Division of Biostatistics and Computational Biology

This division is among one of many research support teams at the College of Dentistry that has been integral to the exponential growth in dental research that we are currently seeing at the college. This team specializes in a wide range of data analysis techniques including traditional biostatistical methods, bioinformatics, machine learning, analysis of genetic sequencing data, clinical trial design, and data visualization.

The division is comprised of the following individuals:

Derek Smith Portrait

Derek K. Smith, DDS, MPH, PhD

Division Director & Associate Professor

Huojun Cao

Jun Cao, MS, PhD

Associate Professor, Endodontics

Shareef Dabdoub

Shareef Dabdoub, PhD

Assistant Professor, Periodontics

Fang Qian

Fang Qian, PhD, MA, MPhil

Senior Scientist and Adjunct Faculty

Wei Shi

Wei Shi, MS

Biostatistician

Erliang Zeng

Erliang Zeng, MS, PhD

Associate Professor, Preventive & Community Dentistry

In addition to the full-time faculty and staff, several graduate research assistants in biostatistics and bioinformatics graduate programs work in the division. 

For current University of Iowa College of Dentistry faculty, staff, and students, please see Intradent for more information on this division.

Biostatistics and Computational Biology Updates

Erliang Zeng

New NIH Grant Will Advance Prevention of Early Childhood Tooth Decay Through Study of the Oral Microbiome

Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Erliang Zeng, Jeff Banas, and Karin Weber-Gasparoni at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics have received a new National Institutes of Health R01 award to better understand how early preventive interventions influence the oral microbiome and protect children from developing tooth decay.
Shareef Dabdoub sitting as his desktop computer

Uncovering the Hidden World of Oral Viruses

Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Shareef Dabdoub is advancing understanding of the oral virome through an NIH R03 grant. His research uses advanced sequencing and computational tools to explore how viruses shape oral health. This work lays the foundation for future precision approaches that may more effectively support healthy microbial communities.
Derek Smith

Derek Smith Named Director of Biostatistics and Computational Biology

Wednesday, September 24, 2025
The College of Dentistry welcomes Derek Smith as Director of the Division of Biostatistics and Computational Biology and associate professor in the Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry. Smith’s research applies statistical methods to oral health and cancer care. He brings extensive experience in clinical research, graduate education, and national guideline development to his new role.
Biostatistics Faculty and Staff

Optimizing Your Research: Collaborating with the Division of Biostatistics and Computational Biology

Friday, February 7, 2025
The Division of Biostatistics and Computational Biology at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry is a valuable resource for researchers seeking to enhance the quality and efficiency of their studies so that they are well-designed, data-driven, and powerful.
Shareef Dabdoub

University of Iowa Researcher Receives NIH Grant to Unlock Secrets of the Oral Virome

Thursday, August 15, 2024
A University of Iowa researcher Dr. Shareef Dabdoub has been awarded a grant (R03) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) to investigate the complex role of viruses in oral health and disease. The grant, totaling $311,000, will support two years of research.