Dr. Katherine Velasco is a Colombian-born dental professional with over 25 years of experience in clinical practice, education, and leadership. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree

in 1998 and spent a decade in private practice, including three years serving underprivileged communities.

Her passion for dentistry led her to join Roseman University School of Dental Medicine, where she instructed more than 900 students and was recognized as Outstanding Faculty and HDA Faculty of the Year.

Currently, Dr. Velasco works as an Assistant Professor and Clinical Team Leader in the International Dental Graduated Program at Nova Southeastern University. In addition to her mentoring and clinical responsibilities, she serves in the Student Progress Committee and continues to practice dentistry one day a week.

Dr. Velasco is a distinguished fellow of the International College of Dentists (ICD), American College of Dentists (ACD), and Pierre Fauchard Academy (PFA). She remains as an active leader in organized dentistry through her involvement with the Hispanic Dental Association, American Dental Association, and American Dental Education Association, where she has held leadership roles at institutional, state, and national levels.

Her professional achievements have also been recognized in the bibliographical compendium of Who’s Who in America for her contributions to dental education and the advancement of the profession.

Beyond her professional life, Dr. Velasco finds her greatest fulfillment in seeing others grow and succeed with her guidance. She values balance in work and family life and enjoys spending time at the beach, hiking, painting, engaging in creative projects, and exploring new places.

Dr. Hanan Omar is a Professor and the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Research at A.T. Still University’s Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH). She also serves as the Assistant Dean for Research and Course Director for Professionalism, Ethical Practice, and Behavioral Sciences.

With over two decades of experience in dental education and leadership, Dr. Omar has held multiple senior academic roles, including Associate Dean, Faculty of Dentistry at the International Medical University (IMU) in Malaysia. Her expertise spans curriculum design, educational innovation, evidence-based dentistry (EBD), and technology-enhanced learning, with a strong focus on integrating AI, VR, and digital tools into preclinical and clinical education.

Dr. Omar has authored and co-authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications, several book chapters, and numerous conference presentations through ADEA, AADOCR/IADR, SEAADE, and AMEE. Her research explores AI-supported learning, virtual simulation, and case-based education models. An active leader in professional organizations, Dr. Omar serves as Councilor for the Evidence-Based Dentistry Section of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and as a reviewer for the Journal of Dental Education. Dr. Omar’s work exemplifies a commitment to advancing whole-person, technology-driven, and evidence-based dental education that prepares future clinicians for excellence in patient-centered care.

Lina Sharab, DDS,MS,MSc. Associate Professor and the Director of the Craniofacial-Biology-Externship Program at the University of Kentucky. Earned D.D.S. from Syria. completed a Master of Biomaterial Science and fellowship in Orthodontics/SUNY at Buffalo. Earned a Master of Science, and certificate in orthodontics from the University of Kentucky. Dr. Sharab is a recipient of multiple awards from major organizations including :AAO,AAOF,SAO,

AAL, ADEA, and UK. Practicing board-certified orthodontist, dental educator and clinical researcher. She is currently a fellow of the leadership institute.  Her research was published in prestigious journals, including the Journal of Dental-Education, the American-Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial-Orthopedics, Orthodontic Craniofacial Research, and Journal of Oral Implantology. is an invited speaker at national and international conferences.

Dr. Harrison, a native of Belleville, IL, is a general dentist and Assistant Professor at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, where she currently serves as Interim Chair of the Department of Endodontics.

She earned her B.S. in Chemistry from Tennessee State University in 2011 and began dental school at Meharry Medical College in 2012, graduating in 2016. During dental school, Dr. Harrison was active in leadership and service roles and received several honors and scholarships, including Who’s Who Among Students, the Dental Public Health Award, and multiple endowed scholarships.

Following graduation, Dr. Harrison completed a two-year General Practice Residency at BronxCare Hospital in New York, serving as Chief Resident in her second year. It was during this time that she developed a strong interest in endodontics, which became her area of focus.

She actively participates in professional development and continuing education through organizations such as the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), American Association of Endodontists, and the Chicago Dental Society. In recognition of her leadership, she was named a 2023 Dean’s Scholar and selected as a 2025 Fellow of the ADEA Leadership Institute. She is also pursuing a Master of Public Health with a dental emphasis at A.T. Still University.

Dr. Harrison has further honed her academic leadership skills through programs such as the ADEA’s Institute for Teaching and Learning and the Chairs and Academic Administrators Management Program.

Passionate about community service, Dr. Harrison participates in events like Spring and Fall Oral Health Days and Give Kids a Smile. She has also created outreach programs including “Dental Day at Daycare” and “Healthy Me, Healthy Smiles.” Mentorship is a key focus, and she remains closely involved in the growth of her mentees throughout and beyond dental school.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Harrison enjoys spending time with her son, Peyton, event planning, fishing, attending sports and music events, and online shopping.