L. Bruno Ruest, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences; Director, Oral, Craniofacial and Biomedical Sciences (PhD) and Oral Biology (MS) Graduate Programs and Director, Predoctoral Student Research program, Texas A&M College of Dentistry
Candidate Statement: Thank you for the opportunity to be considered as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Association for Anatomy (AAA). My journey with the Association has been one of growth and connection, and I would be honored to continue this path in a more strategic leadership role. Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving on the Advisory Committee for Young Anatomists (now the Committee for Early-Career Anatomists/CECA), the Short-term Visiting Scholarship Selection Committee, and organizing symposiums for the AAA at the defunct Experimental Biology (EB) annual meeting. These experiences have enriched my professional network and allowed me to foster meaningful relationships with fellow members, which I deeply value. Although I am not a classically trained anatomist teaching gross anatomy, as an embryologist, I have always appreciated how the Association extends beyond the realm of traditional anatomy. It is a community that supports individuals pursuing embryological and educational research, as well as those involved in histology, curriculum development, and teaching. My desire to serve on the Board stems from my commitment to advancing these fields and ensuring they continue to thrive within the AAA.
The AAA has long been a champion for young scientists, offering oral and poster presentation competitions, travel stipends, scholarships, and awards. As a director of a graduate program and student research at my institution, I believe these programs are vital in nurturing the next generation of scientists. If elected, I would work to not only sustain these initiatives but also explore ways to expand them, ensuring even more opportunities for emerging researchers. In my current role at a dental school recognized for its diversity by the American Dental Education Association, I have been a strong advocate for diversity. Diversity could be one area to expand the reach of the different programs.
With the EB meeting no longer part of the AAA’s calendar, I see this as an opportunity to reimagine our community’s structure. I believe the Association can expand its reach, growing membership by including professionals from related disciplines, such as embryology and histology, and perhaps even collaborating with other FASEB member societies to host a new, stand-alone annual meeting. Involving other international associations might be an opportunity to expand our reach. This transition will require hard work and adaptability from the Board, and I am ready to contribute to that effort.
As a committee member, I have consistently demonstrated dedication, reliability, and a strong work ethic. I take pride in being a team player and am often appointed to challenging tasks because I get the job done. If elected to the Board of Directors, I will bring the same commitment and enthusiasm to furthering the mission of the Association and advancing its important work.
Thank you for your consideration.
Ph.D. Institution: PhD in Experimental Medicine (Cell and Molecular Biology), McGill University Faculty of Medicine (Canada), 2002
Earlier Positions: Assistant Professor (2009-2016), Research Assistant Professor (2006-2009), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M College of Dentistry (formerly Baylor College of Dentistry); Postdoctoral Research Associate (2002-2006), Birth Defects Center and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Craniofacial Biology, University of Louisville School of Dentistry
Teaching: [Current]Human Structure & Function I and II (medical physiology for dental students), Growth & Development Mechanisms (embryology for graduate and dental specialty students), Advanced Human Craniofacial Development and Craniofacial Anomalies (graduate and dental specialty students) and Applied Medical Physiology (dental specialty students); [Past] Physiology (dental students), Oral Histology (dental students), Evidence-Based Dentistry (dental students)
AAA Committee/Roles: Short-Term Visiting Scholarship Selection Committee (2014-2017); Advisory Committee for Young Anatomists (2011-2014, now Committee for Early-Career Anatomists); Symposium organizer (2012 and 2015).
Other Professional Activities: Dentsply Sirona Student Competition for Advancing Dental Research and its Application (SCADA) competition at the AADOCR: Head judge for the basic and translational research section; IADR’s Craniofacial Biology Group abstract evaluator.
Awards: Honorary Member, national Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) Dental Honor Society; Distinguished Teaching Award for outstanding contribution (College of Dentistry), nominated for the Teacher of the Year, AADR Mandel Award and Burton C. Borgelt/SCADA Faculty Advisor Award.
Research Interest: Basic science: My research interests are to investigate the function of endothelin signaling in neural crest cells during embryonic craniofacial and cardiovascular development and in other pathological conditions such as periodontitis and premature delivery. Educational research: to investigate whether the integration of active learning activities increases learning and long-term retention in dental education.
Other Professional Memberships Currently Maintained: American Heart Association, American Association for Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research/ International Association for Dental Research and Society for Developmental Biology.
Web Link: https://dentistry.tamu.edu/departments/bms/faculty-staff-students/faculty/l-bruno-ruest.html