Admissions Outreach Ambassador Mentors

Class of 2025

Sarah Barolette

Alma Mater: University of Central Florida (BS), Barry University (MS) Hometown: North Port, FL Involvement: Student National Dental Association (SNDA), Black Student Advocacy Group (BSAG), Tutor, Super Sealant Saturday, American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD), American Student Dental Association (ASDA), Christian Dental Society (CDS) I pursued a master's degree from Barry University after a gap year.

Class of 2027

Kaitlin Burkhart

Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Tampa, FL Involvement: Psi O, ASDA, AAWD, Class Board, Smiley Gators

Class of 2025

Matthew Bec

Alma Mater: University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Hometown: Miami, FL Involvement: Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA), Student National Dental Association (SNDA) I am a Florida resident but did my undergrad out of state. I am Cuban and my parent graduated from UFCD.

Class of 2028

Jessica Caesar

Alma matter: University of South Florida Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida Involvement: Smiley Gator, Student National Dental Association (SNDA), American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD), American Student Dental Association (ASDA), UFCD Summer Research Program, Super Sealant Saturday. I am a first generation Caribbean American and college student. I took a 2 year gap year after graduating college and worked as a Dental Assistant. I love public health especially in aspects that relate to dentistry and have an interest in pediatrics. I have a frenchie and am an omnivert. In my free time I enjoy going out to eat, traveling and volunteering. I am also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

Class of 2026

Aileen Cruz Lezama

Alma Mater: University of Miami – BS in Microbiology & Immunology, Minors in French & Chemistry Hometown: Lakeland, FL Involvement: Class of 2026 Social Chair, American Student Dental Association (ASDA) Vice President, Dominican Republic Service Trip 2025 Leader, SNDA (Student National Dental Association), Psi Omega (Dental Fraternity), AAWD (American Association of Women Dentists), AAPHD (American Association of Public Health Dentistry), Christian Dental Society, Hispanic Student Dental Association As a daughter of Nicaraguan immigrants, I will be the first dentist in my family! I was born in Miami but raised my whole life in Lakeland; I speak fluent Spanish.

Class of 2025

Destiny Corbett

Alma Mater: The Ohio State University Hometown: Naples, FL Involvement: Class of 2025 Admissions Outreach Ambassador Chair, the Class of 2025 Diversity Chair, Student National Dental Association (SNDA) Secretary, Student Dental Business Organization (SDBO), Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) Mentor, and a Keys to Success Mentor. I completed my undergraduate degree out-of-state but am a Florida native. I am a first-generation dental student. When I'm not in class or studying, I enjoy volunteering, crafting, rollerblading, horseback riding, traveling/exploring new places, and spending time with loved ones. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you ever have any questions or need advice!

Class of 2025

Brittany Desyr

Alma Mater: Florida Atlantic University Hometown: Ft. Lauderdale, FL Involvement: Lunch and learn leader for American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD), Christian Dental Society (CDS), Student National Dental Association (SNDA), Class of 2025 Historian, Super Sealant Saturday committee member. I am originally from Queens, NY. I am an introverted Cancer that enjoys reading novels and poetry. My recent hobbies include roller-skating and skate boarding, going to the gym and painting. In my free time I like to watch YouTube videos or get a good laugh from Tik Tok. I hope to pursue the public health side of dentistry and run a mobile bus!

Class of 2026

Tiffany Herrmann

Alma Mater: University of Florida – B.S., M.S. Hometown: Crestview, FL Involvement: Member: Psi O, AAWD, SNDA, ASDA, Super Sealant, SDBO Leadership: ASDA District 5 Advocacy Chair, SDBO President Volunteer: UFCD for Change, AOA, SNDA, Super Sealant, FreeDOM clinics. I am married, I have a puppy, I love to workout/CrossFit/tennis, I am a future triple Gator, first generation- Immigrant family from Europe.

Class of 2025

Romina Homayoun

Alma Mater: University of Central Florida Hometown: Winter Springs, FL Involvement: 3x Super Sealant Saturday President – Vice President of Student Research Group Research with Oral Biology since 2021, Summer Research Program, Orthodontics Interest Group Secretary and Treasurer, Student Research Group Representative and Treasurer, Admissions Outreach Ambassador (AOA), Didactic Tutor. Gainesville was my first time moving away from home, and I'm an only child! I lived alone (with my cat) and really learned adulting as well as dentistry, which was challenging and enriching. I have been involved in research my entire time, as well as leading and organizing Super Sealant, while balancing courses and clinic. Dental school is so much more than your education, but about balancing your life and mental health. It will be the most challenging but also exciting time of your life.

Class of 2026

Zachary (Zigg) Francis

Alma Mater: Florida State University Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL Involvement: Humanitarian Service Trip Nicaragua (2012), Class of 2026 Diversity Chair, Admissions Committee member, Admissions Outreach Ambassador (AOA), Keys to Success Mentor, Student National Dental Association (SNDA) Community service chair, Gross Anatomy tutor, Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, American Student Dental Association (ASDA), Black Student Advocacy Group (BSAG), I am currently working to increase minority enrollment at our school through HBCUs. I am a non-traditional older dental student, married with children, first generation student, underrepresented minority, Florida resident but got masters degree out of state.

