Education
- BA, Biology, Queens College New York
- DMD, University of Pennsylvania
- MA, Sociology, University of Pennsylvania
- PhD, Sociology, University of Pennsylvania
Biosketch
I am the Adams Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Adams School of Dentistry. I served for 14 years as UNC’s Executive Vice Provost (2008-2022) and also was UNC’s Chief International Officer for a decade (2009-2018). I also hold joint appointments in three schools and am a member of the UNC Craniofacial Center Team. For twelve years, I was Chair of the Department of Dental Ecology in the UNC Adams School of Dentistry.
I am a sociologist and ethnographer who has used qualitative and survey research methods in numerous social research projects and serve as the Faculty Director of the CFAR OCE Office (Office of Community Engagement) of the UNC Center for AIDS Research (CFAR). My global work has included being a visiting professor in Brazil and Israel, and conducting social research in Thailand, Moldova and China.
My research has focused on the social impacts of chronic health problems, especially oral/craniofacial differences and HIV/AIDS. My work combines his clinical, social science, ethical, and health policy interests as they relate to craniofacial care, research participation, HIV/AIDS, stigma, prenatal diagnosis, and access to healthcare. cleft lip/palate and other craniofacial conditions in children and adults. I am the lead faculty member of the Thorp Faculty Engaged Scholars Program of the Carolina Center for Public Service.
I have served as President of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association and received both its Distinguished Service Award and the Honors of the Association. In 2018, I was the recipient of the John C. Brauer Award, the highest recognition awarded to a faculty member in the UNC Adams School of Dentistry. In 2022, I was honored by UNC with the Ned Brooks Award for community service and scholarship and was the recipient of the Graduate School Dean’s Award for Significant Contribution in Graduate Education.