Worku Abebe

Worku Abebe is an Associate Professor in the Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences at the Dental College of Georgia, with additional academic appointments at The Graduate School. He holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of British Columbia (1990), an MS in Pharmacology from the University of Bradford (1981), and a BS in Pharmacy from Haile Selassie I University (1974).

His research focuses on cardiovascular biology in diabetes, vascular effects of dental materials, and pulmonary/vascular impacts of taurine and adenosine. He also investigates herbal medicine usage and drug abuse trends through survey-based studies. Teaching emphasizes pharmacology, physiology, and biochemistry in dental applications.

Awarded multiple travel grants from EPMA and Dental College of Georgia to attend FASEB and ADA conferences. Active in academic service, serving on committees such as the Graduate Admission Committee (2000–Present), Faculty Search Committee (1999–Present), and University-level Research Advisory Committee (1998–2009). Engages in community outreach, including guest speaking roles for the African American Community Association and high school STEM programs.

Leadership roles include chairing the Faculty Promotion Committee (2018–2020) and contributing to editorial boards and peer review in pharmacology. His interdisciplinary work bridges biomedical sciences with clinical dentistry, emphasizing translational research and public health implications.