On Wednesday, May 14, 2026, the Department of Periodontics held its annual awards luncheon in W220 at the College of Dentistry. Awards were presented to D2 and D4 students in recognition of academic achievement, clinical excellence, leadership, and commitment to the specialty of periodontics.
Awards were presented by faculty members including Dr. Shaoping Zhang, Dr. Garaicoa, Dr. G. Johnson, and Dr. Pitchumani.
The Perio awards and awardees are:
Dr. R. A. Greenawalt Scholarship
On June 30, 1993, The University of Iowa Foundation received a gift from the estate of Mrs. R. A. Greenawalt to establish a scholarship fund for students enrolled in the College of Dentistry with preference to be given to individuals pursuing a degree in the Department of Periodontics. Dr. Greenawalt graduated from Iowa in 1905. This award is granted to a D2 predoctoral student. The criteria for selection are based on academic achievement, clinical proficiency, research accomplishments, or financial need.
This year, three students received the Dr. R.A. Greenawalt Scholarship, which includes a $4,000 scholarship. The recipients are Collin Bohnenkamp, Kathryn Prior, and Benjamin Freiberg.
Collin Bohnenkamp is from Cedar Falls, Iowa, and was a football scholarship student-athlete at Truman State University before earning a Bachelor of Arts in biomedical sciences from the University of Northern Iowa. He also worked as a dental lab technician during his undergraduate studies. Bohnenkamp currently serves as IASDA fundraising chair, dental liaison for the Student Association of Rural Health, and events coordinator for the Esthetics Dentistry Organization.
Originally from a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona, Kathryn “Katie” Prior has lived in the Cedar Rapids area since 2010. She graduated from the Dental Assisting program at Kirkwood Community College in 2015 and worked as a dental assistant in oral surgery before entering dental school. While working full time, she also completed her Bachelor of Science in biological sciences from Arizona State University in 2020.
Benjamin Freiberg, from Sioux City, Iowa, is a second-year dental student who graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in kinesiology. He has developed a growing interest in periodontology, particularly the preservation of periodontal health and the surgical planning and placement of dental implants.
Dr. Paula Weistroffer Award for Excellence in Periodontics
Dr. Paula Weistroffer, a native of Aurora, Illinois, graduated from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry DDS program in 2002. In 2007, she earned a certificate in periodontics and a Master of Science degree in oral science from Iowa. Following completion of her specialty training, she joined the college as a full-time faculty member. She passed away in July 2019 after a battle with cancer and is remembered for her passion for predoctoral teaching and dedication to students.
The Dr. Paula Weistroffer Award for Excellence in Periodontics is granted to a D3 student from the 2026 academic year (current D4) who demonstrated excellence in the specialty of Periodontics and comprehensive person-centered care. The criteria are based on academic achievement, clinical proficiency, and research accomplishments. The awardee receives a certificate of recognition and a $2,000 scholarship.
The recipient of this year’s award is Bryce Carroll.
Carroll is from Spooner, Wisconsin, and attended the University of Northwestern–St. Paul, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology. During dental school, he has participated in the Christian Medical and Dental Association and traveled to Guatemala the past two summers to provide dental care in underserved communities. After graduation, he plans to join his father and brother in private practice in Spooner.
AAP Student Award
This certificate is given to a promising senior student who demonstrates high academic and clinical achievement in Periodontics. The award is underwritten by a generous grant from the Procter & Gamble Company, and recipients’ names appear on the AAP website. In addition to the certificate, the Department of Periodontics provides a $2,000 scholarship.
The recipient of this year’s AAP Student Award is Tyler Jenness.
Jenness, originally from Spirit Lake, Iowa, earned his bachelor’s degrees at the University of Iowa before working at a school in Spain and on farms in France prior to beginning dental school. During his time at Iowa, he served in several national leadership roles within the American Student Dental Association, including national vice president, District 8 trustee, and chapter president at Iowa. He also participated in the Iowa Periodontics Summer Fellowship and presented research nationally on food insecurity among dental students.
AAP Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring Award
The Department of Periodontics also recognized Dr. Mickey Spector with the AAP Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring Award, sponsored by Crest and Oral-B.
This award recognizes a periodontal educator who has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in providing education across the full scope of periodontics while inspiring enthusiasm among students. Recipients are selected by the department chair and honored during their institution’s awards ceremony.
Award recipients may be predoctoral or postdoctoral educators and may serve as full-time or part-time faculty members. Recipients must also be members of the American Academy of Periodontology.
Dr. Spector was recognized for his dedication to teaching and mentoring students within the Department of Periodontics.
