Chang awarded AAP Foundation’s Nevins Fellowship

Assistant Professor Jennifer Chang, DDS, MSD, has been named the 2023 recipient of the Nevins BioHorizons Fellowship from the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation.

She is the School of Dentistry’s first recipient of the Nevins Fellowship. The award was presented Nov. 10 at the AAP’s 109th Annual Meeting in Austin.

“This fellowship represents an unparalleled opportunity for me to continue developing my skills as an academician, clinician, and researcher, and to contribute to the advancement of the field of periodontology,” said Chang.

This prestigious and highly-competitive fellowship aims to support a periodontal educator’s academic career and to keep periodontology at the cutting edge of scientific dentistry. The fellowship provides $20,000 across a two-year span.

Chang, who serves as director of predoctoral periodontics, joined the School of Dentistry faculty in 2018.

“Dr. Jennifer Chang is very deserving of this recognition by the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation,” said Nikola Angelov, DDS, MS, PhD, chair of the Department of Periodontics and Dental Hygiene. “I have known Dr. Chang since she came to visit our department as a resident and expressed her sincere interest in pursuing a career in academia. Since that time, she has proven herself to be intelligent and ambitious, yet humble and approachable.

“She combines a detail-oriented and meticulous nature, with a hunger to learn and improve. As her department chair and academic mentor, I’m proud of what she has achieved and excited for what she will achieve in the future.”

Chang completed her doctor of dental surgery degree and two years of general practice residency in Taiwan. She obtained her clinical training and master of science in dentistry degree in periodontology and dental implant surgery from Indiana University School of Dentistry.

Chang is a board-certified diplomate from the American Board of Periodontology and specializes in periodontal therapy and implant dentistry with UT Dentists.

In 2009, the AAP Foundation created the Nevins Teaching and Clinical Research Fellowship to address the retention of top periodontal clinical researchers and educators early in their career. Eligible recipients include full-time periodontal educators who have been teaching one to five years and are board-certified in periodontology. The fellowship is named in honor of Myron Nevins, DDS, a leader in periodontal clinical research.