Sabrina Nguyen

Doctor of Dental Sciences (2nd year), Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto

“Working with Dr. Bozec for the Faculty of Dentistry’s 2019 Summer Research Program was an experience filled with lots of learning and fun.

I was able to passage my own cells for the very first time, optimise their growth conditions, and ultimately destroy them with hydrogen peroxide. In the end, I was able to determine using spectrophotometry that hydrogen peroxide was detrimental to gingival fibroblasts – a fact which was later confirmed by Dr. Ola Redha using flow cytometry. This has helped our project progress to projects that would determine the effects of hydrogen peroxide on dental pulp cells.

Everyone in the lab as well as individuals from other labs were so helpful and taught me everything about cell culturing, spectrophotometry, cell photography, and even how to look for an order supplies.

I also had an amazing time getting to know my fellow lab mates Jaemin, Zahra, Maryam, and Cori and we all spent a lovely afternoon rock climbing with Dr. Bozec and his family as well.

I am looking forward to future work with Dr. Bozec.”

Dr Salwa Ibrahim

BDS (Egypt), MJDF (RCS), DDent (Paed), PGAdvDip (Laser) Executive Director, First Twenty Dental, First Twenty Pediatric Dentistry Co.

salwa.ibrahim.12@alumni.ucl.ac.uk

“Laurent was my primary supervisor during the course of my study for Dental Paediatric Doctorate at EDI, and he is definitely an ‘’artist’’ in shaping young minds.

Although I have graduated 2 years ago, Laurent remains my mentor, a constant motivator, and an exceptional guide to this day.

He has discussed with me his wish to pursue a career at your esteemed university which seemed like an excellent idea. His creativity and unparalleled thirst to develop new skills and accomplish challenges have been a tremendous inspiration to everyone around him.”

Dr Elizabeth Boone

BDS MJDF MClinDent Pros (Hons)

elizabeth.boone.15@ucl.ac.uk

“I have known Laurent for just over two years, as one of my lead supervisors for my MClinDent research project in optical coherence tomography, scanning and analysing dental tissue. I am now in my final year of prosthodontic specialist training at the UCL Eastman Dental Hospital.

Laurent’s innovative ideas and enthusiastic approach to research inspired me to further my own aspirations. Under Laurent’s guidance, I was able to win the Dean’s research prize and will soon be presenting my work at two well-known conferences.

Throughout my research, Laurent has always made himself available at short notice to discuss my ideas or concerns. He has on many occasions worked over lunch breaks and held Skype conversations whilst on holiday to guide and support me with my research. He has been invaluable in guiding me with my data analysis and presentation of results.

Laurent would be an invaluable research lead and inspire your students and fellow researchers to better themselves and progress with their research with a clear well-structured direction. I am so thankful I have had the pleasure of working with Laurent and wish him all the best with his future career plans.

As a past student, I would like to give a reference to Dr Laurent Bozec, to be added to his teaching portfolio as part of his application to the University of Toronto. Dr Bozec was the primary supervisor of my PhD project, carried out between the years 2013 and 2017 at the UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, UK.

While part of his group, I worked on a weekly basis with Dr Bozec, from the conception of the project until its completion. Ever since the beginning, he was very enthusiastic and willing to set aside time for mentoring and organising my project. His support and guidance are part of the reason why my project was so fruitful: over the course of 4 years, we obtained 8 scientific publications (including 2 in the Journal of Dental Research), one industry collaboration (with GlaxoSmithKline, UK) and many presentations at national and international conferences.”

“As a supervisor, Dr Bozec demonstrated many qualities that are highly desirable as a teacher and mentor.

First of all, he always showed enthusiasm and support towards my project and my ideas.

When things did not work out, he was willing to sit down and analyse the problem, guiding me towards solutions that would improve the outcome in the future.

As a student, I always found in his support to overcome obstacles during my learning process. Furthermore, he was always promoting my learning by encouraging me to attend meetings, apply for awards and pursue collaborations that could enhance my career.

Finally, I strongly believe that his mentoring and encouragement have contributed towards me having found a position as Assistant Professor at my current University, and have definitely been an important positive factor in my career so far.

For all the above, I highly recommend Dr Bozec for the position he is applying for. If any further information is needed, please do not hesitate to contact me.”

Dr Prasad Sawadkar, PhD

prasad.sawadkar@ucl.ac.uk

“I know Laurent as my PhD supervisor and career mentor.

His inspiration, invaluable guidance and encouragement throughout my research journey are immaculate.

I always have seen Laurent as a pragmatic individual who has had a significant impact on me as a researcher. He taught me that the work I do should have a significant impact on the lives of others and should resolve challenges if they appear to get in the way.

As a mentor, he has always nurtured my ideas and channelled them in precise experimental manner. 

His passion and enthusiasm for his students to succeed in their work is a phenomenon. I owe my due respect and gratitude to Laurent for shaping me into a successful researcher.”