Peter T. Gakunga, Ph.D., M.S., B.D.S., instructor and researcher in the department of orthodontics, has received the 2004 Southwestern Society of Orthodontists (SWSO) Faculty Research Award.
The SWSO awards one competitive research grant in the amount of $4,000 each year. Dr. Gakunga received the award at the SWSO Annual Session last week. The award will support his research on the growth of the cranial base. Abnormal growth in the cranial base results in craniofacial abnormalities in 1:1000 of all live births.
Using novel, but well documented animal and organ culture model systems, these studies will broaden the understanding of the mechanisms involved in cranial base synchondrosal growth. This will provide valuable information on the molecular pathology of craniofacial dysmorphology, as well as provide pointers towards novel diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Dr. Gakunga has received the American Association of Orthodontists Faculty Development Fellowship, the American Association for Dental Research Bloc Travel Award, the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Travel Award and the National Institute of Dental Research National Research Service Award. He is also one of this year’s recipients of the Health Science Center’s Institutional Teaching Grant. He is a member of the International Association for Dental Research, the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association. Dr. Gakunga received a bachelor’s degree in dentistry from The University of Nairobi, Kenya, and a master’s degree in oral biology from The University of California at Los Angeles. He received his doctorate in oral biology from The University of California at San Francisco, and his certification in orthodontics from the Health Science Center.
