Miguez Wins Bud and Linda Tarrson Fellowship
Dr. Patricia Miguez, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Operative Dentistry, was recently awarded the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation (AAPF) Bud and Linda Tarrson Fellowship. Only one recipient is selected annually for this prestigious award.
“I am truly humbled and grateful to receive this award, through which the AAPF recognized my dedication to academics and potential in the field,” said Miguez. “I am deeply focused on developing scholarship, my own research program and promoting evidence-based learning opportunities for students, and this award is a validation that I am in the right path and that the specialty believes in me
As the fellowship winner, Miguez will receive $36,000 over three years in unrestricted funds. The award is considered the most prestigious career development award presented to young academicians focused in periodontology. It recognizes great potential in research and teaching.
Miguez is a native of Brazil, where she went to dental school and also underwent her periodontics specialty training. In 2000, she moved to the U.S. and enrolled in the UNC School of Dentistry, graduating with two degrees: a Master of Science in operative dentistry (2003) and a PhD in oral biology with a certificate in periodontology (2011). Miguez worked as assistant professor in the Department of Periodontics at the University of Pennsylvania from 2011-14 before joining the UNC School of Dentistry Department of Operative Dentistry this past summer. Currently, Miguez participates in the clinical training of AEGD and graduate operative residents as well as third- and fourth-year DDS students. Her research focuses on studying extracellular matrices and mineralized tissue biomodification and regeneration.
“Dr. Patricia Miguez is one of the most talented and creative individuals I know,” said Dr. André Ritter, chair of the Department of Operative Dentistry. “Because of her extensive training in both clinical and basic science disciplines, she is a terrific asset for any dental school and department, and we are extremely fortunate to have her in our ranks at the UNC Department of Operative Dentistry. This generous award is a clear recognition of Dr. Miguez’s potential by her peers, and will allow her to advance her research and teaching interests.”
The award was provided to the AAPF by the late Dr. Bud Tarrson and his wife, Linda Tarrson. The UNC School of Dentistry’s state-of-the-art clinical building, Tarrson Hall, is named for the family, who provided the lead donation for its construction. Close friends of the UNC School of Dentistry, the family also set up the Tarrson Family Scholarship, which annually provides a qualified DDS student with financial aid.
