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 2023
Caitlin Carmody
University of Florida; Hometown: Ocala, FL. Involvement: ASDA, Admissions Outreach Ambassador "I am a non-traditional student, married to my best friend and have 2 children."
CLASS of 2023
Payton Ledman
University of Florida; Hometown: Panama City Beach, FL. Involvement: AAWD event coordinator, Psi O social director, ASDA, AAPHD. "I try to stay active in Gainesville by running and playing tennis, I also love to snow ski! One of my favorite things to do is travel."
class of 2022
Claudia Azard
University of Central Florida; Hometown: Miami, FL. Involvement: AAWD, American Association of Public Health Dentists (AAPHD). "I am a non-traditional student who is also a mother, juggling dental school and raising my 13-year-old son. I am a Navy veteran and a Registered Dental Hygienist. I'm more than happy to assist anyone in any way I can. I'm currently on an Army scholarship, if you're interested in taking the military route after dental school."
Class of 2023
Wooy Jean-Baptiste
University of Florida; Hometown: Sunrise, FL. Involvement: Psi Omega, SNDA. "I am a Haitian-born, first-generation dentist and the first in my family to attend higher education. I like to spend my free time working out, playing basketball, or hanging out with friends. Super open to help out with any questions you may have, so don't be shy!"
Class of 2022
Abdulrahman Chahbandar
University of South Florida; Hometown: Tampa, FL. Involvement: Vice president of the American Association of Public Health Dentist (AAPHD), local community dental work like FreeDOM, WeCARE, and RAM. "I enjoy playing a lot of sports and working out in my free time."
class of 2022
Stephie Cyril
University of Florida; Hometown: Vero Beach, FL. Involvement: ASDA, SNDA, Super Sealant Saturday Volunteer Coordinator, FreeDOM clinic. "I am a first generation college student born in Dubai and raised in England."
Class of 2024
Emily Keeton
Georgia Tech; Hometown: Woodstock, GA. Involvement: ASDA Loupes Fair Director, Dental Ambassadors, AAWD, Psi Omega. I am happy to answer any questions about applying from out of state or about UFCD in general!
Class of 2022
Kristen Fernandez
University of Florida; Hometown: Miami, FL. Involvement: Secretary of Psi Omega, ASDA, Ecuador Service Trip, American Association of Public Health Dentistry. "My family is Cuban, so I am bilingual. I'm happy to answer any questions about housing, places to go, things to do, what it's like to live in Gainesville, etc. My favorite thing to do is travel!"
Class of 2022
Nicole Escoffier
University of Florida; Hometown: Niceville, FL. Involvement: AAWD, ASDA, clinical affairs committee, military scholarship program through Air Force.
Class of 2024
Abigail Raymond
University of South Florida; Hometown: New Port Richey, FL. Involvement: I am a member of AAWD, Admissions Outreach Ambassador, and ASDA. My favorite thing to do outside of school are workout, read and stay heavily caffeinated. I also love getting together with my classmates for group studying or dinner parties.
Class of 2024
Sebastian Slagel
University of Florida; Hometown: Apopka, FL. Involvement: Class of 2024 Sustainability Chair, Psi Omega Treasurer, ASDA member, AAPHD member. "I love hiking, swimming, hammocking, and other outdoor activities. I also enjoy taking care of my many plants and aquariums."
Class of 2022
Justin Graham
University of Florida; Hometown: Ocala, FL. Involvement: ASDA, Super Sealant Saturday, Tutoring, Curriculum Committee. "I am married. I did a gap year outside of New York City where I worked as an internet sales representative, and I have lived off and on in Gainesville since 2012."
Class of 2024
Taylor Sparkman
University of Florida; Hometown: Naples, FL. Involvement: ASDA member, AAPHD service director. I am very involved with giving back to the local community and I love to volunteer! I have two dogs that like to take up most of my free time, but if I’m not playing with them, I like to exercise and cook.
CLASS of 2023
Stephanie Taylor
University of Florida; Hometown: Tampa, FL. Involvement: Dental Ambassadors, AAWD, Psi Omega, FDA Leadership Development Committee, ASDA "I love to cook, practice yoga, play tennis and read. I'm happy to answer any of your questions. Welcome to UFCD!!"
Class of 2022
Melanie Lane
University of Florida; Hometown: Pembroke Pines, FL. Involvement: ASDA Community Service Chair, SNDA, Psi Omega. "I strive to keep a balanced lifestyle and have created ways to keep stress to a minimum throughout dental school. I have lived in Gainesville for 5 years now, so I'm happy to answer questions about living in the city."
