Dr. Insoon Chang Selected for 2024-25 AADOCR Diversity Cohort

Dr. Insoon Chang, smiling
“I am enthusiastic about participating in this program, working alongside distinguished experts to deepen our collective understanding and investigate the broader health implications of our findings in both oral and systemic health,” said Dr. Chang.
August 2, 2024

Insoon Chang, M.S. ‘09, D.D.S. ‘13, Ph.D. ‘17, an assistant professor in the UCLA School of Dentistry’s Section of Endodontics, has been selected as one of only 12 nationwide mentees in the fifth cohort of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research’s (AADOCR) Mentoring an Inclusive Network for a Diverse Workforce of the Future program.

MIND the Future aims to establish an all-encompassing community of researchers whose involvement is crucial for propelling dental, oral, and craniofacial research forward while enhancing the oral health landscape of our nation. With each cohort member receiving funding for the duration of their five-year grant period, MIND the Future will furnish a range of educational activities and interactive opportunities throughout the network, fostering engagement between mentors and mentees, all geared towards cultivating a diverse cohort of dental, oral, and craniofacial research professionals.

This is the second consecutive year a UCLA faculty member has been chosen for this prestigious research program, as Adjunct Assistant Professor Dr. Yan Wang is a member of the current 2023-24 cohort.

“I am enthusiastic about participating in this program, working alongside distinguished experts to deepen our collective understanding and investigate the broader health implications of our findings in both oral and systemic health,” said Dr. Chang. “I believe that participating in the MIND of the Future Program would be invaluable, providing me with the essential skills and tools to achieve my progression to a successful, independent principal investigator.”

Dr. Chang conducts translational research on craniofacial bone biology, metabolic diseases affecting bone formation and healing, and stem cell-based tissue regeneration. Dr. Chang holds a D.D.S., a Master's and Ph.D. in Oral Biology, and a certification in Endodontics from UCLA School of Dentistry, as well as a B.S. in Biochemistry from UT Austin. 

She has received several awards for her research work, including the AADR Hatton Award, NIH/NIDCR F30 Individual Research Fellowship, the ADA/Dentsply Student Clinician Research Award, and the Late Dr. Anil Chandra Grant Award from the American Association of Endodontists' Foundation of Endodontics.

Click here for the AADOCR's press release announcing the 2024-25 MIND the Future cohort.