Bryan Stimmler: Pulling Double Duty in the USC School of Dentistry Research Labs

March 19, 2008

Born in Huntington Beach, California, now living in Los Angeles, Bryan Stimmler began his research career while completing his undergraduate studies by working on numerous environmental science projects. Much different than the research he performs in dental school, he used to run around in rivers of the San Gabriel mountains everyday taking measurements, not wearing anything but a pair of swim trunks. It was a fantastic introduction into the world of research. Now Bryan is involved in laboratory research that is more laboratory oriented, but just as interesting and exciting. Bryan is very excited to continue his research as he finishes school and enters into the world of clinical practice.

Help us understand what you are up to (Describe your work / research):
I am currently involved in two research projects. One is dealing with the expansion experienced while mounting diagnostic casts on an articulator. We are using a two step mounting technique, looking for the correct time between the first and second application to add the second addition of plaster for no expansion. The second project is looking for genetic mutations in a patient with ankylosis, hypodontia, and supernumerary teeth. In this study we are using comparative genomic hybridization to look for deletions and mutations.

What drives you to continue pursuing this area of study?
There are answers to questions that have been asked, and I want to know what the answer is.

Describe how your work might impact people's lives, now and in the future. (What's the potential societal impact?) With the cast mounting study it will guide students and professionals on when to add plaster while mounting casts to get no expansion. The second study has the ability to answer the patients questions about why this has happened, however when one knows how and why these anomalies occur you can work backwards towards cures or treatments.

How did you come up with the idea?
The cast mounting study came about while sitting in a lecture about cast mounting. I asked the question "well, how long do we have to wait to add the second amount?". As I began to investigate the idea I found no information, proposed the idea of a study on the topic to a doctor at my school, and the project was born. The second study occurred while working on another research project on dental anomalies. A patient was referred to me for the study. As I looked into the patients condition I found that it was not documented, proposed the idea to another researcher at the Center for Craniofacial Microbiology, and the project began.

Has anyone ever doubted that your idea could work?
Not as of yet, however I have had a lot of questions about the methods for the first project as there seems to be a lot of variability, which has been quelled. The second project has not endured much quite as much skepticism.

What is the next step in the innovation process for you (and how might people help)?
The next step is simply to continue looking for questions that don't yet have answers. On the topic of dental genetic anomalies I continue to realize that we are surrounded with unanswered questions. I continue to see new cases that are un-documented. While I find these cases I am looking for get them involved in research, get their families involved, and then see where it goes.

What mistake taught you the most?
It hasn't been a mistake as it has been working with a very well versed researcher. I have been taught much about how to put together a project, how to speak and write correctly about the topic, how to work with research subjects and their families, and how to correctly go about getting involved in research that you are not yet involved with.

What is the one innovation you can't live without?
The snowboard.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I wanted to be a stuntman.

What do you wish you would have invented?
The snowboard.

Any tips for aspiring innovators?
It is a quote from the movie Finding Nemo: "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming." When things get frustrating, just keep going.

Email or phone?
either

What is the most fun you've ever had?
College.

Three favorite things about LA:
1. People.
2. I can go snowboarding and surfing in the same day.
3. There is always something to do.