Dr. Waheed Awotoye, a second-year resident in the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2025 NDAF-Colgate Trailblazers in Oral Health Research (TORCH) Scholars of African Heritage Fellowship. This distinguished award provides a $70,000 fellowship to support Awotoye’s research on craniosynostosis among individuals of African ancestry.

Awotoye’s winning proposal focuses on exploring the underlying causes for craniosynostosis - a condition characterized by the premature fusion of cranial sutures which can hinder the brain development – specifically within populations of African ancestry. His work is expected to significantly advance scientific understanding of this birth defect, with the knowledge gained expected to inform accurate risk prediction and guide the development of targeted and effective therapeutic strategies tailored to reduce both the incidence and burden of disease. 

A member of Dr. Azeez Butali's lab, Awotoye is fourth TORCH Scholar from Iowa and third from Butali's lab, signifying a pipeline of excellence under the guidance of Butali.

The NDAF-Colgate TORCH Fellowship is awarded annually to promising post-doctoral biomedical and dental clinician-scientists of African descent, recognizing their exceptional potential to contribute meaningful advancements in oral health, particularly impacting communities of color. The fellowship aims to address disparities in representation within dental research and clinical sciences by providing significant financial support, mentorship, professional development, and industry exposure.

Awotoye will formally be recognized as the TORCH Fellowship recipient at the National Dental Association’s Annual Convention later this year.