AADOCR NSRG Graduate Student Representative Candidate 2027-2028
University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
St. Paul, MN
Graduation Date: 2031
Reasons for Running
This year, graduate and professional students have faced unprecedented challenges. Federal research funding cuts and changes to professional student loan policies have led to uncertainties and education disruptions for students across the country. Serving as the 2025-2026 Gert Quigley Government Affairs fellow allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of these legislative policy challenges and learn how to better advocate for oral health initiatives.
I am eager to continue my involvement with NSRG leadership in the coming year by running for the position of Graduate Student Representative. In this position, I am committed to amplifying the voices of all graduate students engaged in dental, oral, and craniofacial research. I will continue to work closely with members of the NSRG board and LSRGs to coordinate events and develop resources, including webinars and “contact Congress” materials, to advocate for the growing needs of graduate students. With my varied experiences in government affairs, research, and student leadership, I believe I will be a strong advocate for the graduate student members of NSRG.
Student Activities
-SCADA competitor representing the University of Minnesota (Spring 2026)
-AADOCR Gert Quigley Government Affairs Fellow and NSRG Government Affairs Officer (Current)
-Leadership member of the Minnesota Student Research Group (Current)
-Elected Justice of the University of Minnesota Council of Graduate Students (Current)
-Advisory board member of the University of Minnesota GraDis Association (Current)
-UMN School of Dentistry 3 Minute Thesis winner (October 2025)
-Co-hosted NSRG webinar: “From Campus to Capitol: Student voices in advocating for science and progress” (September 2025)
-Co-hosted “Budgets and Bagels” Minnesota Student Research Group event (August 2025)
Research Conducted
-Third year DDS/PhD candidate studying oral microbiology and the role of protein acetylation in Streptococcus gordonii oral biofilm formation under Dr. Bruno Lima at the University of Minnesota/University of Florida
-Received AADOCR Bloc Travel Grant and Student Research Day Award; presented my research at the 2025 Annual AADOCR General Session
-Summer Research Fellow at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry; presented my periodontal research at the 2024 IADR/AADOCR/CADR General Session
-Completed a research-based Master of Science in Basic Biomedical Science at the University of South Dakota; studied the role of innate immunity in human pathogen transmission by body lice
