5 Questions
ADEA membership is made up of a diverse group of professions that span all facets of dentistry and dental education. But we are more than just our professions.
In the feature 5 Questions With, we shine a spotlight on various ADEA members, asking them five questions (both professional and personal), giving us all a chance to get to know one another better.
2025
1. What drew you to dental education or dentistry?
I wanted to improve the student experience after my challenging experience as a predoctoral dental student. I felt there had to be a more supportive and positive approach to educating dental students.
2. Tell us about one of your “big wins” recently?
We’ve been working to promote a culture of innovation and improvement throughout the Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry. Our students started an innovation club, and we purchased 3D printers. The students design and print products to assist with their work in the pre-clinical lab and clinics. We also partnered with a product- and user-experience design consultant to train 70 faculty and staff members in human-centered design. As a result, a newly formed design sprint team—made up of clinical and administrative staff—revamped a complicated fourth-year student check-out process. The team’s ideas will improve the student experience as learners complete their program.
3. What’s the best career advice you have received?
In times of need, volunteer to help and accept challenging assignments.
4. What’s your favorite vacation spot—and why?
I enjoy vacations that combine time with family, learning and discovering. I like to visit museums, explore culture, history and architecture, eat great food, go on hikes and take long walks.
5. What do you look forward to outside of work?
I enjoy time with my family and friends, musical theater, physical activity and time to reflect and think. These are all essential for me to recharge and refresh.