"OUTSTANDING PRE-DENT of the MONTH"
A way of showing appreciation and recognizing the PDC members that really go out of their way to make a difference in our club and the community. Every month we choose ONE member as OPDM, and this member gets a special recognition by having a short interview and their picture taken and posted to our official website.
Nominations for future OPDM's must be emailed [email protected] no later than 7 days before the end of the month. New OPDM's will be voted on by the e-board and announced at the beginning of each month. OPDM's will be voted on based on: meeting attendance, participation, attitude, going above & beyond, etc.
Nominations for future OPDM's must be emailed [email protected] no later than 7 days before the end of the month. New OPDM's will be voted on by the e-board and announced at the beginning of each month. OPDM's will be voted on based on: meeting attendance, participation, attitude, going above & beyond, etc.
February 2022 OPDM- Tri Nguyen
ABOUT: Tri Nguyen, Junior, Major: Biological Sciences, Minor: Nutrition
Favorite Class this semester and why:
My favorite course this semester is BIOS 343 Animal Physiological System because it contains valuable materials that help me prepare for the DAT, and it is not heavy at all.
Favorite Professor this semester and why:
Alex Daemicke is my professor for BIOS 343 Animal Physiological System, and she is my favorite one. She is chill, funny, and willing to spend time assisting her students. She also gave out helpful study tips.
Hobbies and Activities:
Cooking and working out are my hobbies. In my free time, I love to hang out with friends and try out new restaurants.
Favorite Part of PDC and why:
To me, PDC is a fantastic club for pre-dental students to discover more about the dental field. Moreover, students have a great chance to build up their connections with Dental schools and other scholars. I especially love to attend PDC social events because it always has fun activities that let us learn and play at the same time.
Why Dentistry?
It started when my dentist uncle asked me to visit his dental clinic to assist him during my summer freshman year. That was a great experience, and I enjoyed the working environment there. Seeing myself interested in oral care, and I have always wanted to do something with my hands in the future, I believe dentistry would be a good fit for me.
Favorite Class this semester and why:
My favorite course this semester is BIOS 343 Animal Physiological System because it contains valuable materials that help me prepare for the DAT, and it is not heavy at all.
Favorite Professor this semester and why:
Alex Daemicke is my professor for BIOS 343 Animal Physiological System, and she is my favorite one. She is chill, funny, and willing to spend time assisting her students. She also gave out helpful study tips.
Hobbies and Activities:
Cooking and working out are my hobbies. In my free time, I love to hang out with friends and try out new restaurants.
Favorite Part of PDC and why:
To me, PDC is a fantastic club for pre-dental students to discover more about the dental field. Moreover, students have a great chance to build up their connections with Dental schools and other scholars. I especially love to attend PDC social events because it always has fun activities that let us learn and play at the same time.
Why Dentistry?
It started when my dentist uncle asked me to visit his dental clinic to assist him during my summer freshman year. That was a great experience, and I enjoyed the working environment there. Seeing myself interested in oral care, and I have always wanted to do something with my hands in the future, I believe dentistry would be a good fit for me.
January 2022 OPDM- Kristy Ta
ABOUT: Kristy Ta, Junior, Major: Biological Sciences
Favorite Class this semester and why:
Animal Physiological Systems. I am learning many interesting body functions that support our everyday livelihood. It amazes me that the tiniest parts of our bodies play such an important role in our lives.
Favorite Professor this semester and why:
My favorite professor this semester is Professor Daemicke. I love the way she teaches and her philosophy on learning. She's helping many of us become active learners and allows us to engage ourselves with the materials. It makes the class and the material more enjoyable.
Hobbies and Activities:
Art and music are two things that I enjoy doing. I like to draw and paint occasionally and play instruments such as the piano and ukulele. I like to sing, but only at home when no one else is around. I also like to go jogging.
Favorite Part of PDC and why:
My favorite part of PDC is the people! Without the members, the reps, and the board members, there wouldn’t be a PDC. It's nice to meet new people and share interests, ideas, and conversations! Everyone in the club is super encouraging and lovable. They really do build up and add value to this club, for sure.
