Dr. Florez has significant research experience in the areas of biophotonics, development of medical devices for surface sterilization using UV-C LEDs, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, metaloxide nanoparticles, nanostructured dental adhesive resins with antibacterial and bioactive properties, advanced microscopy techniques (SEM, TEM, Dual-FIB SEM, EDS), high-throughput bioluminescence assays. His Ph.D. dissertation focused on the antibacterial properties of novel photosensitizers such as Curcumin and Hypericin against Streptococcus mutans (planktonic and biofilms). The long-term goal of his research is the development of antibacterial and bioactive biomaterials to improve the service lives of restorative materials and dental implants.
Dr. Florez has worked as the principal investigator for six grants at local [OU Stipend Award ($20,000) and OU Growth Fund ($75,000)], state [OSCTR Pilot Grant ($75,000), OCAST HRP ($135,000)], national (Oak Ridge National Laboratory User Proposal) and international [ FAPESP, PIPE Program, phases I and II, ($537,000)] levels.
Since becoming an assistant professor at the Division of Dental Biomaterials at the College of Dentistry, he's filled a non-provisional international patent of a novel dental adhesive resin with antibacterial properties, published fourteen peer-reviewed manuscripts, presented research at national (AADR) and international conferences (IADR) and given six invited international presentations (as featured or keynote speaker) to showcase the results from those projects.
Education:
Postdoctoral Fellow, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Doctorate in Restorative Dentistry, The São Paulo State University, Araraquara College of Dentistry, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
Masters in Restorative Dentistry, The São Paulo State University, Araraquara College of Dentistry, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
Doctor in Dental Surgery, The University of Marília, Marília City, SP, Brazil
Organizations and Professional Associations:
International Association for Dental Research
Select Honors and Accomplishments:
Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honors Society, Oklahoma Omicron Pi Chapter
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Faculty Leadership Program
The University of Oklahoma Office of Technology Development, OU Growth Fund Award Winner
The Oklahoma Shared Clinical and Translational Resources, Translating Practice into Research Program (TPIR)