Class of 2022
Hyunseo Lee
Barnard College; Hometown: Ormond Beach/Daytona Beach, FL. Involvement: Summer Research Program, Student Research Group, SNDA. "I'm a FL resident but went to undergrad out-of-state."
class of 2024
Arjeet Tipirneni
Florida Southern College; Hometown: Orlando, FL. Involvement: I usually keep myself busy being the President of the Class of 2024, and being involved with clubs on campus, but when I have time to relax I like to bike, play tennis, and go stargazing at Payne’s Prairie. Feel free to reach out to me!
CLASS of 2023
Liza Kanter
University of Maryland; Hometown: Miami, FL. Involvement: D2 Class President, American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD), ASDA, Psi Omega “I come from a medical family and enjoy running, yoga, and Netflix. Gainesville is the first small town I’ve ever lived in so if you have any questions about moving to Gainesville and all of that feel free to ask.”
class of 2022
Sophia Mohseni
University of Florida; Hometown: Tampa, FL. Involvement: President of the American Association of Public Health Dentists (AAPHD), ASDA, AAWD, Gross Anatomy Tutor, Psi Omega. “I enjoy working out and playing tennis to destress. My favorite thing to do is to travel. I’ve also been in Gainesville for 6 years so I’m happy to answer any questions about the city."
Class of 2022
Toni-Ann McLeod
University of South Florida; Hometown: Pompano Beach, FL. Involvement: Historian for SNDA, AAWD. “I'm happy to share my experiences, like being originally an international student from Jamaica transitioning into the dental field and adjusting to life here in Gainesville.”
Class of 2023
Keith McIntosh
University of Florida; Hometown: Miami, FL. Involvement: SNDA "I am first-generation Gator and dentist! I have been in Gainesville for almost 5 years and have many connections to the city."
CLASS OF 2023
Dayanne Ghorayeb
University of South Florida; Hometown: Tampa, FL. Involvement: SNDA, AAWD, ASDA, PSI-Omega “I immigrated from Lebanon when I was young and will be a first generation dentist. I like to watch movies, go on trails around Gainesville, and have recently adopted a cat!”
Class of 2022
Natalie Pan
University of Florida; Hometown: Orlando, FL. Involvement: Psi Omega, ASDA. "I am a traditional student who went right into dental school after graduating from UF, so I'm happy to answer questions about life in Gainesville. I am also a big foodie. I got Lasik eye surgery before dental school (thanks to Abel’s suggestion!)."
Class of 2024
Dalton Helvey
University of Florida; Hometown: Sebring, FL. Involvement: I love to spend my time playing sports, watching sports, fishing, and exploring restaurants! I am married to my high school sweet heart who is a first grade teacher.
Class of 2022
Gabriela Portmann
University of Notre Dame; Hometown: Vero Beach, FL. Involvement: ASDA, AAWD, Psi Omega, WeCare, Admissions Committee, Scheduling Committee. "I'm a Florida resident but studied out-of-state. My parents grew up in Venezuela, and I spent summers there. I lived in Switzerland until I was 5. I enjoy tennis, boxing, running, kayaking, hiking, and the beach."
Class of 2024
Jonathan Nguyen
University of South Florida; Hometown: Tampa, FL. Involvement: ASDA Community Service Director, SNDA Community Service Chair, Clinical Affairs & Quality Assurance Committee, Scheduling Committee, American Association of Public Health Dentists (AAPHD), Psi Omega, & UF Dental Esthetics Society (UFDES). I enjoy spending my time trying new foods and staying active in community events, such as FLA-MOM & FreeD.O.M. Clinic.
Class of 2023
Laura Sawires
University of Central Florida; Hometown: Orlando, FL. Involvement: ASDA, AAWD, Super Sealant Saturday Scheduling Coordinator, Black Student Advocacy Group. "I was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, and moved to the US a few years ago."
Class of 2024
Alyssa Morris
University of Florida; Hometown: Ocala, FL. Involvement: Involvement: c/o 2024 VP, ASDA, Dental Ambassadors, AAWD, Alpha Omega. 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 8th year living in Gainesville so let me know if you have any questions!
Class of 2022
Brooke Schloth
Florida State University; Hometown: Jacksonville, FL. Involvement: Psi Omega, ASDA, FDA convention. "My parent and my sibling are dentists. I was highly involved in the Pre-Dental Society at FSU."
CLASS of 2023
Neeshi Patel
University of Florida; Hometown: Lakeland, FL. Involvement: SNDA Secretary, Impressions Director, Summer Research Program. "Fun fact: as a student in the BS/DMD program I received my undergraduate degree after the white coat. I have also been at UF for 4 years now, so I am happy to answer any questions about life in Gainesville!"
Class of 2024
Haleigh Brooks
University of Central Florida; Hometown: Orlando, FL. Involvement: AAWD, Admissions Outreach Ambassador. I spend a lot of my time outside of school working out, cooking and making charcuterie boards.