Why Dentistry?
As I learn more about what dentistry is all about, I have grown to love it. I’m learning how to communicate with others in a way that will bring people comfort in times of pain and discomfort, along with building a connection with not only patients but also the people around me. Dentistry also integrates art and sciences together, which I find super fascinating. I have been able to use my good hand motor skills, which is a skill necessary for this career. I hope to learn more as I go!
A fun fact about me: I'm in love with anything related to Studio Ghibli and plushies!
Favorite Class this semester and why:
Animal Physiological Systems. I am learning many interesting body functions that support our everyday livelihood. It amazes me that the tiniest parts of our bodies play such an important role in our lives.
Favorite Professor this semester and why:
My favorite professor this semester is Professor Daemicke. I love the way she teaches and her philosophy on learning. She's helping many of us become active learners and allows us to engage ourselves with the materials. It makes the class and the material more enjoyable.
Hobbies and Activities:
Art and music are two things that I enjoy doing. I like to draw and paint occasionally and play instruments such as the piano and ukulele. I like to sing, but only at home when no one else is around. I also like to go jogging.
Favorite Part of PDC and why:
My favorite part of PDC is the people! Without the members, the reps, and the board members, there wouldn’t be a PDC. It's nice to meet new people and share interests, ideas, and conversations! Everyone in the club is super encouraging and lovable. They really do build up and add value to this club, for sure.
Why Dentistry?
As I learn more about what dentistry is all about, I have grown to love it. I’m learning how to communicate with others in a way that will bring people comfort in times of pain and discomfort, along with building a connection with not only patients but also the people around me. Dentistry also integrates art and sciences together, which I find super fascinating. I have been able to use my good hand motor skills, which is a skill necessary for this career. I hope to learn more as I go!
A fun fact about me: I'm in love with anything related to Studio Ghibli and plushies!
December 2021 OPDM- Dania Hasan
ABOUT: Dania Hasan, Junior, Major: Integrated Health Studies (Health & Science); Minor: Chemistry
My favorite class thus far was Organic Chemistry I which was taught by Professor Wardrop. Due to COVID-19, I had to take this class completely online, but because of Professor Wardrop’s excellent instruction our virtual classroom was very engaging & welcoming. Professor Wardrop thoroughly taught the material in lectures & gave students the opportunity to critically think in office hours. He was very helpful & I would definitely recommend him for any incoming students planning on taking organic chemistry. My hobbies & activities mainly revolve around nature. I love watching sunsets, sightseeing, going to the beach & even rollerblading outdoors. Aside from that, I also enjoy my time being a dental assistant in the Naperville area. My favorite part about PDC would definitely have to be the positive tight-knit community that we’ve built over the years. Everyone who is a part of the club genuinely wants to see their peers succeed both in undergrad & in future studies which is something you unfortunately don’t always find in other organizations. Why dentistry? “A smile is a tonic of self-confidence.” After becoming a dental assistant my boss was able to show me how being able to restore a patient’s oral health ultimately also transformed their life. Knowing that the oral cavity is linked to an individual’s overall physical health & well-being I also hope to one day restore my future patients’ oral health.
My favorite class thus far was Organic Chemistry I which was taught by Professor Wardrop. Due to COVID-19, I had to take this class completely online, but because of Professor Wardrop’s excellent instruction our virtual classroom was very engaging & welcoming. Professor Wardrop thoroughly taught the material in lectures & gave students the opportunity to critically think in office hours. He was very helpful & I would definitely recommend him for any incoming students planning on taking organic chemistry. My hobbies & activities mainly revolve around nature. I love watching sunsets, sightseeing, going to the beach & even rollerblading outdoors. Aside from that, I also enjoy my time being a dental assistant in the Naperville area. My favorite part about PDC would definitely have to be the positive tight-knit community that we’ve built over the years. Everyone who is a part of the club genuinely wants to see their peers succeed both in undergrad & in future studies which is something you unfortunately don’t always find in other organizations. Why dentistry? “A smile is a tonic of self-confidence.” After becoming a dental assistant my boss was able to show me how being able to restore a patient’s oral health ultimately also transformed their life. Knowing that the oral cavity is linked to an individual’s overall physical health & well-being I also hope to one day restore my future patients’ oral health.
