Susana M. Salazar Marocho, PhD, MS, DDS

Biography

With 15 years of experience in dentistry, supplemented by comprehensive graduate studies focusing on Prosthodontics and Dental Materials (from State University of Sao Paulo, UNESP, São José dos Campos in Sao Paulo, Brazil), along with additional clinical training in Implant Dentistry and a fellowship in Biomedical Materials Science (from University of Sao Paulo, USP, Brazil, and UMMC), Dr. Salazar Marocho offer a wealth of expertise in both clinical and research settings.
She has a track record of publishing in top-tier journals and am currently serving as the US expert for the ISO in bond strength testing (2022-Present). My background enables me to contribute significantly to the advancement of dental materials science, particularly in the areas of material science, restorative dentistry, and implantology.

Dr. Salazar Marocho has extensive experience in the design, testing, and characterization of dental ceramics, polymers, and composite materials, with a focus on enhancing their mechanical properties, durability, and biocompatibility. My research has explored bonding and debonding mechanisms of ceramics, thermoresponsive polymer development, fracture behavior of dental materials, and long-term performance of implant and restorative materials. Additionally, I am investigating the use of biowaste as a sustainable source for the development of novel biomaterials.

At the University of Mississippi Medical Center, She teaches 13 different courses totaling over 100 contact hours, including courses in the Biomedical Materials Science department, Care Planning and Restorative Sciences, Advanced General Dentistry, and the Mississippi Center for Clinical and Translational Research. Her teaching excellence has earned institutional teaching awards (2018-2019), a nomination for the 2019 Regions Bank TEACH Prize, and induction into the UMMC Academy for Excellence in Education.

Throughout her journey, she has had the privilege of mentoring and co-mentoring a diverse cohort of 50 students, including undergraduate, dental, visiting Latino scholars, master’s, Ph.D., and high- and middle-school students, with a significant representation of minority individuals. Throughout her career as a Latino/Hispanic Ph.D. in the biomedical research workforce, she has been committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM fields. Dr. Salazar Marocho leads outreach programs to promote STEM education among K-12 students and serves as a UMMC-certified translator, improving healthcare access for non-English speaking populations. Additionally, she leads a Cultural Awareness seminar series and advises both the Hispanic Dental Association and the SOD Student Research Group. Her mentorship and research have been recognized through awards, including the 2019 ICP Research Grant, the 2019 Ivoclar Vivadent/ICP Research Fellowship, the 2022 AADOCR Procter & Gamble fellowship, and the 2023 Community Bank funding for her ‘Dressing for Science’ outreach program, which supports underrepresented middle schoolers in pursuing STEM careers. Most recently, Dr. Salazar Marocho's research has received support from NIH-NIDCR through an R03 grant.

She actively works to strengthen my leadership and mentoring skills to ensure that my trainees successfully transition into biomedical research careers with the knowledge, experience, and professionalism required for success. As part of this ongoing development, Dr. Salazar is an alumna of the 2017 ADEA/AAL Faculty of Color Professional Development Program, the 2020 AADR MIND The Future program, and the 2021 GWIMS Leadership Program. These experiences have strengthened her ability to guide the next generation of researchers, and she remains dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusion in science while helping my trainees thrive in their academic and professional journeys.

Education

Academic Appointments or Other Previous Appointments

Sponsored Program Funding

Honors, Awards, and Recognition

Committee Service