Class of 2022
Carson Smith
University of Florida; Hometown: Oviedo/Winter Springs, FL. Involvement: President of Class of 2022, Psi Omega, ASDA, Dental Ambassadors, Summer Research Program. "I'm a traditional UF graduate with strong involvement in the UF Pre-Dental Society. I have attended and competed in multiple dental research conferences."
Class of 2023
Sydnee Vaughan
University of Florida; Hometown: Jacksonville, FL. Involvement: SNDA, ASDA, Psi Omega. “I am a first-generation dental student in the BS-DMD program. I love dogs and am a double Gator!”
Class of 2023
Chanyce Williams
University of South Florida; Hometown: Tallahassee, FL. Involvement: Class of 2023 President, SNDA, AAPHD. "I will be a first-generation dentist. I’m new to Gainesville, but I am a Florida native: born and raised."
Class of 2022
Laura Van de Water
University of Central Florida; Hometown: Orlando, FL. Involvement: AAWD, ASDA. "I took a gap year and worked in a dental office before dental school. I also lived at home throughout my undergraduate experience."
Class of 2022
Muvva Vangapalli
University of Florida; Hometown: Winter Springs, FL. Involvement: ASDA District 5, AAPHD (American Association of Public Health Dentistry), Psi Omega. "I'm originally from Boston but later became a Florida resident and attended UF for undergrad."
Class of 2024
Kaitria Abbatematteo
University of Florida; Hometown: Punta Gorda, FL. Involvement: American Association of Woman Dentists, 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 2023
Wunmi Oni
University of Georgia; Hometown: Lawrenceville, GA. (Also, Nigeria and England). Involvement: SNDA, Dental Ambassadors, Smiley Gators. "I am an out of state student, passionate about helping underserved/minority populations and interested in hospital dentistry."
CLASS OF 2023
Shelley Robinson
University of Florida ; Hometown: Miami, FL. Involvement: Social chair for Psi Omega Dental fraternity and the graphic designer for the American Association of Women Dentists! “I come from a family of dentists but am the first Gator Dentist! I consider myself a “Foodie” and know all about the best spots in Gainesville to get the yummiest bites! “
CLASS OF 2023
Drew Anderson
University of Florida; Hometown: Pensacola, FL. Involvement: I am the Vice President of American Association of Public Health Dentistry, which is an organization that helps the underserved in our community. I also serve as a Dental Ambassador and a class officer for the Class of 2023.
class of 2024
Andrea Nazari
University of Florida; Hometown: Hollywood, FL. Involvement: AAWD Event Coordinator, AAPHD, Psi Omega, Dental Ambassadors. "I love to run and practice yoga to stay active. Additionally, I love listening to podcasts!"
class of 2023
Aubrie Zuiderveen
University of Florida; Hometown: Caledonia, MI. Involvement: AAWD, Psi O, and ASDA. I am also the Clinic Affairs Committee Representative for the Class of 2023.
CLASS OF 2023
Emily Fuqua
University of Florida; Hometown: Marianna, FL. Involvement: Class of 2023 Media Direct, AAWD, Psi Omega, ASDA. "I love to spend time with friends, working out & try new recipes! I am an open book and happy to answer any questions about dental school, life in Gainesville, best places to live and eat!"
class of 2023
Katherine Wei
Georgia Tech; Hometown: Tallahassee, FL. Involvement: "I'm a first-generation dental student who loves trying new food, traveling, and helping others. I'm happy to answer any of your questions about UFCD and Gainesville!"
class of 2023
Micaela Cleere
University of Central Florida; Hometown: Sarasota, FL. Involvement: Dental Ambassadors, American Association of Women Dentists, Smiley Gators, Super Sealant Saturday. "I had the opportunity to take a gap year and work at a dental office with my mentor where I embarked on an immersive personal growth and development journey. If you ever need a book or podcast recommendation, let me know!"
Class of 2024
Taylor Kelley
University of Florida; Hometown: Satellite Beach, FL. Involvement: Smiley Gators Secretary, Class of 2024 Community Service Chair, AAWD, AAPHD, Psi Omega, ASDA, military scholarship through the Army. "During my free time you can find at my crossfit gym or at the dog park with my pup. I enjoy any type of sport and love hanging out with friends!"
class of 2023
Christy Mikhael
University of Florida; Hometown: Redington Shores, FL. Involvement: D2 Community Service Chair, SNDA Fundraising Chair, AOA, Orthodontic Interest group Faculty Coordinator "I’m a first generation student but have been at UF for a little over 4 years. I love the nature around Gainesville and listening to podcasts so I have some good recommendations! Feel free to ask me anything!"