For the past 18 years, Dr. Mina has researched fundamental aspects of craniofacial development. Her early work demonstrated the essential role of the dental epithelium in tooth formation and patterning, and these heavily cited publications are considered classics in the field. She then went on to investigate the roles of signaling molecules and homeobox genes in controlling the outgrowth of the mandibular process and the morphogenesis and elongation of Meckel's cartilage. She has compared similarities in the signaling networks involved in tooth morphogenesis and mandibular morphogenesis, and particularly characterized the roles of bone morphogenetic proteins and FGF family members in mediating the outgrowth and morphogenesis of the chick mandible. Her research has been well-supported by peer-reviewed grants, and she has successfully supervised a large number of doctoral and post-doctoral fellows.
The Craniofacial Biology Research Award, supported by BioMimetic Pharmaceuticals and Osteohealth Company, was established to recognize individuals who have contributed to the body of knowledge in craniofacial biology over a significant period of time, and whose research contributions have been accepted by the scientific community. It consists of a cash prize and plaque, and represents one of the highest honors the IADR can bestow.