Larry D. Crouch

Larry D. Crouch, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Oral Biology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Dentistry. He is affiliated with the Bioregulation Group and holds a BS in Biology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, an MS in Medical Sciences from UNMC, a PhD in Physiology from Louisiana State University, and postdoctoral training in Pathology/Experimental Toxicology at Parke-Davis/Warner-Lambert and Immunopathology at the University of Michigan Medical School.

Dr. Crouch's research focuses on neuroendocrine modulation of inflammation, stress-induced immunosuppression, and molecular mechanisms of estrogen-deficient bone loss. His work integrates cytokine signaling, genetic polymorphisms, and biomechanical factors in orthodontic tooth movement. He has investigated the role of interleukin-1 gene variants, cytokine profiles in gingival crevicular fluid, and osteogenic protein-1 effects on stem cells.

Teaching responsibilities include directing courses in Advanced Oral Biology, Dental Biochemistry, and Critical Thinking, while instructing in Human Physiology and Biomedical Sciences reviews. He has secured grants such as the UNMC Education Technology Grant ($5,480) for developing physiology tutorials and co-led an American Association of Orthodontists Foundation project ($16,276) exploring mechanical systems' effects on tooth movement.

Key contributions include studies on cytokine dynamics in orthodontics, stem cell osteogenesis, and inflammatory pathways in lung injury. His collaborative work spans orthodontic clinical research, immunology, and bone biology, with findings published in Archives of Oral Biology, Journal of Immunology, and Journal of Investigative Surgery.