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University of Minnesota awards highest alumni honour to Dianne Rekow, Executive Dean

Dianne Rekow Minnesota AwardSix-time University of Minnesota graduate and School of Dentistry alumna and Executive Dean of the Dental Institute, Dianne Rekow, received the University’s highest alumni recognition, the Outstanding Achievement Award, earlier this month.

The award recognised Professor Rekow for her dedication to learning, teaching and science, and for her vast and significant accomplishments and contributions to the fields of dentistry, medical devices, technology and materials science. 

“Dr. Rekow is a talented educator, visionary leader, and accomplished scientist who is uniquely deserving of the University’s highest honor,” says Dean Leon Assael, DMD. “Her work and passion for the health sciences demonstrates outstanding achievement and leadership in the community, industry, higher education and worldwide. We are proud to call her one of our own.”

The Minnesota native received six different degrees from the University of Minnesota:

  • B.A. physics/mathematics and mechanical engineering
  • M.A. mechanical engineering
  • D.D.S. dental surgery
  • Specialty certificate in orthodontics
  • Ph.D. biomedical engineering
  • She also earned an M.B.A. from St. Thomas University

Rekow is most known for her pioneering work with computer-assisted design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology, which allows for high-quality and specialized-design dental materials such as crowns, dentures, implants or orthodontic appliances. Her research has been cited in more than 100 peer-reviewed articles.

Rekow has been a faculty member at the University of Minnesota, the University of Maryland at Baltimore, The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and New York University. 

Her other accomplishments include:

  • Work developing systems and contracts for the Navy and the Department of Defense
  • Collaboration on the development of a Medtronic pacemaker
  • Collaboration on projects integrating dentists into New York City’s emergency preparedness initiatives
  • Leading a team in researching damage in layered ceramic dental implants, particularly all-ceramic crowns. The project was supported by $10 million in NIDCR funding, and contributed substantially to other dental, ceramic, and engineering studies as well as clinical dentistry.
  • Election to the Presidency of both the American and International Associations for Dental Research.

Photo: With Prof. Rekow are L to R:  Leon Assael, DMD, Dean of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, and  Michael D. Hsu, Regent, University of Minnesota.   Dr. Assael introduced Dr. Rekow; Regent Hsu presented the award on behalf of the University..