October 2021 OPDM- Chris Aliaga
ABOUT: Chris Aliaga, Senior, Biology major
My favorite class is Microbiology, there is a lot of hard work involved but it’s amazing the way microbiology ties into dentistry. I also hear that you have to take microbiology in dental school so it doesn’t hurt to get a look at the fundamentals. My favorite professor this semester is Professor Chong for Genetics Lab, he is an incredibly smart guy and really cares about his students and he has been one of the few professors I’ve felt comfortable approaching for help. My Hobbies & Activities include mainly work as a dental assistant for a practice out in Glen Ellyn. For fun I like to workout, cook, fish, and play drums, all of which are excellent stress relievers. My favorite part of PDC is the community aspect, I love being able to connect with other people along this journey and learn/help each other. Especially during the COVID era, it’s helped me feel better about being so isolated from my fellow classmates. Why dentistry? I’ve answered this questions too many times at mock interviews and real interviews but I love the fact that you are blessed on a daily basis with working with people in their most intimate ways. Not only do you take care of functional and health concerns, but you get the chance to help them feel better about themselves and maybe even overcome a fear they may have of dentistry. I also love that dentistry is a field of craftsmanship. We are give the opportunity to constantly work on a skill and improve upon it. There is so much to learn in dentistry that I don’t think I’ll ever feel like I’ve mastered or even learned it all. Finally, I love the critical thinking aspect of it. From designed a complex treatment plan or determining the cause of a patient’s complaint, there are so many opportunities to problem solve. It is my dream field and I am so thankful everyday for finding it. A fun fact about me is that
I’ve climbed a mountain in Bolivia once and am excited to do so again this summer!
My favorite class is Microbiology, there is a lot of hard work involved but it’s amazing the way microbiology ties into dentistry. I also hear that you have to take microbiology in dental school so it doesn’t hurt to get a look at the fundamentals. My favorite professor this semester is Professor Chong for Genetics Lab, he is an incredibly smart guy and really cares about his students and he has been one of the few professors I’ve felt comfortable approaching for help. My Hobbies & Activities include mainly work as a dental assistant for a practice out in Glen Ellyn. For fun I like to workout, cook, fish, and play drums, all of which are excellent stress relievers. My favorite part of PDC is the community aspect, I love being able to connect with other people along this journey and learn/help each other. Especially during the COVID era, it’s helped me feel better about being so isolated from my fellow classmates. Why dentistry? I’ve answered this questions too many times at mock interviews and real interviews but I love the fact that you are blessed on a daily basis with working with people in their most intimate ways. Not only do you take care of functional and health concerns, but you get the chance to help them feel better about themselves and maybe even overcome a fear they may have of dentistry. I also love that dentistry is a field of craftsmanship. We are give the opportunity to constantly work on a skill and improve upon it. There is so much to learn in dentistry that I don’t think I’ll ever feel like I’ve mastered or even learned it all. Finally, I love the critical thinking aspect of it. From designed a complex treatment plan or determining the cause of a patient’s complaint, there are so many opportunities to problem solve. It is my dream field and I am so thankful everyday for finding it. A fun fact about me is that
I’ve climbed a mountain in Bolivia once and am excited to do so again this summer!
