Gili Naveh

Gili Naveh is an Associate Professor with dual appointments at Tufts University in both the School of Dental Medicine (Orthodontics department) and the School of Engineering (Biomedical Engineering department). Previously, they served as Assistant Professor (2017-2021) and Instructor (2015-2017) at Harvard Medical School. Their research focuses on the structure and function of the periodontal ligament, bone biology, tooth movement, and related areas using advanced imaging and analytical techniques.

Dr. Naveh's research interests include the structure and function of the periodontal ligament, bone biology, tooth movement, extracellular matrix, biomechanics, 3D imaging, MicroCT, and Raman spectroscopy. Their work investigates the non-uniformity in the periodontal ligament, the function of blood vessels in PDL and bone remodeling, and structural manipulations in the PDL. They employ various modalities including microCT, AFM, light sheet microscopy, multiphoton microscopy, proteomics, Raman spectroscopy, and computational tools for image and data analysis.

Dr. Naveh's recent publications reveal a strong focus on periodontal ligament structure and mechanics, with emphasis on 3D imaging techniques to visualize collagen networks and understand tooth movement. Their work demonstrates how regional variations in the periodontal ligament contribute to its functional adaptation and response to mechanical loads. The research spans from fundamental tissue mechanics to clinical applications in orthodontics and dental implantology.

Dr. Naveh has received significant research funding including the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research grant titled 'Non uniformity in the PDL: structure and function of the dense collar' (2021-2026) and 'Tooth Movement derived by PDL Cellular Manipulations' (2018-2021).

At Tufts, Dr. Naveh teaches courses including 'Special Topics: Medical Devices: Lab to Clinic' and 'Fund Biological Sys Eng.' Their laboratory serves as a collaborative space for scientists and clinicians to investigate clinically oriented problems in dentistry and medicine, with an approach focused on understanding micro and mesoscale phenomena to achieve macroscale functional manipulations for clinical translation.