UF College of Dentistry Admissions Outreach Ambassadors (AOAs) welcome you to your home-away-from-home and will help you learn more about life at UFCD.
Class of 2024
Kaitria Abbatematteo
Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Punta Gorda, FL Involvement: American Association of Woman Dentists (AAWD), Smiley Gators. I took a gap year where I embarked on a lifelong personal growth journey. I love to workout with classmates, read nonfictional books, and enjoy the outdoors! Mentorship is one of my core values, so I would love to help in any way possible!
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 2025
Grace Ansley
Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Orlando, FL Involvement: American Association for Women Dentists (AAWD), American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD), the American Student Dental Association (ASDA), the Admissions Outreach Ambassadors, and a Dental Ambassador. I am a First-Generation college student and will be a First-Generation Dentist. I received the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship.
Class of 2026
Alina Chen
Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Bartow, FL Involvement: American Student Dental Association (ASDA), American Association for Women Dentists (AAWD), Psi Omega Dental Fraternity I was a dental assistant before coming to dental school, I am a cat mom, and I occasionally take cycling classes.
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) Pre-Dental Director, Super Sealant Saturday Social Media Chair and Historian, 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 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
Morgan Evans
Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Ocala, FL Involvement: American Student Dental Association (ASDA) Director, an Executive Board member for Ally-Gator (Dental Gay-Straight Alliance), Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, Admissions Outreach Ambassadors (AOA), tutor, and TA. I have an Engineering background and decided to change my path to dental late in undergrad. I worked as a dental assistant during my gap year. I am a member of the LGBT community.
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 2024
Emily Keeton
Alma Mater: Georgia Institute of Technology Hometown: Woodstock, GA Involvement: American Association for Women Dentists (AAWD), the American Student Dental Association (ASDA), Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, Dental Ambassador, and a TA. I am an out of state student and undergrad.
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
Nicquiya Falu
Alma Mater: Old Dominion University; Virginia Commonwealth University Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA Involvement: Class of 2026 Vice President, the American Student Dental Association (ASDA), Student National Dental Association (SNDA), Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA), Dental Ambassador, Black Student Advocacy Group (BSAG), Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, Admissions Outreach Ambassador (AOA), and Dental Ambassador. I am an out of state student and a member of the Army Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP). I love Latin and Hip Hop Dancing.
Class of 2025
Ana Goldstein
Alma Mater: Florida Atlantic University Hometown: Boca Raton, FL Involvement: Secretary for the Class of 2025, Vice President of the Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA), Admissions Committee, Smiley Gators I am a First-Generation Hispanic student from Venezuela with no familial connections in the dental field. I grew up doing gymnastics and cheerleading.
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 2024
Daniel Habib
Alma Mater: University of Central Florida Hometown: Orlando, FL Involvement: Admissions Committee, Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, Student Dental Business Organization (SDBO), American Student Dental Association (ASDA), and an Admissions Outreach Ambassador (AOA). I grew up overseas and moved to the US in my late teens. I am a First-Generation college student that loves sports and is hoping to practice dentistry in Florida in the future.
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
Romina Homayoun
Alma Mater: University of Central Florida Hometown: Winter Springs, FL Involvement: President of Super Sealant Saturday 2023, 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.
Class of 2024
Alyssa Morris
Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Ocala, FL Involvement: Student government, American Student Dental Association (ASDA), American Association for Women Dentists (AAWD), Admissions Outreach Ambassadors, Dental Ambassadors, and FreeDOM Clinics. I am a double gator and took two gap years between undergrad and dental school. In my free time, I like to stay active with Orangetheory, tennis, golf, and yoga. This is my 9th year living in Gainesville so let me know if you have any questions!
CLASS of 2024
Andrea Nazari
Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Hollywood, FL Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, the Dental Ambassadors, Admissions Committee Member, Admissions Outreach Ambassador, American Student Dental Association (ASDA), American Association for Women Dentists (AAWD), and the Student Affairs Committee Class Representative. I am a First-Generation student, I love to run and practice yoga to stay active, and I love listening to podcasts!
Class of 2025
Aatish Patel
Alma Mater: University of Florida, Barry University Hometown: Lakeland, FL President of the Class of 2025, Admissions Committee, Student National Dental Association (SNDA), American Student Dental Association (ASDA), American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD). I took time off after undergrad before applying to UFCD and I worked as a dental assistant. I have completed a Masters program and I have a sibling that attends UF.