September 2021 OPDM- Katharine Gregory
ABOUT: Katharine Gregory, first-year, Biochem major
My favorite class this fall semester would probably be my Calc 1 class. Professor Bode has some superhuman ability to answer every student’s questions in the Acadly online platform chat during lectures which makes every student feel heard. As an inquisitive student myself — who likes to ask a lot of question in class — I find this challenging course engaging and interesting. However, my favorite Professor this semester is my English Professor, Heather Doble. As a STEM major I am a very literal person who has a tendency to see things black and white, so English and writing is definitely my weakness. She revolutionized my perspective on writing by emphasizing that writing is an ongoing process that never reaches a perfect final product, but that’s doesn’t mean you should not strive for excellence. My favorite part of PDC is the shared passion for dentistry and desire to improve dental hygiene for the underserved. Additionally the enthusiasm of the PDC board really shines through every member in the club and I can’t wait to grow and learn within this supportive community. I work at Starbucks and love crafting drinks and meeting new people. I am also a group fitness instructor at the rec center where I lead dance classes. In my limited free time, I enjoy discovering new restaurants and exploring the Chicago arts scene. Why dentistry? I joke that my orthodontist manifested his passion for dentistry onto me during my 5-year braces journey. The idea of being able to hands-on help others, create interpersonal relationships, and apply my love of science towards something greater than myself excites me. Fun fact: I was born with a mesiodens, an extra tooth between my two front teeth that grows upwards, that had to be surgically removed.
My favorite class this fall semester would probably be my Calc 1 class. Professor Bode has some superhuman ability to answer every student’s questions in the Acadly online platform chat during lectures which makes every student feel heard. As an inquisitive student myself — who likes to ask a lot of question in class — I find this challenging course engaging and interesting. However, my favorite Professor this semester is my English Professor, Heather Doble. As a STEM major I am a very literal person who has a tendency to see things black and white, so English and writing is definitely my weakness. She revolutionized my perspective on writing by emphasizing that writing is an ongoing process that never reaches a perfect final product, but that’s doesn’t mean you should not strive for excellence. My favorite part of PDC is the shared passion for dentistry and desire to improve dental hygiene for the underserved. Additionally the enthusiasm of the PDC board really shines through every member in the club and I can’t wait to grow and learn within this supportive community. I work at Starbucks and love crafting drinks and meeting new people. I am also a group fitness instructor at the rec center where I lead dance classes. In my limited free time, I enjoy discovering new restaurants and exploring the Chicago arts scene. Why dentistry? I joke that my orthodontist manifested his passion for dentistry onto me during my 5-year braces journey. The idea of being able to hands-on help others, create interpersonal relationships, and apply my love of science towards something greater than myself excites me. Fun fact: I was born with a mesiodens, an extra tooth between my two front teeth that grows upwards, that had to be surgically removed.
August 2019 OPDM- Sabrina Ramahi
ABOUT: Sabrina is a Senior majoring in Neuroscience and graduating this semester! Her favorite class has been Neuroscience II because it has taught her about the brain and it's influence on on the rest of the body and has given her knowledge that has served as the foundation for her senior capstone project. Her favorite professor has been Dr. Yermolina of Organic Chemistry Lecture and Lab because she is very intelligent and sarcastic and she has taught her that success doesn't come without challenges. Sabrina's hobbies include working out, cooking and baking, and outdoor activities. Sabrina enjoys activities that have a purpose and allow her to reflect on herself. Sabrina's favorite part of PDC is that they offer so many opportunities to experience new things as a group and she likes that the e-board does a good job of making sure members get the most out of each semester. Sabrina wants to be a dentist because she wants to improve a person's health while also boosting their confidence and loves the fact that dentists can instantly do both with just their hands and a few instruments. A fun fact about Sabrina is that she has watched The Notebook over 100 times. Thank you for years of participation and dedication to PDC, Sabrina! Your smile and friendliness is infectious!
MAY 2019 OPDM - Tom Klaczak
ABOUT: Tom is a senior majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Earth and Environmental Sciences. He's also graduating this semester! Tom's favorite class at UIC has been Anatomy & Physiology because he really likes Dr. Kanan as a professor and is fascinated with how everything in the body works together. Tom's hobbies include being outside and hiking, landscaping and gardening, and he also likes technology - he's even built multiple computers! Tom wants to become a dentist because he likes the hands on aspects of the field. He first became interested through an internship that he had with a dentist where he learned and practiced some basic wet lab techniques. An interesting fact about Tom is that he is bilingual and speaks Polish! When it comes to PDC, Tom likes that the club helps guide its members on their paths to dentistry, it gives its members opportunities to help the community, and the club is also a great place to meet like-minded individuals and make friends! Thank you Tom for your participation within the club for over three years; long-term members like yourself help make PDC the fun and friendly club that it is!
