̽»¨ÊÓƵ

Hello! My name is Alexa — I’m from Appleton, WI and have been raised as a cheesehead through and through. I attended ̽»¨ÊÓƵ for undergrad (go Golden Eagles!) before starting dental school at ̽»¨ÊÓƵSoD. Outside of school, I love finding new coffee shops and trying new restaurants, taking workout classes, and going on walks with my puppy, Prada. My motivation for dentistry started when I broke my front teeth in 4th grade and realized how much my dentist played a key role in finding my self-confidence through my smile. After graduating in May, I plan to stay in Wisconsin and work in a private practice as a general practitioner near home. I’m excited to be a Peer Mentor again this year and help guide you all through your first year of dental school here at ̽»¨ÊÓƵSoD! 

Hi D1s! I’m Jackson and I’m from Sparta, WI. I went to undergrad at UW-Madison and have had a great time in Milwaukee as well! I was inspired to pursue dentistry by my high school science teacher and hometown dentist, and I look forward to being a trusted health care staple in my community. I do not plan to specialize because I think general dentistry is the best job ever and allows me to perform a breadth of procedures! Outside of school, I do tons of intramural sports with dental buddies, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and am currently wedding planning. I am most excited to be a resource for you that I wish I had as a D1, as this is one of the most exciting and pivotal times in your life!

Hi everyone! My name is Grace and I’m from Madison, WI. I was a Pre-Dental Scholar at ̽»¨ÊÓƵ and have been living in Milwaukee for 6 years now. My favorite things about the city are Summerfest and the State Fair. You really can’t beat a Milwaukee summer! Becoming a dentist has been my dream since high school, and I was inspired by my two older cousins who recently graduated from ̽»¨ÊÓƵSoD. My favorite part of practicing dentistry is developing relationships with my patients and seeing how we can transform people’s lives by transforming their smiles. Outside of school, I spend a lot of time working at my restaurant job and would be happy to give anyone advice about balancing work and school! I also love to listen to live music, try out new recipes in the kitchen, and take advantage of the many beautiful parks and beer gardens Milwaukee has to offer. I’m super excited to meet you all and help you out during this transition to dental school in any way I can. 

Hello! My name is Jermaine and I’m originally from Chicago, IL. I completed both my undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Miami, so I’m comfortable adapting to new environments. Although I don’t have family nearby, I’ve built a strong support system of close friends that’s made the transition easier. I was drawn to dentistry because it combines science, hands-on skills and the ability to directly impact someone’s health and confidence. I’m especially interested in restorative and cosmetic dentistry because of the creativity involved and the instant transformation it can offer patients. Outside of school, I enjoy running, weight training, music, and going to the movies; staying active and creative helps me recharge. I’m excited to be a peer mentor and look forward to supporting new students the way others supported me!

Hey ̽»¨ÊÓƵ family! My name is Kydra Johnson, and I’m proud to be born and raised in Milwaukee. I have an adorable mini Goldendoodle named Benji who keeps me on my toes! Outside of school, I love working out, taking long walks by the beach, and soaking in the peace of nature. I also serve as a high school competitive cheer coach, which brings me so much joy and fulfillment. My motivation for pursuing dentistry is deeply rooted in my desire to give back to the community that raised me. I want to be someone the next generation can look up to — someone who looks like them and shows them what’s possible. I also find so much purpose in helping others feel confident and empowered through their smiles. I’m interested in specializing in the future as I continue to explore different fields within dentistry. I am beyond excited to serve as a peer mentor for your class. I can’t wait to support you as you grow; from the nerves and uncertainty of fall semester to feeling more confident and capable with your hand skills by spring. You’ve got this, and I’ll be here to cheer you on every step of the way!

Hi, everyone! My name is Vahe and I am a D4 from Glenview, IL. I also went to ̽»¨ÊÓƵ for undergrad, so it’s definitely safe to say that I have a lot of pride in being here. The community, even outside of the dental school, is something special. I am forever grateful for all the close friends I have made throughout my time in Milwaukee. I chose dentistry in particular because I am always motivated to enhance people’s confidence by giving them the smiles they deserve. I love creating things through an artistic element with my own hands and seeing patients satisfied with the end result. This is such a rewarding profession, and that’s what always inspires me to be the best provider I can be. My goal is to have my own practice one day, and I want to continue learning about all dentistry has to offer. I am always fascinated by the new technological advances nowadays (I am also the president of the Digital Dentistry Club here, so let me know if you want to join!). Outside of school, I enjoy going to Bucks and ̽»¨ÊÓƵ basketball games as well as playing basketball at the Rec center. Anyone that knows me well knows that I love everything involving basketball. I also love exploring all Milwaukee has to offer in terms of food by trying out new restaurants. I am so excited to help you all throughout your journey in dental school through this program! I love sharing my own experiences and being available for those that need my support in any way possible. Looking forward to meeting you all!

Hey there, D1s! I’m Allison, originally from Clarkston, MI. I moved to Milwaukee four years ago for ̽»¨ÊÓƵ's pre-dental post-bacc program, and I’ve been in love with the city ever since. My journey into dentistry began when I met an incredible mentor whose work truly changed lives;, and I knew right then that I wanted to do the same. Now, I get to have that kind of impact at our school's clinic! At school, I serve as Class President and sit on Student Council, so I’m here to represent our voice and advocate for what our class needs. I’m a naturally talkative person, and I truly mean it when I say: you can come up to me anytime if you have any questions about school, Milwaukee, or life in general — I’m always here to help. I’m also active in ASDA, the Pediatric Club, DSD, and the Special Health Care Club. I’m leaning toward a specialization in pediatric dentistry. Before dental school, I was a preschool teacher, and I loved every moment of it — so blending that passion with dentistry feels like the perfect fit. Outside of school, you’ll find me doing yoga, playing golf or pickleball, and going on long walks. Wisconsin has so many gorgeous outdoor spots; just let me know if you want any recommendations! What really excites me about the peer mentor program is this: I want to be your support system. Dental school can be challenging, but I’ll help you navigate it, and together, we’ll find the best ways to de-stress and stay balanced.

