Navigating Dental Research: Fostering Meaningful Connections in Mentorship, Collaboration, and Community

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Roene Nasr ('24), a Neuroscience major, investigated the use of dental pulp stem cells to repair and heal damaged tooth tissue under the mentorship of Dr. Kyle Vining (School of Dental Medicine and Department of Materials Science). This research was supported by the College Alumni Society Undergraduate Research Grant.

My hands have been eager to explore the world around me long before I fully grasped its complexities. I remember vividly the day I attempted to sculpt teeth out of Play-Doh for my grandma. At just four years old, my innocent desire to make her smile masked the reality that she had lost all her teeth early in life due to a lack of access to basic preventative care. As I molded the bright white dough, I tried to replicate the shapes I had seen in my own mouth. Presenting my finished work, my grandma's hands, rough from a life of labor, warmly embraced mine—and in that moment, she saw a healer in me. The subject of my project holds a deeply personal significance for me, as it is rooted in the desire to address the dental decay that led to my grandmother's tooth loss. My passion for the field of dentistry goes beyond this personal connection, however. I am genuinely enthusiastic about the prospect of making a meaningful and lasting impact on oral health.

After a summer shadowing in the dental field, I yearned for knowledge beyond observation. Joining the Vining Lab as its first member, I witnessed its remarkable transformation from the ground up. Embarking on independent research in regenerative dentistry, I aim to promote dental pulp stem cells to repair and heal damaged tooth tissue. Through collaboration, the overall goal involves next-generation fillings to promote healing and regeneration, ultimately aiming to end root canals. I have grown with the lab, and I aspire to make an indelible mark on the field. I am committed to continuing my research in dentistry, constantly seeking new avenues of discovery.

During my project, I encountered various challenges that I tackled with determination. For instance, I faced the issue of the dental pulp stem cells differentiating unexpectedly during the second phase of cell culture. Despite the complexity, I delved into literature review, collaborated with peers, and sought guidance to understand the underlying causes. Similarly, I grappled with inconsistent stiffness modulus measurements in my hydrogel samples. Undeterred, I revisited my experimental approach, adjusted testing conditions, and sought advice from mentors. These challenges tested my resilience and willingness to seek solutions through effective communication and problem-solving.

Through my research experience, I forged valuable connections that enriched my journey in distinct ways. My relationship with my mentor was pivotal, characterized by open communication, guidance, and shared enthusiasm for the project. Dr. Vining's mentorship not only refined my technical skills but also instilled in me a deeper understanding of the research process. Collaborating with my peers was equally rewarding as we collectively tackled challenges, exchanged insights, and fostered a supportive environment, exposing me to diverse perspectives. Engaging with the Penn community was an enriching aspect of this experience, allowing me to attend talks and seminars, engage in discussions, and contribute to the broader academic discourse. The most rewarding facet of these connections was witnessing the personal and educational growth that emerged from the mentor-student dynamic, peer collaborations, and the larger intellectual community, fostering a sense of shared achievement and learning. I truly couldn't have come as far as I did without every single member of the Vining Lab team. - Roene Nasr

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