While a dental student in Madrid, Spain, Nayra Grau decided she wanted to pursue a specialty in orthodontics. She therefore did extensive research about programs around the globe and chose the orthodontic program at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. Dr. Grau, who recently was hired as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthodontics, knows she made the right choice. That's one of the reasons she's happy to now be on the program's faculty. "I'm loyal to my department and thankful for all it provided me with," Dr. Grau said. "I felt I wanted to give something back."
Born in Barcelona, Spain, Dr. Grau came to the U.S. in 2001 to enroll in the College's orthodontic program. She knew some English ahead of time, "but it has certainly improved since then," she noted. Dr. Grau graduated from the program last year.
Dr. Grau works in the department Mondays through Fridays. "I work with undergrad and postgrad students, I supervise clinical orthodontic cases, and make sure that all our digital records are publication quality," she explained. "I'm also overseeing orthodontic patient care in the Craniofacial Center, in the absence of the orthodontist who is on maternity leave."
She also is the Course Director of the clinical course that DDS students take in orthodontics. "My big responsibility is putting together the course that we give to the DDS students in the summer," Dr. Grau said. She also does some research when time permits. "Right now I'm working on some presentations, one for the Moyers Symposium and the European Orthodontic Meeting," Dr. Grau noted.
Being helpful to students is a particular goal of Dr. Grau's. "I want to be someone they can go to when they have questions," she said. "I'd also like to make sure the patients are happy with the service we provide, and I'd like to do more publishing in academic journals, too."
Dr. Grau's hobbies include cooking, enjoying the city with friends, and running by the lake, "but in the winter running is difficult," she noted. "I was told about the winters in Chicago and how they were really cold, but you never imagine to what degree and how it affects your life until you get here."