University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry Associate
Professor, Sreenivas Koka, D.D.S., Ph.D., recently received the American
Association for Dental Researchs Student Research Group Mentor Award.
The award recognizes outstanding faculty members with experience in research
and who support student research.
The primary mission of the association is to promote oral health research,
enhance the quality and scope of oral health and promote the advancement
of oral health and science.
Dr. Koka received the award through his involvement in the colleges
Nebraska Dental Student Research Group. In 1999, he formalized and became
faculty advisor for the group, which advances research activities at the
college, promotes regional and national student research programs and sponsors
various local and regional research activities.
Dr. Koka was chosen among 16 other nominees from other dental schools
across the country. Nomination letters signed by students attest to Dr.
Kokas talent as a mentor.
We have had the opportunity to become involved in student research
activities only due to the excitement, energy, and enthusiasm of Dr. Koka,
said a nomination letter. His passion for research has inspired him to
organize and establish the Nebraska Dental Student Research Group.
Dr. Koka is passionate about the science of dentistry, and conducts
his efforts to benefit both dentistry and his students. In every manner
possible, Dr. Sreenivas Koka embodies the mantle of faculty mentor! He
is the quintessential scientist, researcher, student and friend.
Dr. Koka said his mentor philosophy is modeled from those who mentored
him. Ive had some great mentors and Im aware of how much theyve helped
me. I aspire to be like them. In terms of helping a student enjoy research,
a so-so project with a great mentor is much better than a great project
with a so-so mentor. I try to figure out what motivates each student, and
make it a positive experience for them so they get results and walk away
feeling like theyve accomplished something.
To be able to combine one-on-one interaction with students and my
love for science is exhilarating and rewarding.
Dr. Koka said faculty advisors are generous with their time and guidance,
and the strength of the student research program is due to their efforts.
He also acknowledged John Reinhardt, D.D.S., dean of the UNMC College of
Dentistry, and Jeffrey Payne, D.D.S., assistant dean for research, for
their support of the student research program, including fundraising efforts
for the program initiated in 1999.
Another student nominator said Dr. Kokas mentorship opened doors. When
I made the decision to become involved in research, I had no idea it would
affect my life the way it has or open the doors for me that it has, wrote
the nominator. As students, we all hope and dream of having a special
and influential person in our educational career to guide, teach, encourage
and support us on our endeavors. I only wish every student could share
the same experiences I have.
Born and raised in London, England, Dr. Koka graduated from the University
of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1989 and in 1991 received a masters
degree in prosthodontics at the school. In 1992, he accepted a position
as assistant professor with the UNMC College of Dentistry Department of
Adult Restorative Dentistry. In 1999, he earned his doctorate in oral biology
from UNMC. The same year, he was appointed associate professor in the Department
of Oral Biology. He teaches biochemistry to first-year dental students
and dental implant prosthodontics to residents.
Dr. Koka received the colleges Outstanding Teacher Award in 1993 (by
both the sophomore and junior dental classes), 1994, 1995 and 1997 and
the UNMC Outstanding Teacher Award in 1997.