Office of Research – Student Research
Summer Scholars Research Program
The ECU School of Dental Medicine provides selected dental students in each incoming class with unique, in-depth research experiences through the Summer Research Scholars Program. Accordingly, dental students are introduced to evidence-based decision-making by participating in the research process. This program allows incoming dental students to conduct research under the close mentorship of faculty investigators from the SoDM and other Health Sciences schools, colleges, institutes, and centers. The objective of the program is to provide School of Dental Medicine students with the tools they will need to develop and answer questions through research.
The program trains students to identify research questions, design a research study that sufficiently answers the specific question, analyze, and interpret data in a meaningful way, and effectively present the results for the broadest possible impact. Students will discuss and receive regular feedback regarding their projects and learn how to create an abstract and poster presentation from their original work.
The Summer Research Scholars Program starts annually around June 1 and continues through mid-August with the beginning of the fall term. Incoming students must apply to the program and are selected on the basis of enthusiasm and goals. Previous research experience is not a requirement. Selected Research Scholars are matched with faculty mentors and receive funding for their project along with a summer stipend. Click link to view the List of Mentors https://dental.ecu.edu/research/mentors/. Research Scholars are required to present a poster of their project at the ECU Brody School of Medicine Research Day (August 2026) and the SoDM Celebration of Research and Scholarship (CORAS, February 2027).
Previous Research Scholars have gone on to present their research at national and international meetings, including the Hinman Dental Meeting, American Dental Association, National Dental Association, American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research, and International Association for Dental Research.
Research Scholars and projects from Summer 2025 included:
- Kenya Hester Class of 2029): Mom Knows Best: Exploring Factors that Influence Dental Care During Pregnancy Safety
- Delaney Hill (Class of 2029): Cut the Cord: Presence of Oral Bacteria in the Placenta
- Leighton Wood (Class of 2029): Oral Health, Whole Health: Investigating the Systemic Burden of Missing Teeth
The deadline for applying for the 2026 Summer Research Scholars Program is Friday, March 20, 2026. Applications (i.e. letter of intent and curriculum vitae) can be sent to Ms. Lisa Finch, Office Manager, Research finchl@ecu.edu. Questions regarding the program and application process can be directed to Dr. Alexandre Vieira, Associate Dean for Research at vieiraa23@ecu.edu.
Student Research Group
The Student Research Group (SRG) is the School of Dental Medicine’s student organization that encourages and fosters dental student participation in research and scholarly activities. Through fellowship, awareness, and meetings, we help interested students enrich their dental education through research experiences and discussion. It is our goal to impart the importance of science and research to our community to improve patient care and our participation in the field of dentistry. We want to help fuel the desire for life-long learning that epitomizes our profession. The SRG is affiliated with the National Student Research Group, one of 20 scientific groups that comprise the International and American Associations for Dental Research.
If you are currently interested in conducting a research project and enriching your experience as a dental student, whatever the year, please contact the Office of Research staff at 252-737-7227 or Dr. Ramiro Murata, SRG Faculty Advisor at 252-737-7228 or muratar16@ecu.edu.
Student Research Group Officers and Faculty Advisor
- President – Liam Hopfensperger
- Vice President – Salim Koroma
- Secretary – Sabrina Miller
- Treasurer – Ahmed Alwazni
- VP of Media – Chloe Pike
- Ramiro Murata, DDS, MS, PhD
SRG Faculty Advisor
Email: muratar16@ecu.edu
Salim Koroma, Chloe Pike, Ahmed Alwazni, Sabrina Miller and Liam Hopfensperger