PhD Student Earns Rare Achievement

Earlier this year, Ahmed Yacoub, a PhD student in the Department of Kinesiology, received first place for best presentation from the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research National Student Research Group.

He competed against six other finalists, presenting an abbreviated version of his work on cranial implants.

“Mr. Yacoub is training to be a clinician scientist, and it is great to see him being selected for such a prestigious award,” says Associate Professor Venu Varanasi, who has served as Yacoub’s mentor during his time at UTA.

Yacoub, who holds a master’s degree in pharmaceutical technology, accomplished a rare feat by being nominated as a finalist.

“This recognition is rare for a pharmacy graduate in a field focused on dentistry and maxillofacial research,” Yacoub says. “It highlights the impact of our work and the interdisciplinary nature of scientific innovation.”