Admissions Outreach Ambassador Mentors

Class of 2028

Polina Sabitova

Alma Mater: Florida Atlantic University Hometown: Coconut Creek, FL Involvement: SNDA Social Chair, Student Affairs Committee, Super Sealant Saturday, AOA (Admissions Outreach Ambassadors), Research in AI and Implant placement, ASDA Mighty Molar Director, Endodontic Interest Group, Development of Opportunities for Research (DOOR), Impressions Day 2025, DES (Dental Esthetics Society) Bio: I am a Florida Resident and studied at an in-state school. I moved to the United States from Russia when I was 4 years old. I love getting involved and giving back!

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, Bahamas Mission Trip. Bio: I am a first generation Caribbean American. 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.Outside of academics, I enjoy reading and consider myself an omnivert. In my free time, I love trying new restaurants, 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, Dominican Republic Service Trip 2025 Leader, American Student Dental Association (ASDA) Immediate Past Vice President, 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 Bio: 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 and I speak fluent Spanish!

Class of 2028

Melissa Orellana

Alma Mater: Florida International University Hometown: Miami, FL Involvement: American Student Dental Association Pre-Dental Chair (ASDA), Class of 2028 Social Chair, Hispanic Student Dental Association Member (HSDA), Psi Omega (Dental Fraternity), Admissions Outreach Ambassador Bio: I was born in Cuba and moved to Miami, FL when I was 5 years old! I speak fluent spanish and am an only child. I am a first-generation college student and will be the first in my family to become a dentist! I graduated from FIU in 3 years and worked as a full-time dental assistant during my application cycle.

Class of 2028

Aya Najjar

Alma Mater: Florida State University Hometown: Tallahassee, FL Involvement: SNDA 2025 Impressions Day Director, UFCD For Change Social Media Director, Class of 2028 Academic Concerns Committee, Super Sealant Saturday Carnival Committee, MSDA, AOA, ASDA, SDBO Bio: I fluently speak Arabic and completed undergrad in three years!

Class of 2026

Romina Homayoun

Alma Mater: University of Central Florida Hometown: Fairfax VA; Winter Springs, FL Involvement: 4x 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. Bio: 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 2028

Karli Hartmann

Alma Mater: Florida State University Hometown: Fort Myers, FL Involvement: SNDA 2025 Impressions Day Committee, Class of 2028 Academic Concerns Committee, Super Sealant Saturday Carnival Committee, Admissions Outreach Ambassador (AOA), UFCD For Change, ASDA Bio: I took one gap year and worked as a dental assistant.

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), Bio: 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 2027

Munthira Raju

Alma Mater: Indiana University Hometown: Yorktown, IN Involvement: SDBO (Student Dental Business Organization) President, AASDA (Asian American Student Dental Organization) Treasurer, AOA Class Chair (Admissions Outreach Ambassadors), Psi Omega, Didactic Tutor Bio: Hi! I grew up in Indiana my whole life, and went to Indiana University for undergrad, and came to UF for dental school!

Class of 2026

Nicquiya Falu

Alma Mater: Old Dominion University; Virginia Commonwealth University Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA Involvement: Jamaica Mission Trip; Bahamas Mission Trip; Black Student Advocacy Group; Student National Dental Association; Ambassador of Admissions ; Dental Ambassador; Psi Omega Dental Fraternity Bio: Out-of-state student HPSP Scholarship Recipient Non-traditional student Older student Minority Student – I am black and puerto rican

Class of 2028

Jasmina Hasikic

Alma Mater: St. Petersburg College Hometown: Dunedin, FL Involvement: AOA, SNDA, DES Bio: I'm a daughter of immigrants from Bosnia and Morocco and the first to pursue advanced education and becoming a doctor. I have battled with anxiety and other struggles my whole life and have been learning how to navigate it and grow in dental school.

Class of 2028

Olivia Jones

Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Hopkinton, MA Involvement: Psi O secretary Class of 2028 wellness chair Summer research program Biochemistry tutor Member of ASDA, perio interest group oral surgery interest group Bio: Psi O secretary Class of 2028 wellness chair Summer research program Biochemistry tutor Member of ASDA, perio interest group oral surgery interest group

Class of 2027

Jordyn Ranfone

Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Huntersville, NC Involvement: Student Dental Business Organization VP, Brotherhood Chair of Psi Omega (past), Dental Ambassador, Admissions Outreach Ambassador, We Care Clinic Liaison, Tutor for D1/D2 courses, DOOR Researcher Bio: I was born and raised in Spring Hill, FL, but since then my family has moved to a suburb of Charlotte, NC. I am a proud double Gator, and I look forward to being the first dentist in my family! After graduating undergrad, I took a year off to work as a receptionist at a family dental practice in Charlotte. Even though I am quite involved at school, some of my favorite things to do in my free time are to work out, play volleyball, go to sporting events, hang with friends, travel, try new coffee shops and restaurants, and binge watch reality TV!