APRIL 2019 OPDM - Daniel Bader
ABOUT: Daniel is a junior majoring in Biological Sciences. So far, his favorite class has been Organic Chemistry because it has taught him that hard work truly pays off while slacking off will not lead to success. His favorite professor has been Dr. Ewa Stec who taught him General Chemistry 1 because she was a very sought out professor who extended her help when needed, was very welcoming when needing more explanation, and helped make learning material easier. Daniel’s hobbies include working out in spare time and watching Chicago P.D. every Wednesday. Daniel wants to become a dentist because of his personal experience with braces and how they’ve helped him become more confident. He says he wants to be able to do the same for others as a dentist- help individuals gain confidence in their smiles through providing a beautiful and healthy smile. A fun fact about Daniel is that he sees and pays attention to small details in special art pieces that others cannot see. Daniel’s favorite parts of PDC are the honesty of the E-board, the time and effort guest speakers and UIC COD faculty put in to aid him with information, and the amount of knowledge he has received that will help him be a great dentist. Congratulations Daniel, we’ve noticed your outstanding attendance in all the GBMs this year! Your friendly presence encourages more participation!
MARCH 2019 OPDM - Ileana Gallo
ABOUT: Ileana is a junior majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Chemistry. So far, her favorite class has been Cell Biology Laboratory because she finds it interesting to put all the concepts learned in lecture to real life applications. For her, being in the lab and being hands-on definitely makes the concepts easier to understand. Her favorite professor so far has been Dr. Malchow because he makes his class very interesting, he's very funny, and genuinely cares about his students. Cooking is Ileana's favorite hobby, but it's difficult to juggle with school. She says cooking, baking, and bike riding make her days brighter. A fun fact about Ileana is that she has a huge and close-knit family. She has over 30 cousins who she considers siblings! Ileana has chosen dentistry because its something she has been interested in since she been a young girl. Learning more about dentistry and shadowing has solidified her desire to become a dentist. Congratulations Ileana, your willingness to help others and your continuous involvement this year haven't gone unnoticed!
FEBRUARY 2019 OPDM - ASHER ORTIZ
ABOUT: Asher is a sophomore majoring in Biological Sciences. He's also considering minoring in Music or Nutrition. So far, his favorite class has been Biology 196 (BCQ) because he is surrounded by PDC friends and like-minded people. His favorite professor at UIC has been Dr. Alan Molumby because he is quirky and makes learning fun. Some of Asher's hobbies include baking and playing the guitar. A fun fact about Asher is that he is trying to start a club for tabletop gaming (so ask him how you can be a part of it if you're interested). Asher has chosen the field of dentistry because he was surrounded by it as he was growing up and it really grew on him. Asher, thank you for your constant participation - both your smile and positive energy are infectious!
JANUARY 2019 OPDM - CIERRA SLEDGE
ABOUT: Cierra is a junior majoring in Integrates Health Studies. So far, her favorite class has been Applied Health Sciences because it's very interesting to her since it explains how health professionals are integrated in so many fields. Her favorite professor at UIC is Dr. Kanan because he’s so willing to help his students understand the A& P material and he truly wants his students to succeed. Cierra’s hobbies include playing volleyball and drawing. Once Cierra got to high school she started shadowing different health care professionals and decided that she wanted to be a pre-dental. After participating in programs and various hands on activities geared towards dentistry, she is confident that the profession of dentistry was for her! An interesting fact about Cierra is that she is teaching herself how to play the piano. Cierra has volunteered for a wide variety of PDC volunteer events and always makes an effort to come to the meetings. Thanks Cierra for always stepping up to the plate - individuals like you encourage other PDC members to get involved!
DECEMBER 2018 OPDM - EDGAR ESCOBAR
ABOUT: Edgar is a junior majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry. At this point Edgar's favorite class in undergrad has been Organic Chemistry Laboratory because it was truly something he was interested in and motivated him to pursue research in that field. Edgar wants to be a dentist because he enjoys working with his hands and he likes being able to interact with new people every day. An interesting fact about Edgar is that he loves to try new food as he will never turn down an opportunity to try a new dish! He is also a certified nursing assistant! Congratulations Edgar, friendly people like you help PDC run effortlessly!
