AADOCR NSRG Secretary Candidate 2024-2025
University of Florida College of Dentistry
Melbourne, FL
Graduation Date: 2027
Reasons for Running
As a DMD/PhD student, I plan to pursue a career in research to advance dentistry. During my three years of AADOCR involvement, I worked with colleagues to bridge the gap between clinical dentistry and dental research.
While serving as Vice President of UFCD Student Research Group, I used social media platforms to connect students with UFCD researchers. I demonstrated research applications behind students' interests to motivate a passion for research. By serving as NSRG Regional Representative, I strengthened connections between local SRGs and encouraged students to take advantage of AADOCR opportunities.
Utilizing these experiences, I would like to serve as NSRG secretary. By keeping well-organized records, I aim to cultivate an efficient and goal-oriented environment for my fellow board members. I plan to use social media to connect members on a personal level to National SRG and further amplify the voices of our researchers. I would also like to chair the LSRG Connection Committee to guide regional representatives and reinforce communications between local SRGs and NSRG. By enhancing communication between SRGs and engaging committees, the AADOCR will be better equipped to aid groups while showcasing achievements. Ultimately, I hope to spread my passion for research to my colleagues on a national level.
Research Conducted/Student Activities
- Southeast B Regional Representative, National Student Research Group (2021-Present)
- Connected student research groups at southeast region and encouraged participation in AADOCR opportunities
- 2021, 2022 Two-Time NSRG Outstanding Regional Representative Award Recipient
- Member of NSRG committees: Publication, Scientific Group Award, and Resource Development
- Vice President, Treasurer, and Class Representative, UFCD Student Research Group (2020-Present)
- Help organizing multiple events to further introduce and involve the UFCD student body in research
- UFCD DMD/PhD student (2020 - Present)
- Project Title: “Comparing the oral microbial composition during clinical periodontitis disease progression to define the markers of microbial dysbiosis”
- Mentor: Dr. Jorge Frias-Lopez
- UF University Scholars Program Grant Recipient (2020 - 2021)
- Project Title: “Identification and characterization of exosomes in oral cancer”
- UF Department of Microbiology and Cell Science Student Assistant (2019 - 2020)
- Created an online microbiology classroom for refugee students aged 5-12 during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Presentation title: “Promoting Microbial Literacy Through Collaborative STEM Outreach Opportunities” at the UF STEM Powered Symposium and the Federation of European Microbiological Societies
- Director of Service, UF Gators for Refugee Medical Relief (2017 - 2020)
- Founded free teaching services for Burmese and Syrian children and adult refugees in Jacksonville, FL