A-State researcher receives $1.77 million grant to study tooth decay health impacts

Tooth decay can have a serious impact on a person’s overall health and a faculty member in Arkansas State University’s Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics has secured a federal grant to conduct extensive research into the problem with the goal of better understanding the causes and effects.

Dr. Robert Shields, assistant professor of microbiology in the Department of Biological Sciences and principal investigator for the grant, sought $1.77 million in funding through the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

“Tooth decay is one of the most common diseases affecting people,” he added. “It has a significant health and economic burden on the U.S. population.”

Shields will guide a team of faculty members, doctoral degree candidates, student researchers, and lab professionals who will delve into the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying tooth decay pathogens.

The research team also includes Dr. Lisa McLellan at Purdue University – Fort Wayne who is a molecular microbiology expert with her own research lab.

“In this study, we will investigate the movement of genetic information between bacteria, a process that spreads antibiotic resistance and fuels pathogen evolution,” Shields explained. “We will focus our studies on understanding this process in the oral cavity and determining the role it plays in assisting in the development of tooth decay.”

The grant will be doled over a five-year period and will support the work of the research team and provide a supply of chemical reagents, travel expenses to present results at scholarly conferences, and other expenses associated with their work.

“Dr. Robert Shields’ grant is an exciting opportunity to enhance his research in oral health,” stated Dr. Jennifer Bouldin, dean of the Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics. “This highly competitive NIH R01 grant supports health-related research by an investigator in their area of expertise. The Beck College is excited to see Dr. Shields receive this prestigious award and further his research in this important topic.”

This new grant represents only the second R01 and only the eighth NIH award in A-State history. It is also the largest NIH grant in the university’s history. A related development with A-State’s blossoming research enterprise will get underway early next year.

“As part of our expansion of NIH-funded programs, A-State has been selected in a new program called Engagement and Access for Research-Active Institutions (EARA), which will assist campus researchers with identifying appropriate funding opportunities from NIH. The program should begin in February 2025. Fourteen faculty members have expressed interest, and Dr. Shields has agreed to mentor faculty pursuing NIH funding. His efforts have been successful, and he has built a strong relationship with his NIH program director,” Dr. Travis Marsico, vice provost for research, innovation and discovery, and executive director of Arkansas Biosciences Institute at A-State said.