Dental Dean, Faculty, Recognized by State Dental Association
This week, the dean of the School of Dental Medicine, along with faculty, received awards from the Connecticut State Dental Society (CSDA) during their annual meeting.
According to the CSDA, this year’s honorees have “demonstrated exceptional dedication, skill, and innovation in their respective areas.”
Dr. Steven Lepowsky, dean, received the CSDA Presidential Award, the highest recognition from the state dental association. The award is given to a CSDA member, dentist, group or any other contributor that has enhanced the image and professionalism of dentistry.
Dr. Afroditi Pita, assistant professor of general dentistry, received the Rising Star Award. This award recognizes advocacy, philanthropy, or community service, and excellence entrepreneurial skills, or ethical behavior. The Rising Star has also made significant contributions in the field of science and has held leadership positions in the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) chapter of their school, local dental society, or the CSDA.
Along with Pita, recent graduate in the Class of 2025, Dr. Sarah Nevolis, also received the Rising Star Award.
Dr. Elie Ferneini, associate clinical professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery, received the Horace Hayden Award. This award recognizes contributions to the interest of dentistry and dental health.
Latest UConn Today
- UConn Students Combat Opioid Crisis in CT through Adopt a Health District ProgramThrough the program, UConn students help Connecticut communities tackle the opioid crisis, from Narcan training to safe medication disposal techniques
- UConn Entrepreneur Aims to Revolutionize Men’s Health CareReza Amin’s Bastion Health creates virtual, confidential, progressive approach to medical screening to help save lives
- UConn’s Sir Cato T. Laurencin Recognized as Springer Nature Editor of DistinctionSir Cato T. Laurencin, MD, Ph.D., K.C.S.L, has received a 2025 Springer Nature Editor of Distinction Award. The award is given to exceptional editors who have demonstrated commitment to upholding scientific accuracy and advancing discovery.
- UConn Health Minute: Two Lives, One TeamAn expectant mom learned she suffered a life-threatening condition. But the high risk pregnancy team at UConn Health had the expertise to keep mom safe as she delivered a healthy baby.
- Overcoming Engineering Challenges Was No Problem for This Student TeamA joint mechanical and electrical and computer engineering Senior Design team tackled various problems in the midst of an electric boat competition
- Beautiful Moments: SFA Alum Brings Smiles to Bridal Couples with Live Event PaintingWhen Erin Leigh Boughamer '94 (SFA) left UConn three decades ago with a degree in graphic design from the School of Fine Arts, event painting hadn’t yet become part of bridal vocabulary. To ask her back then if she foresaw herself with a wardrobe of dressy pantsuits, each with at least a little dollop of acrylic paint on them, she’d have said no way
