Teamwork makes dream workWelcome to join us
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Principal Investigator
Dr. Xianrui "Sherry" Yang, DMD. PhD Xianrui, known as Sherry, obtained her DMD and PhD from the West China School of Stomatology. Since the first year of her PhD studies, she has been at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine/Harvard Medical School in Dr. Bjorn R. Olsen's lab, and then continued her Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at Harvard University in bone biology. Afterwards, she attended the University of Michigan School of Dentistry for her ortho residency, where she worked on the osteogenic differentiation of stromal cells for her thesis in Dr. Peter X. Ma's lab. Her current interests include, but are not limited to, the mechanobiological mechanisms of mechanosensing and mechanotransduction during orthodontic tooth movement. UFCD Website: directory.ufhealth.org/yang-xianrui |
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Research Scientist Dr. Xue "Magic" Du, PhD Xue received her Ph.D. in Food and Nutrition Sciences from the University of Maine, where she was trained in mammalian cell culture and molecular techniques using human and marine cell lines. During her postdoctoral training at Penn State, she established cell models to investigate how food ingredients influence inflammation caused by environmental toxicants. Later, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, she began working with pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) and 3D organoid systems, gaining experience in PSC maintenance and differentiation. Xue is excited to contribute her background in cellular and molecular biology to support ongoing research and explore new ideas in the Yang Lab and to continue learning from the team. |
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Dr. Tyler James, DMD
Tyler is a half-Jamaican, half-Filipino American who was born in the Philippines and spent fifteen years living in Saudi Arabia. Growing up overseas as a third-culture kid has deeply shaped Tyler's approach to clinical practice, fostering a strong appreciation for acceptance, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to service. She was a “double husky” as she obtained her B.A. in Communication and D.M.D at the University of Connecticut. During dental school, she contributed to several orthodontic research projects and presented her findings at multiple conferences. Tyler is a recipient of the Dr. Surender Nanda Memorial Orthodontics Award, Dr. Jeanne Craig Sinkford Student Leadership Award, and Health Careers Bridge Award. Tyler served as president of UConn’s Chapter of American Dental Education Association (ADEA), Student National Dental Association (SNDA) and Hispanic Student National Dental Association (HSDA) and held many other leadership roles within local and national dental organizations. Tyler’s true passion is community service and youth mentorship, demonstrated by her dedication of over 200 hours serving communities in Connecticut. She is eager to continue giving back while in Gainesville. |
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Dr. Morgan Evans, DMD Morgan is a first year orthodontics resident at UFCD. Morgan is a triple gator that obtained his DMD and his undergraduate degree in materials science and engineering from the University of Florida. Morgan grew up in Ocala, Florida and used to work as a materials engineer for Anheuser Busch and PepsiCo. Morgan is passionate about materials science and research and plans to investigate microplastics for his thesis. |
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Dr. Michelle Patel, DMD Michelle is a current orthodontics resident at UFCD and she is passionate about TMD research. She is excited to improve smiles and boost patient confidence while keeping patient comfort and health her top priority. Through her curiosity in TMD she aims to better understand the TMJ and help patients who suffer from TMD and help prevent it in patients at risk for it. |
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Vanessa Toro Vanessa Toro obtained her Bachelor's of Science in Anthropology and Human Biology from Emory University and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Before UF, she worked as a Bilingual Data Collection Specialist at the USF Department of Child & Family Studies, where she collaborated with educators and research staff to optimize data collection. She is currently helping investigate biomarkers of relapse for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. With a keen interest in interdisciplinary research, she is eager to contribute in the lab. |
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Madison Kendall Woodard Madison earned her bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Florida and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Passionate about advancing patient care, she is eager to collaborate with the members of the Lab to study research, analyze results, and interpret data about bone remodeling, regeneration, and ultimately enhancing patient care! |
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Matya Amir Kaye Matya earned her bachelor's degree in visual art studies from the University of Florida and is now a student at the university's College of Dentistry. She is excited to explore her interests in bone regeneration, remodeling, and improving patient treatment. |
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Sander Tang Sander is currently pursuing his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Nutrition from the University of Florida. His interests include biomechanics and the application of material science in regenerative dentistry. He is particularly interested in how 3D printing and artificial intelligence can be used to advance individualized approaches to bone regeneration and orthodontic care. Through his involvement in the lab, he aims to advance research that bridges emerging technology with biologically informed clinical outcomes. |
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Kayla M. Mornay Kayla Mornay earned her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences with a focus in Clinical Professions from Florida State University. She is pursuing a Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. With a passion for public health and oral health education, she is excited to help investigate factors influencing bone resorption and formation, ultimately leading to a better understanding of strengthening patient well-being. |
