and a Ph.D. from Wichita State University, Dr. Pendse's expertise is internationally recognized. In 2023, he pioneered as U-M's Special Advisor to the President for India, fostering relationships with Indian alumni, industry leaders, and prospective students, strengthening U-M's global educational influence.
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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. A Marquette University alumnus, he trained at Harvard and previously held faculty appointments at the University of Pittsburgh, Northwestern University, and the University of Minnesota. Dr. Polverini has a distinguished scientific career in the field of vascular and cancer biology. Dr. Polverini's career includes notable awards and leadership roles, such as the Distinguished Scientist Award and presidency of the American Association for Dental Research. He is also an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine.
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Dr. Lonnie Shea is the Steven A. Goldstein Collegiate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan, focusing on regenerative medicine, drug and gene delivery, and immune engineering to direct tissue regeneration. Holding a PhD from U-M, he's a distinguished researcher known for his work on nerve regeneration in spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis. His lab develops nanoparticles to modulate immune responses and biomaterials to facilitate axon growth and remyelination, aiming to alleviate paralysis and neuro-inflammation. Previously a faculty member at Northwestern University, Dr. Shea continues to make significant strides in neuroscience and tissue engineering.
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Dr. Nicole Spardy Burr, Director of Research at the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation (ACCRF), oversees the foundation's research proposals, manages the ACCRF PDX drug screening platform, and fosters collaborations within the research community since her start in April 2016. With her Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh, she studied HPV's role in carcinogenesis, particularly in Fanconi Anemia. As a postdoctoral fellow at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Dr. William Hahn's lab, her focus shifted to functional genomics to identify therapeutic targets for ovarian cancers with DNA repair defects. Dr. Spardy Burr's multifaceted career includes contributions to 'Cancer Discovery' and a role with the American Cancer Society.
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Dr. Paul Loren Swiecicki is a Clinical Associate Professor with a deep-seated specialization in medical oncology and internal medicine. His medical practice is concentrated on the treatment of Head and Neck Cancers as well as Salivary Gland Cancers, including the focused care of patients with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma. Dr. Swiecicki is also deeply committed to the field of Experimental Therapeutics, dedicating his research efforts to advancing new treatments that hold promise for these complex and challenging forms of cancer. His work in this area highlights his dedication to innovation in cancer therapy and improving patient outcomes.
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