Reasons for Running
Each graduate student has unique needs that need to be met for them to accomplish both their research and career goals. I'm running for this position to advocate for graduate students and to be a part of finding the best way to accomplish their goals; whether that takes the form of local or national events. Being in the position of NSRG Graduate Student Representative would allow for evaluation of these needs at the national level, and with coordination between local SRG's and Regional Representatives, be translated into events that can directly support these needs. In my experience, I've seen that every graduate student experience is different and will require different methods of support - but by acting as a liaison between these students and the NSRG board we could work to provide support in the way they express would be most beneficial. I'd be thrilled with the opportunity to take on this position to work at creating a sense of community among all students involved with research and to encourage a mindset of mutual support and collaboration.
Research Conducted / Student Activities
My research project is evaluation of the transcriptomic profile of periodontal ligament stem cells after DMP1 stimulation. We are specifically looking at the osteoblast differentiation potential of these cells for application in regenerating bone lost to chronic periodontal disease.
I'm currently serving as secretary for our local student research group which has organized 2 main events this year. The first was a seminar with one of our UIC faculty, Dr. Luisa DiPietro DDS PhD, where she explained both her education and career path that led to where she is now and the choices she made along the way. The other event was a 2-day poster workshop for all students presenting at our annual Clinic and Research day (C&R Day). During these workshops we had a faculty member give a small presentation on what a good poster and presentation are comprised of and then our SRG leadership worked with individual students as needed to help complete their poster designs. Our SRG was also involved in the planning of C&R Day and organized a Peer Award given at the awards ceremony
