Frank Gibson III

Associate Professor of Oral Biology

College of Dentistry

2024 Awardee

Frank C. Gibson III has spent more than 25 years studying the process of disease development and how pathogens interact with their hosts. Gibson’s primary area of research addresses host-pathogen interactions involving a bacterium that plays a crucial role in periodontal disease. Gibson’s research aims to understand microbial factors and host-response mechanisms that could lead to vaccinations or other novel treatments.

In the past, Gibson’s efforts have produced an array of research grants and significant contributions to his field. In addition to studying the origins of periodontal disease, his group has explored the associations between oral bacterial infection and cardiovascular disease. Their experimental evidence suggests that one bacterium is a potential risk factor for atherosclerosis, and immunization can prevent infection-related acceleration.

Gibson has made considerable research contributions since joining the faculty in 2016 and his work is recognized nationally, says Shannon Wallet, the Louis and Marge Atkins Endowed Professor and chair of the Department of Oral Biology.

“The findings from Dr. Gibson’s research program will contribute to filling significant gaps in the field and improve the quality of life of thousands of individuals in that periodontal disease affects about 750 million people — or about 10.8% of the world population,” Wallet says.

In the past five years, Gibson has earned more than $11 million in research funding while producing more than nine manuscripts that appeared in top-tier journals and more than 50 papers overall. He has also given invited talks at important oral biology and dental research conferences.

“Together these activities are indicators of Dr. Gibson’s exceptional national and international reputation,” Wallet says.