Yang Chai PhD ’91, DDS ’96, Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC professor, has been named chair of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Board of Scientific Counselors.

Chai, who holds the George and Mary Lou Boone Chair in Craniofacial Biology, is associate dean of research and director of the Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology at the Ostrow School, has been a member of the board since 2008 and will serve a one-year term as chair.

A total of nine board members, including the chair, are selected from among the most accomplished and celebrated experts in biomedical, dental and craniofacial science.

Chai is internationally renowned for his research into the genetics, cellular signaling and development of cranial and facial structures, including the causes of and potential preventive measures for facial deformities, such as cleft palate.

Among his many honors, Chai has received a National Institutes of Health (NIH) MERIT Award and an International Association for Dental Research Distinguished Scientist Award. He was elected as an American Association for the Advancement of Sciences fellow and has served on the editorial boards of several scientific journals. In addition, he is an award-winning educator and a practicing dentist at the school.

The Board of Scientific Counselors is responsible for meeting twice each year to review and provide recommendations for basic science and clinical investigations taking place within the NIDCR’s intramural research program.

“It is an honor to be nominated and appointed by the NIH to serve as the chair of the Board of Scientific Counselors,” Chai said. “This appointment helps me to represent USC at the national level. I will continue to work with some of the most accomplished scientists to help shape the future of the NIDCR’s intramural research program.”

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