Ann Arbor, MI — June 1, 2010 — Dr. Charlotte Mistretta, associate dean for research and PhD training at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, has received a prestigious award for her research in chemosensory sciences.

Mistretta received the Kerry-Manheimer Award sponsored by the Monell Center, the world’s only independent non-profit scientific institute dedicated to interdisciplinary basic research on the senses of taste and smell to benefit individual health and well being.

Presenting the award, Dr. Gary Beauchamp, the Center’s director, said, “Charlotte is the undeniable leader in advancing our understanding of how early taste development leads to and guides feeding, and hence, nutrition.”  He said her work has led to a greater understanding of the central role that taste, especially the desire for sweet, salty, and fatty foods play in obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and some cancers.  “Those who have followed Charlotte’s work on the physiology and molecular biology of taste development, and I include myself in that group,” he said, “owe her an enormous debt.  She has led the way.”

The recipient of the annual award meets with researchers and delivers a scientific lecture at the Center.  The award is presented following a dinner.

Contact: Sharon Grayden, Communications Director (734) 615-2600, dentistry.communications@umich.edu, or Jerry Mastey, Editor, School of Dentistry (734) 615-1971, jmastey@umich.edu.