Kang I Ko

Kang I Ko, DMD, DScD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Periodontics at Penn Dental Medicine. He holds dual degrees in Physiology/Neuroscience and Neurobiology from UC San Diego, followed by clinical and research training at Penn Dental Medicine where he completed a combined Periodontics certificate/D.ScD program.

• Undergraduate: BS in Physiology & Neuroscience (2009)
• Graduate: MS in Neurobiology (2011)
• Dental: DMD (2015), DScD in Stem Cell Biology (2020)

Dr. Ko's research focuses on fibroblast heterogeneity and its immunomodulatory effects in oral and cutaneous inflammation. His work explores diabetes-related mucosal wound healing, periodontitis pathogenesis, and epigenetic interventions for regenerative medicine. Current projects include NIH-funded studies on cellular interactions in inflammatory microenvironments.

The 15 most recent publications reveal concentrated research directions in:

• Single-cell profiling of inflammatory diseases
• Epithelial-fibroblast interactions in mucosal healing
• Diabetes-induced immunomodulatory disruptions
• Ferroptosis in periodontal inflammation
• Epigenetic regulation of wound repair

Scientific recognition includes:

• Ricardo Teles Research Award (2020)
• NIH Loan Repayment Program (2020)
• K08 Career Development Award (2017)
• Multiple AADR travel grants and specialty awards

Dr. Ko maintains active membership in major professional organizations including the American Academy of Periodontology and International Association for Dental Research. His clinical work in periodontics complements his laboratory research on tissue-specific inflammatory responses.