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10/17/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/17/2024 12:02

Dr. Alamelu Sundaresan Receives Honorary Doctorate from the University of Oslo in Norway

Dr. Alamelu Sundaresan Receives Honorary Doctorate from the University of Oslo in Norway

Posted on Thursday, October 17, 2024

Dr. Alamelu Sundaresan

Dr. Alamelu Sundaresan (Lalita), Acting Chair of the Department of Biology at Texas Southern University (TSU), was recently awarded an honorary doctorate during the University of Oslo's (UoO) Annual Celebration. The honorary doctorate, Doctor Honoris Causa, recognizes her extraordinary contributions to the field of biological sciences.

Sundaresan was one of 17 distinguished awardees, which included Nobel Laureates and prominent academics from various faculties within the University.

The Doctor Honoris Causa is awarded for significant contributions to science and outstanding work in the field, a testament to Dr. Sundaresan's influence and dedication. Dr. Sundaresan's innovative research focuses on inflammation and bone health, particularly in developing model systems to study how external conditions affect various types of tissues.

"I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from such a prestigious institution," said Dr. Sundaresan. "This achievement not only reflects my passion for dentistry research but also highlights the collaborative spirit of the research community worldwide, particularly my long-standing partnership with the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Oslo."

Dr. Sundaresan is world-renowned for her pioneering work in creating and patenting three-dimensional bone constructs using human bone cells. This breakthrough has significantly advanced research into maintaining bone mass and stimulating new bone growth in the jaw. Sundaresan's tissue models have become integral to understanding the impact of widespread inflammatory diseases, which can lead to severe complications such as tooth displacement and loss.

"On behalf of the Division of Research and Innovation, we are incredibly proud of Dr. Sundaresan's ongoing contributions," said TSU Vice President for Research and Innovation Dr. Michelle Penn-Marshall. "The honor she recently received is a testament to her exemplary research and international recognition. She continues to embody excellence and makes us all TSU PROUD."

Since 2006, Dr. Sundaresan has collaborated closely with the University of Oslo's Faculty of Dentistry, mentoring several doctoral students in her laboratory and facilitating the creation of innovative three-dimensional bone spheres. Her collaborative efforts have led to significant advancements, including the UoO Department of Biomaterials being the first research group globally to create human bone cells in a laboratory based on Sundaresan's models. This development serves as a crucial tool for investigating mechanisms related to osteoporosis and the effects of medication treatments.

Sundaresan's honorary doctorate places Texas Southern University on the international scientific stage and recognizes the institution's commitment to groundbreaking research.

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