NOVEMBER 2018 OPDM - NADA MAREI
ABOUT: Nada is a sophomore majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in French. So far, her favorite class has been Biology 100 because she loves learning about the human body, but also enjoys Organic Chemistry 1. Her favorite professor is Dr. Muller because he is funny and a great professor. Nada has been to almost every single event and loves that PDC provides her with endless opportunities. Nada wants to be a dentist because she loves helping people and seeing people smile. One of her favorite hobbies is to play tennis. Good job Nada, we love to see your continuous involvement in PDC!
OCTOBER 2018 OPDM - NICK SWANSON
ABOUT: Nick is a senior majoring in Biology. He always knew he wanted to go into the medical field, but decided on dentistry after shadowing an orthodontist his freshman year of college. So far Nick's favorite class has been Anatomy because he loves learning about how intricate all the parts of the body are and how they come together like a huge machine. Nick's favorite things about PDC are the exposure the club offers to the field of dentistry, and how no meeting is a waste of time - they all contain great information for members. Nick also loves volunteering with PDC whenever he can. Outside of the club Nick likes watching sports, especially The Bears. Nice job Nick, thanks for your constant involvement in PDC!
SEPTEMBER 2018 OPDM - CAMILA CARDONA
ABOUT: Camila is a junior majoring in Biology and thinking about minoring in Kinesiology. So far, her favorite class in undergrad has been Anatomy because she loves learning about the human body. Camila loves that PDC provides her with so many dental related opportunities and so much information. Camila wants to be a dentist because she's seen firsthand how a dentist can transform someone's smile and make a person more confident. Some of her hobbies include going to the gym and reading blogs about Harry Potter and lifestyles. A fun fact about Camila is that she is a transfer student from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Great work Camila, your efforts never go unnoticed!
NOVEMBER 2017 OPDM - KEVIN JEZ
ABOUT: Kevin is a junior majoring in Biology with a Chemistry minor. His favorite class so far in undergrad has been animal physiology since it covers such a broad spectrum of topics between structures and their functions. When asked what he likes about PDC he said “all of the opportunities and experiences, insight into the application process, exposure to different schools, and the relationships made with other predents!”. Kevin has wanted to be a dentist since he was self-conscious with his smile before, but four years later he was happy with his smile post-braces and saw how much changing a smile can improve confidence. Some of Kevin’s hobbies include working on cars and modifying them, as well as photography. An interesting fact about Kevin is he has two different color eyes!
OCTOBER 2017 OPDM - GABI KOBYLARZ
ABOUT: Gabi is a freshman majoring in Chemistry. Organic chemistry is her favorite class so far because she did well in AP Chemistry in high school, and she likes the drawing, mechanisms, and the overall visualization aspect of Organic Chemistry. Gabi loves the amount of volunteer opportunities that the Pre-Dental Club provides, and the information we give. She also appreciates how accessible the club is because she is a commuter. Gabi has wanted to be a dentist since high school, and she can’t see anything else that she wants to do because she loves the hands on and detail oriented nature of the profession. An interesting fact about Gabi is that she is a triplet, and both of her brothers are also attending UIC!
SEPTEMBER 2017 OPDM - CHRISTINE MENDOZA
ABOUT: Christine is a UIC alumni with her BS in Health Information Management, and she’s currently finishing pre-requisite classes to be able to apply to dental schools. Besides being involved with PDC, Christine also works for the Vice Chancellor's Office for Student Affairs. When asked what she likes about PDC she said “I like the different opportunities we’re given, and the helpful information provided to the members”. Christine wants to be a dentist because she noticed since her youngest sister had her teeth worked on she smiles more, and she thinks better oral health helps people gain confidence. So far Christine’s favorite class has been Biochem 352 because she likes how it combines aspects from so many different areas of science. An interesting fact about Christine is that she has her black belt in karate!