The University of Iowa College of Dentistry proudly announces the outstanding achievements of two of its students – Samuel Swearson and Saba Manafi – at the 2025 American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) Hatton Competition, held in New York City from March 12–15, 2025.
Samuel Swearson, a graduate student, secured first place in the Senior Category for his research on new models and treatments for craniosynostosis. His project was conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Brad Amendt, whose guidance helped shape the work into an award-winning presentation.
Saba Manafi, a third-year dental student (D3), earned second place in the Junior Category for her functional assessment of an oculo-auricular-vertebral spectrum associated variant in zebrafish. She was mentored by Drs. Eric Van Otterloo and Aline Petrin, whose expertise and support were instrumental in advancing her project.
As a result of their high placements, both students have qualified to represent the United States at the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) Hatton Competition in Barcelona, Spain, scheduled for June 24, 2025.
About the Hatton Award
The AADOCR Hatton Competition, established in 1953 and renamed in 1957 to honor past IADR president Edward H. Hatton, is the oldest award of its kind. It recognizes junior investigators, ranging from undergraduate students to post-doctoral researchers, who exhibit potential for a productive career in dental research. Participants are evaluated based on their research's originality, methodology, and presentation skills.
A Legacy of Research Excellence
The University of Iowa has a strong history of excellence in this competition. Notably, in 2021, Dr. Waheed Awotoye, then a first-year orthodontic resident, won second place in the Senior Category for his research on whole-genome sequencing related to nonsyndromic cleft lip/palate.
Dean Clark Stanford, reflecting on the recent successes, stated,
"As a Hatton Competition winner when I was a student at the University of Iowa, I am proud to see the legacy of research excellence continued today. Congratulations to Sam and Saba on this great accomplishment."
Celebrating our Students
The College of Dentistry extends its heartfelt congratulations to Samuel Swearson and Saba Manafi for their extraordinary achievements. Their dedication, hard work, and innovation exemplify the excellence we strive for at Iowa. We are proud to support them as they represent our university on the global stage this summer in Barcelona.