AADOCR NSRG President Candidate 2027-2028
University of Illinois Chicago
Oak Park, IL
Graduation Date: 2028
Reasons for Running
Research is critical to the dental student experience because it empowers us to both benefit patient lives today and improve clinical care in the future. However, many students find it challenging to achieve their research goals and maximize their scientific experiences. Fortunately, with the right resources and support, every student researcher can make scientific discoveries, drive clinical innovation, and improve patient well-being.
As a fifth-year DMD/PhD student, I’ve experienced how mentoring and practical resources have helped me achieve clinical and scientific success. While serving as NSRG Vice President, I’ve worked with dental students, graduate trainees (PhD, Postdoctoral, Master’s), and pre-dental students across the country to connect them with the mentors and opportunities they need to reach their research goals. As NSRG President, I will prioritize expanding our current initiatives to cultivate local research communities, enhance networking and career development opportunities, and support students in accomplishing their research goals.
I’ve championed our current NSRG board’s efforts to engage with local SRGs, highlight outstanding student researchers, and raise awareness for opportunities and resources that accelerate students on their path to scientific success. As NSRG President, I will ensure that AADOCR/IADR students can count on us to make achieving their research goals possible.
Research Conducted / Student Activities
NG2/CSPG4 in Mandibular Endochondral Fracture Healing (8/2021 – Present). Investigated NG2/CSPG4-mediated signaling during unstable mandibular fracture healing using bioinformatic, micro-CT, and histological analyses. Funded by NIDCR F30 Award (F30DE033287), NSF (Bridge to the Doctorate Fellowship), and AADOCR Student Research Fellowship. Publication list: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2593-5158
Vice President – National Student Research Group (8/2025 – Present). Initiated NSRG recruitment and networking efforts at SNDA/NDA and ABRMCS national conferences to connect students with research involvement and funding opportunities. Served on the Five-Year Plan Committee, Conference Committee, and Connection and Resource Development Committee. Formed collaborations with ADEA National Student Leadership to coordinate a joint webinar discussing building research community.
Scientific Honors – AADOCR Hatton Finalist (3/2025). Third place Basic Science presentation – SCADA Competition (3/2025). Second place presentation – NSRG 411 Rapid Research Competition (3/2024). American Association of Immunologists Minority Scientist Award (3/2021).
Summer Research Coordinator – UIC Urban Health Program (Summer 2023, 2024). Taught weekly lessons on crafting research questions, conducting literature reviews, and designing and presenting research posters to 25 undergraduates over eight weeks
Vice-President – UIC Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) Club (2025). Founded OMS Club Journal Club to promote discussion of clinical cases and late-breaking research. Coordinated with faculty, residents, and students to organize events to discuss surgical approaches.
