Now in its eleventh year, the award highlights outstanding clinical achievement among orthodontic residents across the United States and Canada. AO has supported the program as its title sponsor since the competition began, underscoring our commitment to advancing orthodontic education and the next generation of clinicians.
Dr. Ku earned the top honor following a rigorous, multi‑stage evaluation process involving 22 nominees. Each candidate submitted letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and an unpublished case for review by members of the JCO editorial board. From this group, 12 finalists advanced to a second round, where they presented a complete case report they personally treated. The editorial board selected Dr. Ku as the 2026 winner.
As part of the award, Dr. Ku will receive more than $8,000 in products and services from American Orthodontics, JCO, and Dolphin.
In response to the announcement, Dr. Ku shared:
“I am incredibly grateful to receive the 2026 Eugene L. Gottlieb JCO Student of the Year Award, especially knowing the caliber of residents across the country who deserve this recognition just as much. More than anything, this reflects the people who have supported me this whole time. Orthodontics is a field that lets us put science to work in the most human way, giving patients a smile and a confidence they carry with them for the rest of their lives. I hope to honor that by continuing to learn, grow, and give back to this most meaningful specialty.”
With this year’s recognition, the University of Nebraska Medical Center becomes the tenth institution to be represented by a Student of the Year honoree.