AADOCR NSRG Vice-president Candidate 2026-2027
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Jackson, MS
Graduation Date: 2026
Reasons for Running
As a PhD candidate in Biomedical Materials Science with a background in dentistry, I am passionate about advancing dental research and fostering collaboration among student researchers. My experience as the philanthropy coordinator for the School of Graduate Studies in Health Sciences (SGSHS) Graduate Student Body, and current position on the Associate Student Body (ASB) committee have honed my leadership and organizational skills. My involvement in UMMC's strategic goals workgroup for enhancing student recruitment initiatives demonstrates my commitment to institutional advancement. I aim to leverage these abilities to support the NSRG President in achieving the group's objectives and to enhance engagement among student researchers across the country. My diverse experiences, from organizing dental camps in rural India to mentoring students in research programs like SURE and UPSTART, have given me valuable insights into effective outreach, communication, and mentorship strategies. I am committed to promoting interdisciplinary research, guiding fellow students, and creating opportunities for networking and professional development. As Vice President, I would work tirelessly to strengthen the connection between student researchers and the broader dental research community, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration.
Research Conducted/Student Activities
- PhD research: Nanoparticle-Mediated Photo-Responsive Bonding and Debonding Mechanisms for High-Strength Dental Ceramics.
- Conducted study on the effect of light curing units and instrument lubrication techniques on bulk-fill resin-based composites
- Conducted study on the topography of fractured monolithic zirconia crowns
- Member of UMMC's Strategic Goals Work Group - Enhance Student Recruitment Initiatives (2024-2025)
- Session Chair at UPSTART Symposium (2024)
- Philanthropy Coordinator - Graduate Student Body, UMMC (2024-2025)
- ASB committee member: Columnist, journalist, and photographer for Murmur's student magazine (2024-2025)
- Mentored 10 students in Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) and The Undergraduate and Professional Student Training in Advanced Research Techniques (UPSTART)
- Presenter at Madison Middle School Science Fair (2023, 2024)
- Judge in local Mississippi school science fair competition (2022)
- Columnist for Dental Tribune South Asia, focusing on biomaterial research
- Organized dental camps in rural India, leading a team of 8 volunteers (2018-2019)
- Student Volunteer Head - Swasthya Vidya Vahini (2016-2018)
- Presented research at international conferences: IADR (2024), ADM (2023), MAS (2023)
- Published articles in peer-reviewed journals on dental biomaterials and oral health
- Active member of IADR/AADOCR, participating in annual meetings and research presentations