03/18/2026
American Orthodontics is proud to recognize Dr. Jonjei Ku of the University of Nebraska Medical Center as the recipient of the 2026 Eugene L. Gottlieb Journal of Clinical Orthodontics (JCO) Student of the Year Award.
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 Each candidate submitted letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and an unpublished case for review by members of the JCO editorial board.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, and his prize includes 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.”
Congratulations on this achievement Dr Ku, and we look forward to seeing you soon at the AAO!
