Balbo Day Continues to Spotlight Student Research

On March 27, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) hosted its annual Dr. Michael P. Balbo Dental Research Expo Day. 

Named after its creator the late Michael Balbo, the full-day event is a platform for students to showcase their research, join lectures, and meet vendors. This year, 30 posters covered a broad scope of research topics in dentistry, spanning from sleep apnea to cancer to opioids to organ transplants.

Alireza Poursayah’s "Effect of Pre-Stretching on the Force Decay of Orthodontic Elastomeric Chains" won him the first-place prize among pre-doctoral candidates. “Winning first place at Balbo Day was a rewarding experience that filled me with immense pride and gratitude,” Poursayah said, a fourth-year DMD candidate. “The recognition was not just a personal achievement but also a demonstration of the collaborative effort and supportive environment at RSDM, which encourages students to pursue excellence.” 

Poursayah cultivated an interest in orthodontics for its impact on patient’s health, confidence, and life quality, and what drew him into research in this specialty was his desire to contribute to the field. Through his project, mentored by Associate Professor of Orthodontics Anil Ardeshna, he said he blended theoretical knowledge with practical application. “[The] mentorship has taught me the rigors of scientific inquiry and the importance of ethical research practices, furthering my academic and professional development. This endeavor has not only allowed me to engage deeply with my passion but also enhanced my educational experience at Rutgers, providing a profound understanding of orthodontic principles and reinforcing my commitment to advancing dental care through research and innovation.”

Prosthodontics resident Deven Mahesh Rawlani came in first among postgraduate presenters. His research was titled “Rehabilitation of Atrophic Maxilla and Mandible” and mentored by Chair of the Department of Restorative Dentistry Steven Morgano. It was a case study about a 70-year-old patient who came to the school’s clinic for treatment. “I was really enthusiastic to demonstrate the complex full mouth rehabilitations we perform in the Department of Prosthodontics on a daily basis and achieve life-changing results,” said Rawlani. “These treatments we perform are highly evidence-based with a strong backing of literature behind them. … I am feeling a mix of excitement, pride, and gratitude.”

Rawlani, always seeking answers and explanations, has tended to delve into the unknown. At RSDM, the faculty helped him transform his queries into meaningful scientific research. “As much as I enjoy clinical dentistry, performing research has changed the way I approach and decipher a complex problem,” he said. He realized that research broadened his perspective and taught him to critically evaluate scientific literature, helping him become a better researcher and a dentist.

“I would highly encourage my RSDM peers to take advantage of opportunities like Balbo Day,” he said. “It is a great event to share your work and get feedback and peer review. It has the added benefit of networking with the scientific community, boosting your confidence, enhancing your communication skills, and above all, contributing to professional development.” 

Predoctoral Winners     

Postgraduate Winners