Dr. Thikriat Al-Jewair
I am honored to represent NESO on the Council on Scientific Affairs (COSA). The council meets twice a year to review research applications and help shape the scientific programming for the AAO Annual Session, advancing research and scholarship across our profession.
2026 AAO Annual Session Highlights
The Council had a productive year in preparation for the 2026 AAO Annual Session, reviewing nearly 400 research submissions across Oral Research Presentations, Table Clinics, E-Posters, the William R. Proffit Resident Scholar Program, and the prestigious Hellman, Sicher, and Graber Awards.
During the 2026 Annual Session, COSA evaluated 32 William R. Proffit Resident Scholar posters and 17 Table Clinics, moderated 17 Oral Research sessions and the Hellman, Sicher, and Graber lectures, and showcased 315 E-Posters, highlighting the breadth and quality of scientific scholarship within our profession.
Awards summary
Milo Hellman Research Award
Ashleigh Kmentt/ University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Harry Sicher Research Award
Emilee Dudley /Texas A&M University
Thomas M. Graber Awards of Special Merit
Christine Esposito / University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Elizabeth Celani / Texas A&M University
Bethany Cook / University of Michigan
(From left to right: Helder Jacob, Ashley Kmentt, Christine Esposito, Elizabeth Celani, Emilee Dudley, Bethany Cook)
William R. Proffit Resident Scholar Award
Basic Science Research
Tyler Starley/ University of the Pacific (1st)
Catherine Chou/ University of Connecticut (2nd)
Mitchell Piacsek/ Medical University of South Carolina (3rd)
Clinical Research
Lucy Leon/University of British Columbia (1st)
Amanda Nikho/ University of Illinois, Chicago (2nd)
Siew Leng Tan/ Eastman Dental (3rd)
(From left to right: Denise Prugh, Thikriat Al-Jewair, Marilia Yatabe, Tyler Starley, Catherine Chou, Mitchell Piacsek, Amanda Nikho, Siew Leng Tan, Lucy Leon, Helder Jacob)