University at Buffalo (UB)
Patricia I. Diaz
Patricia I. Diaz
Sunstar Robert J. Genco Endowed Chair, Empire Innovation Professor of Oral Biology, Director UB Microbiome Center
Specialty/Research Focus
Microbiology; Oral Biology; Oral Biology; Periodontics
Professional Summary:
My research program focuses on the oral microbiome. My laboratory uses clinical studies, in vitro and animal model systems, genomics and computational biology to study the processes that lead to dysbiosis of the oral microbiome and its consequences for oral and systemic health. Our goal is to understand community dynamics and develop tools to manipulate the microbiome thereby interfering with disease development. We are particularly interested in understanding the significance of the microbiome as a mediator of susceptibility to oral comorbidities of cancer treatment and as an essential trigger in periodontal disease. We also investigate the relationship of the oral and gut microbiomes during homeostasis and disease.
Education and Training:
- MS, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2008)
- Residency, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2008)
- PhD, The University of Adelaide (2003)
- DDS, CES University (1996)
Employment:
- Professor with Tenure, Oral Biology, University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (2022-present)
- Professor of Empire Innovation, Oral Biology, University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (2020-present)
- Associate Professor with Tenure, Oral Health and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center School of Dental Medicine (2015–2020)
- Assistant Professor, Oral Health and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center School of Dental Medicine (2008–2015)
- Post Doctoral Fellow, Laboratory of Dr. Paul Kolenbrander, NIDCR, NIH (2003–2005)
Awards and Honors:
- Fellow of the SUNY Hispanic Leadership Institute (2024)
- Sunstar Robert J. Genco Endowed Chair in Oral Biology (2023)
Research Expertise:
- Microbiology
- Periodontology
Research Centers:
- Microbiome Center
Presentations:
- "Can periodontal treatment restore oral microbiome homeostasis?" AAP Hour (2024)
- "Oral and gut dysbiosis: part of the same axis?" NIH Symposium on "Oral Microbiome in Health and Systemic Diseases" (2024)
- "Interspecies Interactions and Ecological Cues that Modulate Subgingival Microbiome Dysbiosis" USC Seminar Series (2024)
- "Studying ecological Drivers of Dysbiosis in a chemostat-based Model of the Subgingival Microbiome" Symposium at IADR Annual Meeting (2024)
- "Can periodontal treatment restore oral microbiome homeostasis?" Buffalo Niagara Dental Meeting (2023)
- "D43 Training Program" SUNY Global Health Institute Meeting (2023)
- "Interspecies Interactions and Ecological Cues that Modulate Subgingival Microbiome Dysbiosis" University of Illinois College of Dentistry (2023)
- "Mediating cellular pathways and role of the microbiome in chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis" Clinical and Translational Research Seminar Series Nationwide Children’s Hospital (2023)
- "Evaluating drivers of dysbiosis in an in-vitro community model of the subgingival microbiome" Penn Periodontal Conference (2023)
- "Factors Determining Susceptibility to Oral Candidiasis During Cancer Chemotherapy" AADOCR Satellite Symposium "A New Lens to Candida’s Role in Oral Health”. (2023)
- "The Oral Microbiome and Relationship to Human Health" East Carolina University Research and Scholarship Day (2023)
- "Local and Systemic Impact of the Oral Microbiome" Summer School Symposium, Universidad de Talca, Chile (2022)
- "Colonization, persistence and pathogenicity of P. gingivalis in the context of a polymicrobial community" PgLouisville 2021 Conference (2022)
- "Colonization, persistence and pathogenicity of P. gingivalis in the context of a polymicrobial community" Invited lecture at the University of Rochester Microbiome Group (2022)
- "Clinical significance of oral mycotypes" 2021 Forsyth Symposium (2021)
- "The Microbiome in Diagnosis and Therapy of Human Disease" 2nd Regional Drug Development Mini Retreat. University at Buffalo (2021)
- "Can We Treat the Microbiome Imbalances Associated with Periodontitis?" The Cutting Edge of Clinical Research in Oral Health A Symposium in Memory of Distinguished Service Professor Dr. Sebastian Ciancio. (2021)
- "Oral Candidiasis during Cancer Chemotherapy: Risk Prediction and Development of Personalized Preventive Approaches" Roswell Park Comprehensive Cance Center GI TRG meeting (2021)
- "Unraveling inter-species cues that promote microbial dysbiosis" GEM Community of Excellence Work in Progress talk. (2021)
- "Local and systemic impact of the oral microbiome" Annual WNY ASM Spring Meeting (2021)
- "The Role of the Microbiome as a Determinant of Cancer Chemotherapy Toxicities" UB Cancer Research Consortium (2021)
Service Activities:
- Standing Member - NIH Interspecies Microbial Interactions and Infections (IMII) study section (2024–present)
- Member of CODA Self-Study Research Standard Subcommittee (2024)
- Member of Steering Committee for the Implementation of the President’s Advisory Council on Race Recommendations, University at Buffalo (2023)
- Board Member - Journal of Clinical Periodontology (2023–present)
- Board Member - Molecular Oral Microbiology (2023–present)
- Associate Editor - Journal of Periodontology; Associate Editor (2023–present)
- Member of Strategic Planning Working Group (2023–2024)
- CODA Self-Study Research Standard Sub-Committee, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo (2023–present)
- NIH; Interspecies Microbial Interactions and Infections (IMII) study section; Ad hoc reviewer (2023)
- Guess editor - Molecular Oral Microbiology (2023)
- Search Committee for Dean of the School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo (2022–2023)
- NIH; ODCS (Oral, Dental and Craniofacial Sciences) member conflict Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1 MOSS-R 02M); Ad hoc reviewer (2022)
- Chair, Search Committee for Tenure-Track Assistant/Associate Professor HS position, Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, University at Buffalo (2022–present)
- Co-Chair, Scholarship, Tenure and Recognition subcommittee for the Implementation of the President’s Advisory Council on Race Recommendations, University at Buffalo (2021–present)
- Editorial Board Member - Journal of Dental Research (2019–present)
- Task Force on Design and Analysis in Oral Health Research (2017–present)