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) Bio: 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

Mary Reyes

Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Manila, Philippines (hometown) ; Ocala, FL (high school) Involvement: Dental Ambassadors, Asian American Student Dental Association, American Association for Women Dentists, Class of 2027 Media Director Bio: I was born in the Philippines and I'm the first in my family to pursue a career in dentistry! I love keeping my passions alive alongside my dental journey; these include photography, music, and fitness.

class of 2028

Emile Karam

Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Miami, FL Involvement: During my time at UFCD, I have been extensively involved in academic, professional, and service-oriented organizations. I am a member of the Karanth Orthodontic Innovation Lab and the Research Track Program, where I contribute to ongoing research initiatives. Within UFCD ASDA, I serve as the Gold Crown Award Director and as the District 5 Grants and Awards Chair. I am also the SNDA Fundraising Chair and the Founder and President of the Armed Forces Student Dental Association (AFSDA). In addition, I serve as an Admissions Outreach Ambassador, a member of the Super Sealant Saturday Supplies and Materials Committee, and as a tutor for Gross Anatomy and Biochemistry. Bio: I graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelors degree in Biology and completed undergraduate dental research in the Department of Oral Biology at UFCD, where I also had the opportunity to present my work at research conferences. I was part of the UF MFOS program during undergrad, and I am currently serving in the U.S. Navy through the HPSP scholarship. I have lived in Miami for most of my life, and as someone of Lebanese heritage, I value cultural connection and community. I enjoy spending my free time outdoors in Gainesville – whether biking, walking, or engaging in other physical activity – and appreciate the balance it provides alongside my academic and professional commitments.

Class of 2028

Logan Swift

Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Ocala, FL Involvement: Psi Omega Treasurer, Perio Interest Group Secretary, Academic Tutor Bio: I will be the first dentist in my family! I am married and have 2 cats! Outside of dental school, I enjoy spending time outside, watching and playing sports (especially football), reading, and playing video games!

Class of 2027

Emma Hammer

Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Chicago, IL Involvement: ASDA, PsiO, AAWD, Sustainability Chair Bio: I’m born and raised in Chicago but my family has now moved to Florida!

Class of 2027

Nicolette Trandoan

Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Orlando, FL Involvement: American Student Dental Association, Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, Admissions Outreach Ambassador, Dental Esthetics Society, Asian American Student Dental Association, Super Sealant, TA, and Tutor Bio: I took a gap year here in Gainesville working as a dental assistant.

Class of 2028

Ryan Katz

Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Apollo Beach, Fl Involvement: Psi O, Alpha O, Dental Ambassadors, AOA, Graduate Senator, Class of 28 Social Chair Bio: I am heavily involved with in student leadership, as I am the president of Psi Omega, Alpha Omega, and another student organization called GatorWake. I am also the graduate senator for the University of Florida representing the College of Dentistry.

Class of 2026

Alina Chen

Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Bartow, FL (High School) Involvement: PsiO, ASDA, Student Dental Business Organization (SDBO) Bio: I am a first gen student, I have one cat, I've had more fun my years in dental school than undergrad. I have the NHSC scholarship and am currently applying for jobs.

Class of 2026

Darby Graves

Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Orlando, Fl (Celebration Highschool) Involvement: Dental Ambassador, Admissions Outreach Ambassador, Class of 2026 Executive (Social Chair), ASDA/Pre-dental mentor, Psi Omega member, fixed prosthodontics TA, volunteer at ACORN/EAC/We Care Bio: I was born in Minnesota and moved to Orlando in the second grade! I love to travel, I spent a semester studying abroad in Spain, and have been to 17 different countries. I enjoy spending time in the sun and doing hot yoga.

Class of 2028

Matya Kaye

Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Gainesville, Fl Involvement: Piso, Class Executive Board, ASDA UF and District 5, Orthodontics Research Bio: My parents are primary care doctors who graduated from UF and I grew up in Gainesville. I am a non traditional applicant and got my bachelors degree in Art then took three gap years before matriculating into dental school. I lived in Colorado during my gap years.

Class of 2028

Sander Tang

Alma Mater: University of Florida Hometown: Miami, FL Involvement: Class technology chair, ASDA, AASDA, Super Sealant Saturday Committee Bio: I’m a Double gator, rapper, comedian, Spanish speaking Asian.

Class of 2028

Brock Harris

Alma Mater: University of Georgia Hometown: Gainesville, GA Involvement: Dental Ambassadors, Psi Omega Vice President, Jamaica Service Trip Leader Bio: I'm an out-of-state student, and I earned a non-traditional major in journalism.

Class of 2028

Ava Edmunds

Alma Mater: University of Georgia Hometown: Marietta, GA Involvement: ASDA Social Director + Community Service Assist, AAWD Event Coordinator, Admissions Outreach Ambassador, Student Resource Tutor and member of Psi Omega + SDBO! Bio: I grew up out-of-state, attended undergrad out-of-state, and moved down to Florida to live with my parents during my gap year before coming to UFCD! I love spending time outside – from nature walks to playing tennis, staying active has been an awesome way to connect with friends and relieve stress during dental school.