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 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 2024
Abigail Raymond
Alma Mater: University of South Florida Hometown: New Port Richey, FL Involvement: Admissions Outreach Ambassadors AOA), American Association for Women Dentists (AAWD), Periodontics Interest Group, and a tutor for hand-skill courses. I’m a Florida resident and I’ll be the first dentist/healthcare professional in my family. I tutor some didactic and hand-skills courses so if you have questions about curriculum or adjusting to dental school after undergrad I can help with those.
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 2025
Farzan Roofeh
Alma Mater: Florida Atlantic University Hometown: Boynton Beach, FL Involvement: Admissions Outreach Ambassador (AOA) Officer, VP of Super Sealant Saturday, American Student Dental Association (ASDA), Student Dental Business Organization (SDBO), Student National Dental Association (SNDA), OMFS, Perio interest group, and American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD), School-Based Dental Sealant Program, Health Fair at YMCA, and UF Mobile Outreach Clinic. I am Iranian (Persian) and lived in Iran for 16 years! I love working out, playing guitar, and inventing new dishes. In addition to my passion for dentistry, I have a business mindset and I am passionate to learn more about new business ideas and opportunities.
Class of 2025
Kiana Saadatmand
Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Plantation, FL; Iran Involvement: Committee Chair for Super Sealant Saturday, Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, Summer Research Program, Student National Dental Association (SNDA), American Association for Women Dentists (AAWD), and the Student Dental Business Organization (SDBO). I was born and raised in Iran. I attended Broward College until I transferred to UF. I have a passion for weight lifting, fitness, and nutrition. I have a passion for research and I am published in many fields of research including Biological sciences, College of Medicine and College of Dentistry. I would like to work with special needs kids in the future and I am a cat mom.
Class of 2026
Ariana Sarkhail
Alma Mater: Nova Southeastern University Hometown: Marietta, GA Involvement: American Student Dental Association (ASDA) gala director, Super Sealant Saturday School Outreach Chair, American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) event coordinator, Psi Omega Dental Fraternity Social Chair, Admissions Outreach Ambassador (AOA) "I got accepted as an out of state student but reclassified as in state. I am from Georgia. My parent is a dentist. I enjoy exploring Gainesville plant stores, drinking matcha lattes, thrifting, and nature hikes. I bought a condo close to school instead of renting an apartment for 4 years.
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 2024
Sebastian Slagel
Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Apopka, FL; Orlando, FL Involvement: Class of 24 Sustainability Chair, Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, American Student Dental Association (ASDA). I am a double Gator, a collegiate rower, and an aquarium lover.
Class of 2025
Alexa Stylianakis
Alma Mater: Florida State University Hometown: Jacksonville Beach, FL Involvement: American Association for Women Dentists (AAWD), American Student Dental Association (ASDA), Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, and Smiley Gator. I am the first in my family to study dentistry and my parents live in North Carolina.
Class of 2025
Sadie Tallbacka
Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Stuart, FL; Jensen Beach, FL Involvement: Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, American Student Dental Association (ASDA), Admissions Outreach Ambassador, American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD), Christian Dental Society My grandfather, uncle, and father were/are all dentists. My father graduated from UFCD. I was born and raised in Florida, and went to undergrad here. I love Gainesville and Gator football.
Class of 2024
Gianna Tsesmelis
Alma Mater: Florida State University Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL Involvement: Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, American Student Dental Association (ASDA), and an Admissions Outreach Ambassador (AOA). I will be the first dentist in my family.
Class of 2025
Brandon Valerio
Alma Mater: Nova Southeastern University Hometown: Miami, FL Involvement: Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, American Student Dental Association (ASDA), an Admissions Outreach Ambassador (AOA), and a Dental Ambassador. I'm a National Health Service Corps Scholar and I absolutely love giving back to the community. During my free time, you can find me enjoying some live theater (especially musicals!), trying out new food spots, or going to the movies!
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.
Class of 2024
Kailey Vredenburg
Alma Mater: Florida State University Hometown: Pensacola, FL Involvement: American Association for Women Dentists (AAWD) President, the American Student Dental Association (ASDA), Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, the Admissions Outreach Ambassadors (AOA), Smiley Gator. I studied abroad in Spain during undergrad. I will be the first dentist in my family and I have an interest in pediatrics.
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 2025
Monica Makram
Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Naples, FL Involvement: The American Student Dental Association (ASDA), Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, Perio Interest Group. I am Egyptian, a double Gator and was born and raised in Naples, FL.
Class of 2025
Mia Szymonowicz
Alma Mater: Florida State University Hometown: Tampa, Boca Raton Involvement: Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA), Smiley Gators, Dental Esthetics Club, Admissions Outreach Ambassador (AOA) I am a first gen student and the first dentist in my family. I was born in Colombia and love visiting my family there.