AADOCR NSRG - Councilor Candidate
Reasons for Running
My candidacy for the NSRG Councilor role stems from my recent immersion in research, a passion that has grown due to limited exposure during my undergraduate years. I'm determined to get more involved, and serving as the NSRG Councilor is an ideal way to satisfy my passion for research, enhance leadership skills, and build connections while contributing to the dental research community.
This role calls for strong leadership and responsibility, and I'm committed to taking on these challenges. I want to foster growth and development within our regional dental research community, promote collaboration, and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth among dental students.
I also enjoy networking and look forward to collaborating with individuals from various universities and AADOCR regions. Effective networking is crucial for this role as it allows relationship building, idea exchange, advocacy promotion, and increased visibility as a leader in the dental research community.
Lastly, I'm an excellent fit for this role because I genuinely appreciate representing a community of students with a shared goal of advancing dental research. My commitment to community service drives me to run for this position, where I can give back by advocating for research opportunities for dental students.
Research Conducted
Layer-by-Layer Nanofabrication to Orchestrate Interplay between Macrophages and Stem/Progenitor Cells
To summarize, the study used layer-by-layer (LbL) nanofabrication to control the release of two small molecules (SM), Oxo-M and 4-PPBP, for tissue healing and regeneration processes. We optimized the nano-coating thickness of PAH/MA-HA, determined the loading capacity and release profile of the SM from a polycaprolactone (PCL) patch with LbL nano-coating, and investigated the bioactivities of the released SM from the PCL patch. We found that the SM-releasing LbL PCL patches greatly enhanced tendon healing in vivo and is a promising delivery system for regenerative healing of complex soft tissues, including tendons and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discs.
Student Activities:
1. Keystone Regional Representative for the IADR-AADOCR NSRG
2. Student Researcher for the Craniofacial Tissue Regeneration and Engineering Laboratory at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
3. Chemistry/Biology Tutor for Leading & Learning Inc.
4. Resident Assistant (RA) for Columbia University Irving Medical Center housing
5. Advocacy Chair for the Hispanic Student Dental Association
6. Organic Chemistry Teaching Assistant (TA) at Florida International University, Department of Chemistry & Physics
7. Student Laboratory Assistant at Florida International University, Department of Chemistry & Physics
8. Coach's Aid for Pembroke Pines Optimist Soccer Club
