Hands-On research with expert mentorship
Early immersion for aspiring dentists at UF
For 30 years, the University of Florida College of Dentistry’s Summer Research Program, or SRP, has offered incoming students a unique advantage: a 10-week immersion into the world of scientific discovery that allows them to acclimate to dental school, build a community and get a leg up in research before orientation even begins.
2003 SRP Cohort
2025 SRP Cohort
The SRP’s 2025 cohort, which delivered its final presentations last month, marks the successful conclusion of this three-decade legacy.
This early focus on scientific inquiry is intentional, said Valeria Gordan, D.D.S., M.S., the college’s associate dean for research.
“The goal of the Summer Research Program is to instill a mindset of critical thinking from day one,” Gordan said. “We are training future clinicians who will not only master the ‘how’ of dentistry but will constantly ask ‘why.’ This program plants the seeds for them to become lifelong learners and leaders in a field that is always evolving.”
Building skills & community
The program’s dual benefits, advancing research skills while building personal connections, are consistently praised by SRP alumni. For third-year DMD student Andrew Simonson, the community aspect was transformative.
“I was new to Gainesville and being part of the SRP helped me acclimate to UF and the city,” Simonson said. “Plus, some of my closest friendships in dental school were formed during the program. If you are looking for a way to jumpstart your dental school journey, the SRP is an opportunity you do not want to miss!”
Participants are paired with expert faculty research mentors who guide them from curiosity and experimentation to discovery. For second-year DMD student Laurah Jean, this expert counsel was invaluable.
“Working with Dr. Astha Singhal on research about dental care during pregnancy taught me skills and knowledge that will benefit me as a future dentist beyond the research setting,” said Jean, who went on to present her SRP findings at UFCD’s 2025 Spring Synergy Day. Her project was titled, “Utilization of Dental Services During Pregnacy by Medicaid Enrollees.”
Findings from the lab: A glimpse of the 2025 research projects
This year’s cohort tackled some of the most complex issues in modern dentistry, and their work provides a compelling preview into the future of oral health:
- Amanda Abdala’s research revealed a powerful sequential therapy effective in combating stubborn biofilms that cause severe tooth decay.
- Emily Sardzinski tested a practical, chairside solution for the millions who avoid dentists due to paralyzing fear, providing a scalable way for dental teams to break the cycle of patient anxiety.
- Jerold Te’s work identified how an already FDA-approved drug can reprogram haywire immune cells to put out the flames of rampant inflammatory damage in severe gum disease.
- Ryan Yap’s research on “meth mouth” yielded a surprising discovery: The drug’s oral health devastation may come not from making bacteria stronger but from destroying the mouth’s healthy environment.
For a complete picture of findings uncovered by the 2025 SRP cohort, check out a rundown of their research projects here.