Dr. Paul Ala graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and a Master of Science degree in Biochemistry from Concordia University, and a Ph.D. degree in Biochemistry from McMaster University. He then worked for several years as a research scientist in the field of pharmaceutical drug discovery, publishing extensively and participating in the design of pharmaceutical agents in the areas of diabetes, cancer, HIV, and antimicrobials. Dr. Ala then completed his DMD degree at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, graduating magna cum laude. He is a member of the Robert R. Andrews Research Honor Society and was recently recognized for his commitment to basic science research. His biography has been highlighted in Whos Who in Science and Engineering 2011-2012 and Whos Who in America 2013, 2014-2015 and 2016 . Dr. Ala is also a member of the American Dental Association and the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Dental Society.