Hi everyone! My name is Melissa and I’m originally from Mequon, WI, just north of Milwaukee. I went to UW-Madison for undergrad and spent my gap year in Cincinnati working in corporate marketing. I now live at home with my parents, who are a huge support system for me. I chose dentistry because it combines building meaningful relationships with creativity, and I love that it often feels like arts and crafts! I'm currently planning to become a general dentist but I’m also exploring hospital-based GPRs. I’m a big proponent of work-life balance! While I am the ASDA social media chair and my class’s DEI representative, I also love daily walks outside or yoga, playing the cello, volunteering, photography, and visiting the Milwaukee Art Museum and Milwaukee Symphony. Though it’s taken some time, I’ve realized that making time for my hobbies helps me feel more balanced and grounded. I became a Peer Mentor because one of the best pieces of advice I received was to give myself grace. There are going to be moments where you feel lost and confused, and that’s ok! My goal is to remind you that this is the first time you are doing things, so be kind to yourself, be humble, and understand that every high and low in dental school is making you the best dentist you can be.

Hey D1s! My name is Alhasan Qassem, and I’m originally from the Chicago suburbs. My love for Chicago runs too deep, so my favorite part about being in Milwaukee is that it’s still close to Chicago and I can go there as much as possible to spend time with my family. I love going on vacations with my friends whenever we get a break from school. I’ve have always loved sports, so going to the gym, participating in different sports leagues around Milwaukee (basketball, soccer, flag football), and going to the ̽»¨ÊÓƵ Rec center are some of my favorite ways to unwind outside of school. My motivation for dentistry comes from the opportunity to build patient relationships and help people feel comfortable and confident in their care. As a D3 who just started in clinic, I’m excited to see which procedures I enjoy most as I grow into the kind of dentist I want to be. I can’t wait to be a peer mentor because I’ve had so many mentors who have guided me, and I truly wouldn’t be here without them. I hope to show you that, as hard as dental school can be, these can also be some of the most fun years of your life.

Hello, my name is Mike! I grew up in Janesville, WI and I have lived in the state all my life. I went to undergrad at UW-Milwaukee and worked at the Medical Collage of Wisconsin before dental school. When I’m not studying, I enjoy exercising, cooking and watching the Milwaukee Brewers. I found dentistry after meeting a dentist who showed me the wide range of treatments a general dentist can perform, along with the personal connections that can be made with patients. I am excited to be a peer mentor and help new students experience my favorite part about dentistry: the culture and camaraderie that develops among students and faculty here at ̽»¨ÊÓƵSoD!

Hello new D1s and congratulations on becoming official ̽»¨ÊÓƵ dental students! My name is Sophia, and I am from Downers Grove, IL. As a Pre-Dental Scholar at ̽»¨ÊÓƵ, I've had plenty of time in Milwaukee to discover the best coffee shops for studying and restaurants in the city. I have a passion for helping students get the most out of their dental education — whether that be through organized dentistry and ASDA, research opportunities, or cultural connections with other students in the school! I do have an interest in specializing, although I'm not sure where my interests will take me just yet. Outside of school, I love to travel, play pickleball/tennis, and relax with friends by watching a good movie or show. As a peer mentor, I want all of you to feel welcomed and become the most confident providers you can be with the support of your future colleagues.

Hello incoming D1 class! My name is Ben, I am from Orlando, FL. When I started at ̽»¨ÊÓƵ it was my first time living outside of Florida, so it took a while to adjust, but now I love it. Some things that I enjoy doing outside of class are fishing, diving and being somewhere on a beach. I grew up in a family of dentistry, so it is something I was always attracted to. I look forward to meeting all of you and am especially excited to be a peer mentor for the incoming class. 

Hello D1s! My name is Jeneen. I am a Palestinian, and I live in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. This is my first time living out of state and away from my family. My favorite things to do involve walking on the lakefront, trying new workout classes, and getting coffee with my friends. My main motivation for dentistry is to break down the systemic barriers to care to allow all people to receive the dental care they require regardless of socioeconomic status. I do not plan to specialize, but I have taken a particular interest in prosthodontics and aesthetic dentistry. I look forward to being a peer mentor for the incoming class and getting the chance to meet you all!

Hi! My name is Enya and my hometown is Naperville, IL. I went to ̽»¨ÊÓƵ for undergrad in the Pre-Dental Scholars program, and have loved Milwaukee ever since. It was my first time moving out of Illinois, and even though I’ve been here for 5 years, I still feel like there are so many new things for me to explore in the city. In my free time I love to read, bake, and dance (I do an Indian dance called Kathak). I was inspired to go into dentistry by my orthodontist; she showed me how dentistry melds hands-on innovation with science, art, and face-to-face patient interaction. So far, I haven’t decided if I want to specialize yet, but I have really enjoyed my pediatric and endo rotations. I am so excited to get to know you all, and work beside you these next few years!