Class of 2025

Alexxis Harris

Alma Mater: University of Central Florida Hometown: Sebring, FL Involvement: President of Student National Dental Association (SNDA), Outreach Ambassador for Black Student Advocacy Group (BSAG), Teaching Assistant, Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, American Student Dental Association (ASDA), Class of 2025 Officer, Big Little Committee, Gross Anatomy tutor. I am a First-Generation student and the oldest sibling of my family. I took a gap year between undergraduate school and dental school. I love sports and being involved and I am also in a sorority.

Class of 2025

Illyssa Jaraplasan

Alma Mater: University of Central Florida Hometown: Cocoa Beach, FL and Philippines Involvement: Student National Dental Association (SNDA), Admissions Outreach Ambassadors (AOA), Dental Ambassador. Attending UFCD s my first time away from home because I commuted during undergrad. My parents are internationally trained dentists. I love to spend time at Orlando theme parks and I am engaged in a long-distance relationship.

Class of 2027

Sarah McPherson

Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Miramar, FL Involvement: Fundraising Chair for Class of 2027, Super Sealant Saturday Fundraising Committee, Development of Opportunities for Research (DOOR) in Dental Schools Project, ASDA Advocacy and Outreach Director, Peer Tutor.

Class of 2026

Victoria Molina

Alma Mater: University of Central Florida Hometown: Miramar, FL – I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Raised in Miramar, FL and went to high school in Pembroke Pines, FL. Involvement: Member of SNDA, AAWD, and ASDA. Dental school rep for UF Grad Cup.

Class of 2025

Shivani Patel

Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Tarpon Springs, FL Involvement: Fundraising Chair for the Class of 2025, Treasurer of Student National Dental Association (SNDA), Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, American Association for Women Dentists (AAWD), American Student Dental Association (ASDA). I was born in Orlando but have lived in Tarpon Springs since I was 5. I was captain of an Indian dance team in undergrad at UF and I also participated in research at the dental school during my UF undergrad.

Class of 2027

Tvisha Patel

Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Jacksonville, FL Involvement: UFCD Class of 2027 Social Chair Psi Omega Social Chair Smiley Gators Fundraising Chair ASDA Social Director ASDA Gala Director UFCD Tutor

class of 2025

Netra Patil

Alma Mater: University of South Florida Hometown: Tampa, FL Involvement: Curriculum Committee, Student National Dental Association (SNDA), American Student Dental Association (ASDA), American Association for Women Dentists (AAWD), Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, Dental Esthetics Club, Admissions Outreach Ambassador (AOA). I am a Tampa native. My interests include running, dancing, and anything outdoorsy. I enjoy being very involved with my academics while finding time to spend with family and friends. I am also a cat and plant mom!

Class of 2026

Nanditha Rajini

Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Gainesville, GA, Inverness, FL Involvement: Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, UFCD for Change Diversity Chair, American Student Dental Association (ASDA), Student National Dental Association (SNDA) I have the experience of both being an in state and out of state student. I grew up moving around all over the world and Gainesville has become one of my favorite places I have lived in.

Class of 2027

Lola Rodriguez

Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Fort Myers, FL (Fort Myers High School) Involvement: AAWD Secretary, ASDA Social Chair, ASDA Gala Director, Admissions Committee, Class of 2027 Social Chair I am a double gator!

CLASS OF 2025

Eden Sabag

Alma Mater: Florida Atlantic University Hometown: Boca Raton, FL Involvement: Social Chair of the Class of 2025, Secretary of Alpha Omega, Private Practice and Social Director of Orthodontics Interest Group, American Student Dental Association (ASDA), and Smiley Gator. I moved to America when I was four years old with my family and have been a Florida resident from Boca Raton ever since then. I am married and enjoy spending time with friends and family. I am a first-generation college student.

Class of 2026

Dominique Stackhouse

Alma Mater: University of South Florida Hometown: Harrisburg, PA Involvement: American Student Dental Association (ASDA), Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, American Association for Women Dentists (AAWD), Ally-Gator: Dental Gay-Straight Alliance Sustainability Chair I graduated early and took a gap year working at a dental office. I will be the first dentist in my family. Outside of dental school I like reading, volunteering at the humane society (I love cats!), and taking cycling classes. My family lives out of state and I am in a long distance relationship. Feel free to reach out with any questions!

Class of 2027

Michael Star

Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Fort Pierce, FL Involvement: SNDA(Student National Dental Association), BSAG(Black Student Advocacy Group), DES(Dental Esthetics Society), AAPHD (American Association of Public Health Dentistry), CDS(Christian Dental Society), AOA(Admissions Outreach Ambassadors), DISO(Dental Implant Student Organization), SDBO(Student Dental Business Organization). During my gap years I worked as a dental assistant in a Prosthodontics clinic.

Class of 2027

Nicolette Trandoan

Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Orlando, FL Involvement: American Student Dental Association (ASDA), Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, and Admissions Outreach Ambassador (AOA). I spent my gap year here in Gainesville working as a dental assistant. I highly value a balanced life, so if I’m not studying or in class you can find me at one of my hobbies.

Class of 2025

Jessica Van Vliet

Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Palm City, FL; Stuart, FL; Jensen Beach, FL Involvement: Alumni Affairs, Esthetics Society. My hobbies are mainly outdoor activities such as biking, climbing, and working out. I am very familiar with Gainesville and can answer any question you may have. I am in a long-distance relationship with my partner that is in medical school.