DDS, MS, PhD
Associate Professor, Periodontology
UNC-Chapel Hill
Cancer Cell Biology
Area of Interest
The Miguez lab focuses on understanding the environment around cells [extracellular matrix (ECM) and its biomodifications] and implications to health, disease and regeneration. This work include exploring cellular and extracellular biochemical and molecular mechanisms understanding the role of ECM and biomodifications in connective tissue homeostasis and regenerative processes. We have vast experience in several animal models including craniofacial bone defects regeneration, dentin repair and periodontal disease models and frequently explore proteoglycans and collagen-derived or -alike molecules and polymers for tissue engineering and oral disease treatment. We have shown that ECM components (collagen and proteoglycans) and post-translational modifications (enzymatic and via natural compounds such as hesperidin) can work as effectors of mineralized tissue formation/regeneration. Our research can be specially beneficial for individuals with hyper-inflammatory profile such as in diabetes and auto-immune disorders as many of the ECM and natural products we investigate downplay inflammation. More recently, we are interested in exploring the role of ECM biomodification in cancer progression.
Awards and Honors
- President, International Associate for Dental Research -Women in Science Network, 2024
- AADOCR Fellow Class of 2024, 2024
- Top 20 highest ranked poster abstracts of the Osteology Foundation Symposium, Barcelona, Spain, 2023
- AADOCRR/Procter & Gamble Underrepresented Faculty Research Fellowship, 2021
- Pennel Award in Basic Science (2nd place) by the Southern Academy of Periodontology, 2020
- Joseph Lister Young Investigator Award finalist, American Association of Dental Research, 2018
- U.S. Bone and Joint Initiative Young Investigator Grant Mentoring and Career Development Program Fellow, 2018
- Key Thought Leader in Periodontics, American Academy of Periodontology, 2017
- The Class of 1958 Distinguished Service Award for the best original research paper in Dentistry by the faculty of the UNC School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2015
- The Bud and Linda Tarrson Fellowship, American Academy of Periodontology, 2014
- Finalist for the Teaching Fellowship, American Academy of Periodontology, 2013
- IADR/Philips Oral Healthcare PRG Young Investigator Research Grant Award, 2012
- Joseph and Josephine Rabinowitz Award for Excellence in Research, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 2011
