The International Association for Dental Research recognized Yang Chai on March 16 as the recipient of the 2011 Distinguished Scientist Award for Craniofacial Biology Research.

Chai, associate dean of research and director of the Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, was presented with a commemorative plaque during the opening ceremonies of the association’s 2011 general session and exhibition in San Diego.

He is recognized throughout the dental and craniofacial research community for his investigations of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of craniofacial development, including oral and facial birth defects such as cleft palate.

“It’s a great feeling to have your work recognized by your peers as having made a significant impact on the field,” he said.

Chai credited many of his scientific achievements to the supportive research and mentorship environment at the Ostrow School and throughout USC.

Dean Avishai Sadan praised Chai as one of the school’s strongest scientific leaders.

“He is not just a great scientist,” Sadan said. “His leadership and his mentoring of both faculty and student researchers have helped the Ostrow School of Dentistry maintain our role as a dental and craniofacial research powerhouse.”

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