AAP Awards Dr. Melanie Campese $15,000 Research Fellowship

Dr. Melanie Campese, first-year resident in the combined MSD/CAGS program in periodontology and oral biology, is the 2007 recipient of the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation’s Education Fellowship. The award encourages residents to expand their research interests and participate in academics in the future.

Since joining BUSDM last July, Campese has worked in the Oppenheim Laboratory, where researchers look at salivary proteins with properties to prevent periodontal disease. Campese studies salivary proteins known as histatins in healthy people under the supervision of Dr. Eva Helmerhorst, assistant professor in the Department of Periodontology and Oral Biology.

"Because these proteins have such beneficial effects for killing the periodontal pathogens, it was decided to direct research comparing the levels and stability of histatins between healthy people and people who have periodontal disease," explains Campese, "and to see if there is a way we can give these proteins to people with periodontal disease as a treatment." In her proposed study, "Histatins in the Prevention of Periodontal Disease," Campese will also study more subjects and collect not only saliva but also other fluids in the mouth.

"Her work represents a modern approach to find host-derived molecules useful for the treatment or prevention of periodontal disease," says Dr. Frank Oppenheim, department chair, of Campese’s research. "There is no doubt that she has the potential to be successful in a career involving both research and teaching," he adds.

Campese, who holds a DMD degree from the University of Montreal, thanks both Oppenheim and Helmerhorst for supporting her research. “It was an honor to receive this award and at the same time I was fortunate to be in this lab," she says.

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) will honor Campese at the organization’s annual meeting in October.