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Donna Jackson Donna Jackson is a first-year dental student at the University of Florida College of Dentistry with interests in orthodontics, craniofacial development, and translational clinical research. She earned her undergraduate degree from Northland College, where she conducted research in microbiology and molecular biology and completed a capstone project for infectious diseases. In addition to her academic work, Donna is a certified alligator handler and has experience educating the public about wildlife safety and conservation. She is passionate about patient-centered care, academic excellence, and advancing evidence-based practices in dentistry. Donna is excited to contribute to the orthodontic research team and develop skills that will support her future goal of becoming an orthodontist. |
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Faith Song
Faith is currently pursuing a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) at the University of Florida College of Dentistry through the accelerated 7-year BS–DMD program and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Florida. Her initial interest in research began during her undergraduate career, where she worked in a rat laboratory utilizing drug-reward models, providing a strong foundation in experimental design, data analysis, and translational research. In her free time, she enjoys going on walks, playing the guitar, and trying out new coffee recipes. She is excited to contribute to the lab and further develop her research skills within a collaborative academic environment |
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Summer Porter Summer is a third-year student in the Biology Department within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Florida (UF). Pursuing a pre-dental track, she has been assisting in research for 3 years at UF gaining extensive experience multimodal research. |
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Freddy A. Pardo I'm a first-generation undergraduate student on the pre-dental track at the University of Florida. I am currently leading a project in Dr. Yang's research lab, studying how Maxillary and Mandibular incisor display impacts smile aesthetics. My passion for dentistry stems from a desire to promote oral health and accessibility within vulnerable communities. As a second year I am eager to continue growing through academic and professional opportunities. A fun fact about me is I have been an uncle since the age of 5. As a result, in my free time I love facetiming my 6 nephews and nieces! |
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Anthony Menendez Anthony is a first-generation college student majoring in Microbiology at the University of Florida on the pre-dental track. He aspires to work with low-income communities and provide affordable dental care to those underprivileged communities. Outside of academics, Anthony enjoys combat sports such as boxing and mixed martial arts. |
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Julia W. Shen Julia is a second-year Nutrition Sciences and Economics double major with hopes to attend Dental School after her undergraduate career. As an experienced dental assistant particularly interested in bridging the gap between medicine and humanity, she dreams of one day owning a general practice back home in Northern Virginia and educating marginalized communities on the importance of oral health. Her interests consist of spending time with her family and friends, working odd jobs, and staying active and outdoors. |
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Ezequiel L. Serrano My name is Ezequiel Serrano (Zeke), and I am a pre-dental student at the University of Florida, majoring in Biology with a minor in Business Administration. I’m an active member of Delta Delta Sigma, where I’ve worked to foster mentorship and provide support to fellow pre-dental students as they pursue their academic and professional goals. I’ve also developed strong leadership and teamwork skills through my involvement in UF’s Student Government and other campus organizations. These experiences have fueled my passion for creating meaningful connections and contributing to impactful initiatives. I’m excited to be part of the Yang Lab and look forward to growing as a student while supporting the lab’s mission. |
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Elizabeth Xu My name is Elizabeth Xu, and I am a third-year pre-dental student majoring in Biology and minoring in Health Disparities in Society. What drew me to dentistry is the art of working with my hands to create something both aesthetic and fully functionable. I volunteer as a dental assistant for clinics around Gainesville, helping to achieve their mission of providing lower-cost dental care to underserved and marginalized populations. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis and doing art. I am excited to investigate bone remodeling and regeneration to improve overall patient care! |
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Nathan Sandoval Nathan Sandoval is a second year undergraduate student, majoring in Biology. He finds a strong interest in the field of Orthodontics and looks forward to researching and contributing to the lab. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports, such as soccer and tennis. |
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Payton A. Albert Payton is a first-year undergraduate majoring in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Florida with an interest in pursuing dentistry. Through her involvement in the lab, she hopes to develop foundational research skills and better understand how research informs advancements in dentistry. Her involvements outside of academics include the UF Marching Band, where she plays piccolo. |
Lab Alumni
Yun Hu (02/2025-03/2025), applying for dental school
River Li (02/2025-03/2025), applying for dental school
Maheeka Pandita (05/2025-12/2025), applying for PhD
Isebelly Verissimo (06/2025-12/2025), applying for medical school
Sanghyo Bae (08/2025-01/2026) received an offer from the industry in Pittsburgh.
Amulya Ravipati (07/2025-01/2026), applying for medical school
River Li (02/2025-03/2025), applying for dental school
Maheeka Pandita (05/2025-12/2025), applying for PhD
Isebelly Verissimo (06/2025-12/2025), applying for medical school
Sanghyo Bae (08/2025-01/2026) received an offer from the industry in Pittsburgh.
Amulya Ravipati (07/2025-01/2026), applying for medical school