Introducing Interim Dean Kristin Bruk Artinger, PhD
Headshot of Kristin Artinger on a branded background

Kristin Bruk Artinger, PhD, has been named Interim Dean of the School of Dentistry, effective July 1.

Artinger joined the School of Dentistry as Associate Dean for Research and Discovery in 2022. She also serves as professor of basic sciences and primary investigator of the Artinger Lab, which explores the molecular and genetic mechanisms involved in the development of the neural crest.

Artinger earned her PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology from the University of California Irvine in 1995. She then completed postdoctoral work at Harvard Medical School in Boston. Prior to joining the School of Dentistry, she spent 20 years at the University of Colorado, where she held roles including professor, director of the Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Vice Chair for the Department of Craniofacial Biology and Chair of the Dean’s Executive Committee.

Instituted at the University of Colorado in 2002 and transferred to the University of Minnesota in 2022, Artinger’s lab is a highly collaborative environment that uses the zebrafish model system to study the gene regulatory networks involved in cell fate determination, migration, differentiation of neural crest cells in normal development and in craniofacial birth defects.

Artinger is committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists and has advised more than 90 students, including high school, undergraduate, DDS, graduate and post-doctoral trainees.She is a member of the National Advisory Council, Board of Scientific Councilors for the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and a Deputy Editor for Birth Defects Research. She served as an Academic Leadership Fellow for the Big 10 Academic Alliance in 2025-2026.

“Dr. Artinger is an accomplished scientist, educator and academic leader who currently serves as professor in the Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences and associate dean of research and discovery,” shared Executive Vice President and Provost Gretchen Ritter in her announcement of the role to Twin Cities campus leaders. “Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to academic excellence, collaboration, and innovation across education and discovery. Her thoughtful leadership, broad institutional perspective and dedication to supporting faculty, staff and students make her exceptionally well prepared to guide the school during this transition.”

“I look forward to taking on this new role and leading the School of Dentistry through this transition,” Artinger said. “The School of Dentistry engages in top-rate research, excellent patient care and high-quality education for the next generation of oral health professionals. Together, we can continue the excellent work and initiatives Dean Mays instituted and look toward the future.”

Artinger takes on this leadership role following the retirement of Dean Emeritus Keith A Mays, DDS, MS, PhD, in June. Additional information regarding a national search for a new dean with broad representation will be made available in late summer or early fall.