The UI College of Dentistry is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ransome van der Hoeven as Associate Professor in the Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research (IIOHR) and the Department of Periodontics.

Van der Hoeven is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston. He is an expert in microbiology and immunology, having received a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Columbo, Sri Lanka, and a PhD in Microbiology from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

His recent research examines the relationship between human pathogens and immune response. During his visit to the college in December, he highlighted his use of C. elegans as a model in studying pathogens that affect oral health. His current research program is funded by a National Institute of Health (NIH) R01 Award. In addition to his research, van der Hoeven is passionate about teaching and supporting students and trainees.

Van der Hoeven serves as an elected board member of the Texas Genetics Society, a member of the Genetics Society of America, and a member of the test constructor pool for the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE). He has also previously chaired the American Dental Education Association Section of Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Microbiology.

Van der Hoeven will join the college on June 28, 2024.