An NIH grant of $1.77 million is given to A-State to carry out dental health research

Jonesboro, Arkansas – Although most people are aware that tooth decay can lead to an unpleasant smile, the condition can seriously affect a person’s general health.

In order to better understand the causes and implications of the issue, a faculty member from Arkansas State University’s Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics has been awarded a government grant to do an in-depth study on it.

The grant’s primary investigator, Dr. Robert Shields, is an assistant professor of microbiology in the Department of Biological Sciences. He applied for funding from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, a branch of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

He said, “One of the most prevalent diseases affecting people is tooth decay.” “It significantly affects the health and financial well-being of Americans.”

Shields will lead a group of academics, postdoctoral candidates, researchers, and lab technicians as they explore the complex molecular processes that underlie tooth decay bacteria.

Dr. Lisa McLellan, a molecular microbiology specialist at Purdue University in Fort Wayne with her own research lab, is also a member of the research team.

According to Shields, “we will look into how genetic information moves between bacteria in this study. This process drives pathogen evolution and spreads antibiotic resistance.” “We will concentrate our research on comprehending this process within the oral cavity and ascertaining its contribution to the advancement of dental caries.”

The study team’s work will be supported by a $1.77 million grant over a five-year period, which will also cover additional costs related to their work, travel fees for presenting findings at academic conferences, and a supply of chemical reagents.

Dr. Jennifer Bouldin, dean of the Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics, said, “Dr. Robert Shields’ grant is an exciting opportunity to enhance his research in oral health.” This extremely competitive NIH R01 award helps a scientist in their field of specialization conduct health-related research.

The Beck College is thrilled that Dr. Shields will be receiving this esteemed grant and pursuing this vital area of study.

The NIH R01 award, according to Dr. Travis Marsico, vice provost for research, innovation, and discovery at A-State and executive director of the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, is the most important source of financing for scientists studying human health.

Because it funds significant hypothesis-driven research supported by preliminary results, the NIH R01 is the gold standard; current grant rates are slightly over 21% of applications received countrywide.

He said, “I am overjoyed that Dr. Rob Shields has been awarded an NIH R01 grant for his research on dental decay bacteria.” “The discoveries made by his team will have significant implications for human health and basic science for the people of Arkansas.”

In the history of the A-State, this new funding is only the second R01 and the eighth NIH award. According to him, it’s also the biggest NIH award the university has ever received.

“The aim of the Research and Technology Transfer team is to assist in making these kinds of awards a regularity on campus, given our recent emphasis on extending research development.”
Early in the upcoming year, a similar development involving A-State’s thriving research enterprise will begin.

“A-State has been selected in a new program called Engagement and Access for Research-Active Institutions (EARA), which will help campus researchers identify appropriate funding opportunities from NIH,” Marsico said, “as part of our expansion of NIH-funded programs.”

“February 2025 is when the program is expected to start. Interest has been shown by fourteen faculty members, and Dr. Shields has consented to mentor faculty members who are requesting NIH funding. His efforts have paid off, and he and his NIH program director enjoy a solid working relationship.