Fischer to become AADR Student Research Group Secretary
Nicholas Fischer, PhD, DDS ’25, is the Secretary-elect for the American Association for Dental Research’s National Student Research Group (NSRG), the organization announced following an AADR election.
Fischer is a dual-degree student, finishing his fourth year in oral biology and preparing to begin his DDS studies in August. He studies strategies to use materials and biomolecules that trigger tissue responses and reduce infection for medical devices that go through skin under advisor Conrado Aparicio, PhD, MSc Eng. He successfully defended his dissertation on that topic in early June.
He was attracted to the NSRG, a student-led, research-focused organization, after his first experience at an AADR meeting six years ago. He sees the organization as integral in ensuring that dental research, oral health, and scientific research can collaborate with one another.
“One of the great joys, but also great challenges, in dental research is weaving together our expertise in non-dental areas and that rich source of basic knowledge in the context of oral health,” he explained. He likened the need for expertise in various areas to the concept of a “triple threat” entertainer who sings, dances, and acts. “I’m adamant that this collaboration is critical for the future of dental research.”
As an oral health researcher, Fischer recognizes the need for the small band of oral health and dental researchers to communicate and collaborate well for the sake of their research. “Having a support network to help us do vibrant, sustainable research—regardless of whether we want to make a career out of it—is critical to the future of dental research.”
That’s why he chose to get involved and serve in a leadership position with NSRG. “I have other experiences at the University and national level, so I think I’m positioned to advocate for and serve the entire NSRG.”
In the role, Fischer hopes to work toward greater collaboration and encourage the richness of basic sciences, dental research, and oral health research with one another and with practical goals. And he hopes the role will prepare him for his own future.
“I want to make a career within dental research and dental schools,” Fischer said. “Continuing to learn how to best navigate that process is something I’m looking forward to.”
“Hats off to Nick Fischer,” said Mark Herzberg, DDS, PhD, professor of basic sciences and president of the AADR. “He will be a great future leader for dental, oral and craniofacial research. On behalf of the AADR and the Board, we welcome him and look forward to his contributions to our research community.”
Fischer and the other nominees will begin their officer-elect experiences after the organization’s Virtual General Session, taking office after the 2022 Annual Meeting in Atlanta.