Summer Scholar: Tori Sears

Summer Research Scholar Tori Sears works with Jaeden Phelix, social clinical research specialist, on ongoing research projects each week during the summer.

Meet Tori Sears, a member of the Class of 2030 and our 2026 Summer Research Scholar. Sears studied environmental health sciences in the Gillings School of Global Public Health at UNC–Chapel Hill, where she began research her sophomore year, “an experience that was fundamental in shaping my passion for oral health research,” she said. Before she begins classes this fall in Ross Hall, Sears is working alongside Jaeden Phelix, social clinical research specialist.

Here’s what Sears had to say about her summer of research and what Phelix shared about the experience as well.

What has your experience as a Summer Research Scholar been like so far?

TS: Working in this position has challenged me in ways I didn’t expect, and I have grown tremendously as both a researcher and aspiring clinician. Through my involvement in ongoing projects in the research department, such as the Research Registry, I have connected with members of the local community and strengthened my ability to explain high-level clinical topics in a more digestible manner. Beyond this, I have contributed to more experimental research in the wet lab, utilizing various biomedical materials and scientific protocols to investigate research questions. These experiences have allowed me to refine more technical laboratory skills, including the use of analytical assays and specialized research tools.

What specific research project are you currently working on?

TS: There are several ongoing projects that I’ve assisted with, including our Research Registry project. This program involves the creation and expansion of a research repository within the lab, made possible by patients at ECU’s working clinics who consent to provide a one-time saliva sample. As we collect more biological samples from a diverse group of individuals, we can conduct more robust studies in the future, characterizing participants’ genetic profiles to investigate potential correlations with oral health outcomes. Additionally, my current project of interest involves analyzing a third molar extracted from a patient diagnosed with cleft lip and palate. We are investigating the impact of this condition on the quality of the molar, examining both its external features and internal integrity. I have been trained in several methods for analyzing dentin and enamel that I have incorporated into this project. The profile of the cleft lip and palate molar will ultimately be compared with that of a matched control molar.

JP: Her project contains procedures i’ve never worked with which excites me. This gave me the opportunity to work with some cool chemicals ive never worked with before! What Tori is working on is important to advancing the understanding of differences within tooth structures that can be found in people diagnosed with cleft lip and palate. I am thrilled that I get to help her with this project as we strive to advance dental research. Research is cohesive. When Tori came on board her research became my research. I’m glad to share time on our large-scale lab projects with Tori’s research. Tori’s work ethic has given her the opportunity to work on one of our large-scale projects outside of her own. Our Research Registry allowed her to get exposure to our clinics prior to starting school.

Have you had the opportunity to interact with research faculty?

TS: Though I have learned quite a bit about the day-to-day details of dental research from Jaeden, I have also had the opportunity to work with several faculty members involved in the Office of Research. One of these mentors is Dr. Alexandre Vieira, the associate dean for research at ECU SoDM. Another impactful faculty mentor has been Dr. Saulo Geraldeli, the division director of biomedical materials in the department. Learning from these individuals has been transformative to my experience, as they have encouraged my curiosity in the lab and continually challenged me to explore research questions in creative, innovative ways.

JP: Inside and outside of the lab, everybody in the Department of Foundational Sciences contributes to the greater good of North Carolina. Between community, clinical and wet lab research we all strive to make a difference every day. We get to share knowledge, learn, teach and work together to conduct meaningful research. We strive to make impactful discoveries that will benefit the world. Learning never stops; this mutual understanding is what makes the research team at ECU so wonderful to work with. Also, we have a gorgeous lab, with great natural lighting, a small touch that elevates work every day.

Tori Sears, the 2026 Summer Research Scholar and a member of the Class of 2030, conducts research in Ross Hall as part of her research experience. (Photos by Spaine Stephens)

What was it like to get to see the Hyde County Outreach Clinic in action as part of your research experience?

TS: Visiting the Hyde clinic this past month was a remarkable experience, especially as I prepare to begin my D1 year. I had the opportunity to observe the D4 students as they conducted patient consultations and diagnosed various conditions to address during their appointments. It was truly impactful to see the difference that this care made in the lives of these patients, and I was able to talk with them personally about the life-changing work taking place at our clinics. The experience made me even more eager to begin my own journey at the ECU SoDM, and I look forward to the opportunity to work as a provider in our clinics!

Why is it important for you to include research as part of your dental education?

TS: What I love most about the field of dentistry is its dynamic nature. The field is constantly evolving as discoveries are made and more advanced technologies are introduced. As a provider, I want to develop the skills necessary to be the catalyst for this sort of positive growth. I hope to continue developing as a researcher under the mentorship of ECU SoDM’s research team.

How do you hope this experience contributes to your overall future career in dentistry?

TS: One of my aspirations as a clinician is to integrate the teachings of environmental health and sustainability into my practice, drawing upon my background in public health to foster innovation in the field. This experience has provided me with a fundamental understanding of hands-on research in oral health, particularly in the conception and design of a research project. Working under the guidance of esteemed faculty and research scientists at both ECU SoDM and the Brody School of Medicine, I have deepened my understanding of what it means to be an effective researcher and have continued to cultivate these qualities in myself.

JP:I believe this experience allowed her to get involved in one of our biggest missions early, using research to connect with and serve our community. I can see Tori’s excitement grow as the days go on. I have loved to show her around the dental school. She has already met many people who she will interact with throughout her education. I know that ECU will be a good fit for her. I am very lucky to be able to mentor her and watch her become more comfortable in the lab as well as in the SoDM. I am excited to watch Tori grow. She will become a great dentist.