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Barros wins Freeman Award for Faculty Teaching

Published: July 19, 2023 by Kyle Rogers

Dr. Juliana Barros with her framed certificate for the John H. Freeman Award for Faculty Teaching.
Dr. Juliana Barros with her framed certificate for the John H. Freeman Award for Faculty Teaching. Photo by Kyle Rogers.
Dr. Juliana Barros holds her John H. Freeman Award for Faculty Teaching with her Operative Dentistry I class.
Dr. Juliana Barros holds her John H. Freeman Award for Faculty Teaching with her Operative Dentistry I class. Photo courtesy of Dr. Barros.

Professor Juliana A. Barros, DDS, MS, has been named the 2023 recipient of the John H. Freeman Award for Faculty Teaching at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry.

Chosen by first- and second-year dental students, the Freeman Award recognizes excellence in preclinical teaching.

Barros, whose honor was announced during the School of Dentistry’s annual DDS Senior Awards, celebrated her Freeman Award with her Operative Dentistry I class in late April.

Barros, vice chair of the Department of Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics, said she was filled with gratitude and honor to be both nominated by her students and voted to receive the award.

“It is very special and heartening to receive the John H. Freeman Award,” Barros said. “This award highlights the value of mentorship and the impact a faculty can have on students. It’s amazing to help the students to positively shape the future of their profession.”

It’s her passion towards “shaping” the next generation of dentists that Barros says is best personified in her teaching style.

“My teaching philosophy reflects my true passion for education and my commitment to fostering a positive and engaging learning environment for my students,” she said.

Barros earned her dental degree from the University of Uberaba, Brazil, and completed postgraduate training in restorative dentistry from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. In addition, she received a master’s degree in laser dentistry from the Nuclear and Energy Research Institute, and University of São Paulo, Brazil.

Barros joined UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry in 2008 and lists many of its faculty, both former and current, among her mentors, including Charles Streckfus, DDS, MA; Gary Frey, DDS, chair of the Department of General Practice and Dental Public Health; Peter Triolo, DDS, MS; Jerry Bouquot, DDS, MSD; Catherine Flaitz, DDS, MS, former dean; Raymond Koeppen, DDS, MS, MBA; Shalizeh “Shelly” Patel, DDS, MEd, associate dean for patient care; and Ryan Quock, DDS.

“It’s truly an honor to work alongside such talented and inspiring faculty,” Barros said. “Thank you to the amazing operative team — Drs. Shelly Patel, Gary Frey, Ryan Quock, Marillia Sly, Hae Doh, Michelle White, Ralph Cooley, Magda Eldiwany, Yonca Ceyhan, and Juliana Kenj. And of course, I can’t forget to thank my wonderful students. This is our journey, and I look forward to many more moments of shared achievements.”

The Freeman Award comes with a cash prize. Previous winners include:

  • Harold Kolodney Jr., DMD, 2022
  • Michele White, DDS, 2021
  • Vuvi Nguyen, MS, PhD, 2020, 2018
  • Ashley Clark, DDS, 2019
  • Raymond Koeppen, DDS, MS, MBA, 2017, 2012
  • Robert Spears, PhD, 2016
  • Carla Rogers, PhD, 2015
  • Shelly Patel, DDS, 2014
  • Yasmine Haddad, DDS, PhD, 2013
  • Ryan Quock, DDS, 2011
  • Gary Frey, DDS, 2010, 2004
  • William Tate, DDS, 2009, 2007, 2002, 1991, 1989
  • Robert (Rod) Dosch, DDS, 2008, 2003, 2000, 1998
  • James Ferguson, DDS, 2006
  • Barry Rittman, MS, PhD, 2005
  • Franz S. F. Mong, PhD, 2001, 1997, 1992, 1990, 1988, 1986, 1984
  • Kenneth Porter, DDS, 1999
  • John McMahon, PhD, 1996, 1987
  • Mary (Cindy) Farach-Carson, PhD, 1995
  • Gene Stevenson, DDS, MS, 1994
  • Kathleen Gibson, PhD, 1993
  • James Newland, DDS, MS, 1985
  • Philip Pierpont, DDS, 1983
  • Matthew Seals, DDS, 1982
  • Richard Madden, DDS, MS, 1981
  • Rodney Beetar, DDS, MS, 1980
  • William Radentz, DDS, 1979
  • Thomas Wild, DDS, 1978
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