UNMC College of Dentistry Associate Professor, Sreenivas Koka, D.D.S., Ph.D., recently received the American Association for Dental Research’s 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 college’s 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 dental schools across the country. Nomination letters signed by students attest to Dr. Koka’s 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 after those who mentored him. “I’ve had some great mentors and I’m aware of how much they’ve 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 they’ve 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 fund raising efforts for the program initiated in 1999.
Another student nominator said Dr. Koka’s 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,” said 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 in 1989 from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, where he also received his master’s degree in prosthodontics. 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 college’s 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.