Hometown: Marion, Iowa 

Faculty mentors: Huojun Cao, PhD, associate professor, Department of Endodontics, and Teresa Marshall, PhD, RDN/LDN, professor, Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, College of Dentistry 

Degree program and anticipated graduation date: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Spring 2026 

Phan hopes to develop new treatment methods for bone regeneration and formation with decreased side effects. She studies the BMP2 gene, which is responsible for producing BMP2 protein. This protein plays a significant role in bone formation. The current clinical treatment available to regenerate bone provides the body with fully formed BMP2 protein, which can have negative and unwanted side effects. PhanÕs research explores an alternative pathway for treatment by using RNA-based delivery systems to provide the body with a template to produce BMP2 protein on its own. Overall, advancements in RNA-based delivery systems have the potential to improve treatment options for fractures, bone loss, and tooth loss, but also to target other genes in the body related to a range of disorders and conditions. In the future, Phan plans to continue her involvement in academia through clinical teaching while providing evidence-based care to her dental patients. She hopes to be a compassionate clinician that bridges the gap between basic science research and clinical practice.