Karla Coburn

Karla Coburn is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anatomy at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, with a joint appointment in Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine at the School of Dental Medicine. She holds a D.D.S. from Federal University of Espirito Santo and Ph.D. in Morphological Sciences from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.

Her research examines tooth development, eruption mechanisms, and extracellular matrix dynamics, with focus on matrix metalloproteinases and hormonal regulation. Current investigations include estrogen effects on molar eruption and MMP expression patterns during odontogenesis.

Publications demonstrate expertise in oral histology techniques and dental embryology. Recent studies investigate cellular mechanisms of tooth eruption, educational safety in anatomy labs, and oral cancer biology.

Honors include multiple teaching awards from Brazilian universities and research recognitions from dental societies. She serves as Communications and Marketing Coordinator for her department.