AADOCR NSRG Vice-President Candidate 2027-2028
Midwestern College of Dental Medicine in Illinois
Downers Grove, IL
Graduation Date: 2028
Reasons for Running
My academic, clinical, and research experiences have prepared me to make a meaningful contribution as Vice President of the AADOCR NSRG Board. As a dental student at Midwestern University and recipient of both the Dean’s Fellowship and the HPSP Army scholarship, I have cultivated strong leadership, organizational, and advocacy skills. I bring over a decade of experience as a registered dental hygienist in three states, complemented by my background as a prior dental hygiene instructor, where I mentored students and fostered their professional growth. These experiences have instilled in me a passion for academic leadership and collaborative engagement.
I view the Vice President role as an opportunity to unite students with shared research interests, foster engagement with AADOCR initiatives, and promote innovative collaboration across institutions. My history of community service and recognition for stewardship highlight my commitment to service and inclusivity. By serving on the NSRG board, I will work to expand student involvement, provide mentorship opportunities, and build bridges between clinical training and research innovation. This position will allow me to amplify student voices, strengthen our research network, and contribute to advancing oral health science through meaningful leadership.
Research Conducted / Student Activities
My research has consistently focused on bridging clinical dentistry with innovative science. Most recently, in 2025, I have been investigating the osteogenic properties of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) cultured within a biocompatible hydrogel. Collectively, this work advances strategies for bone tissue engineering that hold translational potential in oral health and regenerative medicine.
Beyond this project, my scholarly contributions include published work in the Journal of Dental Education and Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, exploring topics such as the impact of classroom engagement tools on academic performance. I have also presented at national meetings, including ADEA 2025, and contributed to the profession by authoring CE content and developing case presentations. These experiences reflect both laboratory-based and educational research that are aligned with AADOCR’s mission. By integrating biomaterials science and community health research, I aim to contribute to the evolving landscape of dental research and education, while fostering collaboration that leads to impactful, patient-centered innovations.
