On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, the Office of Academic Programs hosted the Undergraduate Symposium for Scholarly and Creative Work, where students were able to share their research and creative projects. Oscar Peng, a biology student working with Dr. Peng Chen in Dr. Yang Chai’s lab at the Center for Craniofacial Research (CCMB), presented a poster showcasing his research on craniosynostosis, the premature fusion of the skull. Oscar received the USC Discovery Scholar Distinction Award for his poster titled “Advancing Craniosynostosis Treatment: The Potential of Hyaluronic Acid Methacrylate (HAMA) in a Novel Regenerative Approach.”
Mentored closely by Dr. Chen, Oscar has been able to gain hands-on research experience, which has influenced his future ambitions to study oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of San Francisco School of Dentistry next year. He stated, “I’ve been able to work directly with my mentor, Dr. Peng Chen, in analyzing and developing novel regenerative approaches for craniosynostosis, a disease that affects many individuals per year. More importantly, working at CCMB has shifted my understanding of oral and craniofacial health as having a huge integral role in overall health.”
Congratulations on your award, and we look forward to your continued efforts in advocating for the importance of oral health!
