Summer Research Program Fosters Growth and Excellence

Overseen by Dr. Eduardo Moffa, DDS, MSc, PhD, Assistant Professor in Prosthodontics and the official Summer Research Program Coordinator, the initiative is designed to cultivate scientific curiosity, develop critical thinking skills, and introduce students to hands-on research in dental and biomedical sciences.

Each summer, faculty members submit proposals tailored to the program’s 12-week format, which runs from June through August. Students are matched with faculty mentors through a formal selection process, with placements highly competitive. “The College of Dentistry Summer Research Program offers undergraduate dental students the opportunity to participate in research projects under the mentorship of faculty members,” explained Dr. Moffa. “The program aims to foster an interest in scientific inquiry, develop critical thinking skills, and provide hands-on research experience in dental and biomedical sciences.”

This year’s cohort includes a record 31 participants: 18 Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) students, 1 Dental Hygiene student, and 12 international students from Brazil, the UK, and China participating through the Mitacs Globalink program. The inclusion of a Dental Hygiene student is a first for the program and one of several signs of its growth.

Among the Mitacs Globalink participants this year are two dental students from the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) in Brazil: Ana Luiza Carias and Beatriz Tami Kunihiro Kashiwaqui, both in their third year of study. Ana Luiza saw the program as a chance to expand her academic horizons. “I have an interest in research, and I saw this program at USask as an opportunity to gain a different perspective and a larger world view than I would get at my home university,” she said. She hopes to take back new techniques and insights that she can apply to future research initiatives in Brazil. The experience has also sparked thoughts of returning to Saskatchewan. “I feel inspired to possibly come back to USask for a master’s degree after I complete my dental program,” she added.

Beatriz was encouraged to apply by a fellow UFPR student who participated in the program last year. “She gave the program such glowing praise that I had to seriously look into it,” said Beatriz. Like her classmate, she’s excited about the chance to work in a new environment and broaden her research perspective. “I’m really looking forward to learning from the lab experience here—it’s a great opportunity to gain new academic insights that will enrich my education back home.”

Compared to the previous summer’s 15 students (9 DMD and 6 Mitacs), this year’s expansion is notable. “This year, we have seen a notable increase in faculty engagement, with 21 unique research projects offered,” said Dr. Moffa. He also credited the leadership of Dean Dr. Walter Siqueira, noting that “additional scholarships have been made available to DMD students” and that “a strong advocate for research,” Dean Siqueira has helped shift the College’s vision toward deeper integration of research into the curriculum.
That shift is being recognized. In 2024, five of the program’s students received prestigious Canadian Association for Dental Research (CADR) travel awards—five out of six awarded nationally. Some projects have already resulted in publications, highlighting the high caliber of both mentorship and student engagement.

“The program aligns with the College’s vision of integrating research more fully into the curriculum,” said Dr. Moffa. “It encourages students to appreciate the value of scientific research and to develop critical thinking skills that are essential for evidence-based dental practice.”

Beyond the summer term, the College continues to support student success through matched funding for students who earn CADR travel awards. This support allows students to present their findings at national and international conferences, reinforcing the College's commitment to academic excellence and scholarly dissemination.

With growing faculty participation, new funding opportunities, and an increasingly diverse student body, the Summer Research Program is thriving—enriching the academic experience at the College of Dentistry and preparing the next generation of clinician-scientists to lead with knowledge and innovation.