My goal is to introduce new paradigms in oral health research by applying vengineering concepts and methods to advance our understanding of the pathogenesis of oral diseases and develop novel therapeutic approaches. I have always been fascinated by how the local bio-chemical (and -physical) environment modulates microbe-microbe and microbe-surface interactions, influencing biofilm development. I have published extensively in the area of biofilm research by integrating engineering, microbiology, and biochemical methodologies.