University of Iowa College of Dentistry third-year dental student Saba Manafi won second place in the prestigious Hatton Competition during the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) General Session, held June 25-28 in Barcelona, Spain.

The IADR Hatton Competition provides an opportunity for the best investigators from all IADR divisions and sections to present their research during the General Session. Of all the competitors from around the world, only up to six may receive prizes and plaques between the junior and senior categories. 

"Winning the Hatton Award has been such an incredible honor," says Manafi, "It reflects the amazing mentorship I've received and the opportunities I've had to explore meaningful research. I'm so grateful to represent Iowa on an international stage."

Mentored by Drs. Eric Van Otterloo and Aline Petrin, Manafi’s award-winning presentation was titled “Functional Assessment of an Oculo-Auricular-Vertebral Spectrum Associated Variant in Zebrafish.”

Oculo‑Auricular‑Vertebral Spectrum (OAVS), also known as Goldenhar Syndrome, is a congenital syndrome characterized by asymmetric facial development affected structures of the ear, eye, vertebrae, and jaw. It is the second most common craniofacial malformation after cleft lip and palate.

"Winning both national and international Hatton awards places Saba among the most elite young researchers in dental and craniofacial sciences worldwide," says Petrin, "It is very rewarding to see her efforts and dedication recognized. Saba is an incredibly sweet, humble, and dedicated person. She is genuinely passionate about her work and is a joy to work with. I'm confident that she has a brilliant future ahead."

Manafi’s work adds to growing evidence linking genetic variants to OAVS and by using genetic modeling on Zebrafish, she has created a powerful model for translating this work to humans.

"Saba has developed a sophisticated model that has allowed her to begin unraveling the molecular underpinnings of this complex syndrome—a must in devising future therapeutic approaches," added Van Otterloo.

Manafi was invited to the international competition after earning second place during the American Association of Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research Competition in New York City last March.