Heng Lin, DDS, PhD, Earns Research Award

Heng (Henry) Lin, DDS, PhD, a new postdoctoral associate in EIOH’s Center for Oral Biology, received a Young Investigator Award from the Worldwide Chinese Association for Dental Research.

Dr. Lin, who works in Dr. Wei Hsu’s lab, was recognized for his work in trying to detect the mechanism that regulates genes during craniofacial development and disease.

“Sometimes, craniofacial developmental disease may happen when genes have been mutated or turned on at an unappropriated time,” Dr. Lin explained. “The closer we get to better understanding how craniofacial anomalies are formed, then we’re that much closer to learning how to prevent them.”

After Dr. Lin completed his PhD at The School and Hospital of Stomatology at Wuhan University in China, he applied for a position in Dr. Hsu’s lab, here at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

“The University of Rochester is very famous for craniofacial related research,” he said. “There are state-of-the-art research facilities and a lot of interesting research programs.  Most importantly, I find Dr. Hsu a very vigorous researcher with a lot of creative ideas. When I  was interviewed, I found a vibrant team that I dreamed to be a part of.”

Dr. Lin was given a monetary award and a certificate during a China Night ceremony at the recent International Association of Dental Research conference in Boston, MA.  Dr. Mingwen Fan, dean of the School and Hospital of Stomatology at Wuhan University, presented Dr. Lin the award.