Dr. Waheed Awotoye is an orthodontic resident at the University of Iowa. He earned his DDS from the University of Lagos, Nigeria (2015) and a Ph.D. in Oral Science from the University of Iowa (2022). His research focuses on the genomic and epigenomic factors behind craniofacial disorders particularly orofacial clefts. Dr. Awotoye aims to bridge the gap between basic science research and clinical practice, aspiring to become an orthodontist-scientist who translates his research findings into personalized patient care in orthodontics as well as other dental specialties. Having benefited for significant mentorship himself, he is also passionate about mentoring the next generation of dental professionals (dentist-scientist), sharing his knowledge and experience to inspire future leaders in the field. His work promises to revolutionize orthodontics and other dental specialties, making treatments more efficient and tailored to individual needs.