School of Dentistry alumna Rekow receives Minnesota's highest alumni honor
Six-time University graduate explored the synergy between technology and materials science in support of human health and wellness
Six-time University of Minnesota graduate and School of Dentistry alumna E. Dianne Rekow, D.D.S., Ph.D., will receive the University’s highest alumni recognition, the Outstanding Achievement Award, later this month. The award recognizes Rekow for her dedication to learning, teaching and science, and for her vast and significant accomplishments and contributions to the fields of dentistry, medical devices, technology and materials science.
“Dr. Rekow is a talented educator, visionary leader, and accomplished scientist who is uniquely deserving of the University’s highest honor,” says Dean Leon Assael, DMD. “Her work and passion for the health sciences demonstrates outstanding achievement and leadership in the community, industry, higher education and worldwide. We are proud to call her one of our own.”
The Minnesota native received six different degrees from the University of Minnesota:
- B.A. physics/mathematics and mechanical engineering
- M.A. mechanical engineering
- D.D.S. dental surgery
- Specialty certificate in orthodontics
- Ph.D. biomedical engineering
- She also earned an M.B.A. from St. Thomas University
Rekow is well known for her pioneering work with computer-assisted design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology, which allows for high-quality and specialized-design dental materials such as crowns, dentures, implants or orthodontic appliances. Her research has been cited in more than 100 peer-reviewed articles.
Rekow has been a faculty member at the University of Minnesota, the University of Maryland at Baltimore, The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and New York University. She currently is the dean of the Dental Institute of King’s College in London. She is the first female dean of the school, and the first American to hold such a leadership position at a European dental school.
Her other accomplishments include:
- Work developing systems and contracts for the Navy and the Department of Defense
- Collaboration on the development of a Medtronic pacemaker
- Collaboration on projects integrating dentists into New York City’s emergency preparedness initiatives
- Leading a team in researching damage in layered ceramic dental implants, particularly all-ceramic crowns. The project was supported by $10 million in NIDCR funding, and contributed substantially to other dental, ceramic, and engineering studies as well as clinical dentistry.
- Election to the Presidency of both the American and International Associations for Dental Research.
“I am tremendously honored and humbled by being named for this award,” Dr. Rekow says. “The education I received at ‘the U’ is the foundation that has enabled a diverse and rewarding career. My achievements have largely been possible because of the commitment, expertise, patience and performance demands of a host of faculty from multiple disciplines who enabled my academic adventures. It is to them that I owe a my eternal thanks and respect.”
Rekow has two sons and 5 grandchildren. She enjoys travelling and has visited all seven continents. She lives in London with her husband.
Dr. Rekow will accept her award at a ceremony being planned in her honor, with a date to be announced.