How to Submit a Successful AAEF Grant Application

Dr. Letra is a tenured professor in the Departments of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Endodontics, and Assistant Dean for Faculty Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Her research focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying complex craniofacial and oral diseases/disorders, including pulpal/periapical disease. Her laboratory uses gene discovery, genetic analysis, and experimental models to identify genetic variants impacting risk of these disorders/diseases and health outcomes. Her work has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health and the American Association of Endodontists Foundation.

Dr. Letra has authored over 120 peer-reviewed articles (h-index=47), 8 book chapters, and numerous abstracts and media publications. Her work has been recognized through prestigious awards, including the Journal of Endodontics Best Paper in Clinical Research Awards (2020 and 2024), first place in the IADR Hatton Award (2016), and the SCADA Burton C. Borgelt Faculty Advisor Award (2018). Her work was featured on the cover of the Journal of Endodontics (JOE), Journal of Dental Research, and Orthodontics and Craniofacial Research Journal. Dr. Letra is an associate editor of the JOE, Endodontics, Chair of the AAE Research and Scientific Affairs Committee, and the AADOCR/IADR Representative to the Publications Committee.

Dr. Chu graduated with honours from the University of Manitoba Faculty of Dentistry in 2008. He went on to practice as a general dentist before realizing his desire to pursue the Endodontic (root canal) specialty. He attained his Masters and Certificate in Endodontics in 2013. He is the recipient of the prestigious American Association of Endodontists Educator Fellowship.  Dr. Chu is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontists and a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. He was previously an Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa teaching both predoctoral students and endodontic residents. He has recently returned to the University of Manitoba as an Assistant Professor and Division head of Endodontics.  He has been the presenter at numerous CE courses since his specialty degree. He is an active member of numerous National and International organizations. Dr. Chu is currently Chair of the Endodontic Section of the American Dental Education Association, a member of the Research and Scientific Affairs Committee of the AAE, a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Journal of Endodontics, and a participant of the National Dental Examining Board of Canada.

Dr. Paurazas is a Clinical Professor and Program Director of the Graduate Endodontic program at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. She is a board certified Endodontist and maintains a specialty practice in New Baltimore, Michigan. Dr. Paurazas is a member of the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) where she is currently a DIstrict IV director. She has served on the AAE Regenerative Endodontics and Research and Scientific Affairs Committees and currently serves as Chair of the Educational Affairs committee. Dr. Paurazas is a diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics. Dr. Paurazas is a member of the American Dental Education Association where she serves as Chair elect on the Council of Advanced Education Programs (COAEP). Dr. Paurazas has a Masters degree in Endodontics from the University of Detroit Mercy and a Masters degree in Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan. She is a member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, Michigan Association of Endodontists, and Macomb Dental Society.