Speakers
Mani Alikhani, DMD, PhD
Dr. Mani Alikhani is an Associate Professor at Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Associate Scientist at Forsyth Institute. He obtained his DMD degree from Tufts University, a PhD in Molecular Biology from Boston University, and a Certificate of Orthodontics from New York University. Dr. Alikhani is a founding member and Director of the Consortium for Translational Orthodontic Research (CTOR, orthodonticscientist.org), the only center of its kind dedicated to translational research in the field of orthodontics. His research efforts in orthodontics and bone biology have produced many patents for new and safer treatments to move teeth faster and grow bone in the jaws. Dr. Alikhani is the author of many chapters, books and articles, and a renowned expert in non-surgical treatment of severe malocclusions. He has private practices dedicated to Orthodontics in Brooklyn, NY, and Hoboken, NJ.
Cristina Teixeira, DMD, MS, PhD
Dr. Cristina Teixeira is Associate Professor in the Department of Orthodontics at New York University College of Dentistry. She graduated from University of Pennsylvania where she earned her DMD degree, Certificate of Orthodontics, Masters in Oral Biology, and PhD in Developmental Biology. Dr. Teixeira’s research on bone growth and development has received support from the NIH and different international research foundations. Dr. Teixeira has received numerous awards and recognitions, published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, served as mentor to many graduate and undergraduate students, and presented her work at national and international conferences. She is a founding member of the Consortium for Translational Orthodontic Research and has a private practice dedicated to Orthodontics in Hoboken, NJ.
Jeanne Nervina, DMD, PhD
Dr. Jeanne Nervina is Assistant Professor in Department of Orthodontics at New York University College of Dentistry and Director of the Department’s Craniofacial Orthodontics Clinic. She earned her DMD and PhD at the University of Connecticut and her Orthodontics Certificate at UCLA. As a CTOR member, molecular bone and developmental biologist, and an orthodontist, Dr. Nervina’s research focuses on developing “smart” orthodontic appliances and innovative treatments for children with craniofacial anomalies. Dr. Nervina has published numerous articles and chapters and has a private practice in Hoboken, NJ.
Zoya Kurago, DDS, PhD
Dr. Zoya Kurago is a Board-certified oral and maxillofacial pathologist and an Associate Professor at Augusta University (previously Medical College of Georgia) with joint appointments in Oral Biology, Pathology, Georgia Cancer Center and the Graduate School. Her education includes a DDS degree from The University of North Carolina, as well as PhD in Pathology and Immunology and a Certificate in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology from The University of Iowa. Dr. Kurago teaches various aspects of pathology and immunology at the predoctoral, graduate and postdoctoral levels and practices oral and maxillofacial pathology. Her research examines the functions of the innate immune system in head and neck cancer and other disorders of the oral cavity.