Yakovlev awarded second place in prestigious SCADA competition

Second year University of Minnesota School of Dentistry student Galina Yakovlev was awarded second place in the Student Competition for Advancing Dental Research and its Application (SCADA) for her poster titled "Investigating the effect of PEITC, a natural chemopreventive agent, on the tobacco carcinogen-induced DNA damage in oral cells." She accepted the award at the American Association for Dental Research annual meeting, held March 21-24 in Ft. Lauderdale , Fla.

SCADA is a global student competition aimed at engaging and inspiring the next generation of dental professionals in the discovery and advancement of dental research in support of oral health worldwide.  More than 7,500 students participate in the program, including students in programs across 39 countries.  As the program has grown over the years, so too has the breadth of the research, with students presenting the results of their clinical, basic and translational science or public research.

Yakovlev’s award was earned in the category of Clinical Science/Public Health Research.  

“It was deeply inspiring to be surrounded by so many scholars, researchers and clinicians from various institutions around the world, says Yakovlev.  "I learned a lot about current studies, the latest research innovations, and had a great opportunity to promote my research and explore opportunities for collaboration." 

Yakovlev conducted her research as a participant in the School of Dentistry's Student Summer Research Fellowship Program. The program is a voluntary 10-week, structured summer research experience for incoming and current dental students.  During the summer of  2017, Yakovlev conducted her research under mentorship by Irina Stepanov, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School.   The Student Summer Research Fellowship Program is coordinated by School of Dentistry Professor and Assistant Dean for Research Joel Rudney, Ph.D., M.S., M.A.,

Students who have presented their research to their respective national programs become members of the SCADA alumni association.  Alumni serve as judges in future competitions and benefit from networking within a global community of professionals. These connections encourage ongoing opportunities among students, dental schools, researchers and clinicians. 

SCADA was launched as a joint venture between DENTSPLY International and the American Dental Association in 1959.  Dr. Teresa A. Dolan, vice president and chief clinical officer with Dentsply Sirona, is a strong advocate of the importance of supporting student research noting that, “These students are without a doubt the next generation of leaders in dentistry. “

In addition to the student awards, SCADA grants fellowship funding to qualified members to help support their graduate education and alsopresents a faculty advisor award annually to honor the efforts of faculty in their mentoring of student research and an achievement  award for outstanding dedication to the profession.

To learn more about SCADA and other awards granted, visit SCADA Research. To learn about the donor supported Student Summer Research Program, visit here.