Shauna E Culshaw

Professor Shauna E Culshaw is Professor of Periodontology and Immunology at the University of Glasgow, where she serves as Dental Clinical Research Facility Lead, Lead for Undergraduate teaching in Periodontics and Deputy Head of the Dental School. She completed specialist training in Periodontics and treats patients with advanced periodontal diseases at Glasgow Dental Hospital, while also providing specialist training to staff.

• Position: Professor of Periodontology and Immunology
• Leadership: Dental Clinical Research Facility Lead, Deputy Head of Dental School
• Clinical Role: Specialist in Periodontics treating advanced periodontal cases
• Teaching: Lead for Undergraduate teaching in Periodontics
• Location: School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, Glasgow Dental Hospital & School

Professor Culshaw's research primarily focuses on the immune response in the oral cavity and the relationship between periodontitis and systemic inflammatory diseases. Her work spans immunology, microbiology, and the connections between oral health and systemic conditions, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. She investigates how the oral microbiome influences systemic health, with particular attention to citrullination processes and immune responses that may link periodontal disease to autoimmune conditions. Her research employs advanced techniques in biofilm analysis, immune cell characterization, and longitudinal clinical studies.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on the connections between periodontal disease and systemic conditions, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. Her work spans microbiome analysis, immune response characterization, and clinical outcomes research. She has published extensively on nitrate-reducing bacteria, citrullination processes, and the immune mechanisms linking oral and systemic inflammation. Her research has evolved from basic immunological mechanisms to increasingly translational work with clinical applications.

Professor Culshaw has received substantial research funding from numerous organizations including the Medical Research Council, Wellcome Trust, Arthritis Research UK, and various NHS and European Commission grants. Her research team investigates the immune response to periodontal pathogens, the relationship between periodontitis and systemic diseases, and novel approaches to periodontal treatment and prevention.

She leads the Dental Clinical Research Facility at Glasgow Dental Hospital & School and has supervised numerous research students and projects. Her laboratory work focuses on oral biofilm models, immune cell responses, and the molecular mechanisms connecting oral inflammation to systemic conditions. She collaborates extensively with immunologists, microbiologists, and rheumatologists in interdisciplinary research efforts.