91社区

Student Ambassadors

Interested in learning more about our undergraduate dental medicine programs and what it means to study dentistry at 91社区? Our Student Ambassadors are available to answer your questions about life as a dental student as well as share their stories and experiences. Subject to the availability of the ambassador, you may also request a tour of our preclinical laboratory as well as our dental clinic.

Browse through our Student Ambassador profiles below to learn more about each of them. If you find someone with whom you would like to chat, feel free to contact this person directly by email with any questions or concerns you may have.

Please refrain from sending the same message and questions to many ambassadors at the same time.

Click on the 'Fr' link located in the upper right corner to see the profiles of our francophone ambassadors.


Faraz Adibzadeh

From: Toronto, Ontario
Languages:聽English, Farsi, French (casual)
Education: BSc (Hons) Biological Science (University of Guelph, 2024)

faraz.adibzadeh [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Faraz)

A man with dark, curly hair smiling. He is wearing blue surgical scrubs and is leaning on a dental chair.

About Faraz

I grew up in Toronto鈥檚 midtown, surrounded by a vibrant, multicultural community that taught me the value of unity through diversity. Soccer was a big part of my childhood; I played on school teams and local tournaments, later stepping into coaching and refereeing roles that ignited my passion for community service. My interest in dentistry began in high school when I enrolled for a Co-op opportunity at a local dental clinic. I discovered my love for healthcare and science and combined it with my passion for community service. I enjoyed building patient relationships and collaborating with the dental team to make a difference in the community. To strengthen my foundation in healthcare and science, I pursued a BSc at the University of Guelph, taking courses in human anatomy, molecular biology, and pharmacology, among others. During my undergrad, I took on leadership roles, shadowed various dental specialists, and gained hands-on experience as a dental assistant. I chose 91社区鈥檚 Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Science for their unique curriculum, top-tier academics, and emphasis on holistic dentistry and person-centred care. In my free time, I volunteer with the 91社区 Mobile Dental Clinic (MMDC), play soccer and follow my favourite team, design and sew unique clothing, and spend time with my friends and family. I鈥檇 love to connect and answer any questions to help you toward your future goals!


Sarah Baik

From: Ottawa, Ontario
Languages: English, French, Korean
Education: Bachelor of Health Sciences (Hons) (McMaster University, 2024)

ye.baik [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Sarah)

A woman smiling widely. She has straight brown hair, worn in a tight, low ponytail, and a blue t-shirt.

About Sarah

I grew up in Korea and immigrated to Canada with my family at age seven. My interest in dentistry began during visits to my family dentist in Ottawa, who I still see today. I always admired him throughout my childhood, as he not only cared for our oral health, but also guided my family through our adjustment to a new country and culture. His impact on my family inspired my curiosity in dentistry. Beyond my natural interest in science, I have always been drawn to creative pursuits like violin and singing. I wanted a career that blended creativity with science, and dentistry offered the perfect balance. I pursued my undergraduate degree in Health Sciences at McMaster University, where I explored my passions for music and science through my extracurricular activities and worked with national health nonprofit organizations to deepen my understanding of the healthcare system. In my free time, I love trying new experiences鈥攅xploring cafes, restaurants, and unique spots in Montreal with friends鈥攁nd staying active through spin and yoga classes.


Simeng (Lisa) Bu

From: Beijing, China
Languages: English, Mandarin
Education: BSc (Hons) Microbiology & Immunology (91社区, 2022), MSc Experimental Medicine (Thesis) (91社区, 2024)

simeng.bu [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Lisa)

A woman smiling. She has long dark hair that partially covers her top, which is white, and bears the 91社区 logo in gold embroidery across the chest.

About Lisa

I was born and raised in Beijing, China, and moved to Canada when I was 14. After completing secondary school in Vancouver, I moved to Montreal to pursue my post-secondary studies. I鈥檝e always been passionate about healthcare and have explored various areas of the field over the years. From working in a dental clinic as a receptionist/assistant to conducting scientific research and shadowing doctors, each experience has shaped my understanding and appreciation of patient care. My time working in the dental clinic made me realize how much I enjoy the routine of seeing patients regularly鈥攊t feels a lot like checking in on old friends!

I chose 91社区 because of the small class sizes and its strong focus on research, which I believe is crucial for advancing clinical knowledge. Outside of school, I love snowboarding, playing tennis, and listening to podcasts.

Best of luck with your application process, and please don鈥檛 hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!


Danae Christopoulos

From:聽Montreal, Quebec
Languages: English, French, Greek
Education: DEC in Arts and Sciences (Marianopolis College, 2023), DENT-P year (91社区, 2024)

danae.christopoulos [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Danae)

A woman with long brown hair smiling. She has transparent-rimmed glasses and wears an off-white wool top.

About Danae

Born and raised in Montreal, I grew up in a trilingual family of Greek heritage. I鈥檝e always had a wide range of passions, from math and biology to visual arts. When seeking out a CEGEP program, I discovered Arts and Sciences, where I would be exposed to both fields rather than narrowing the scope of my studies. Throughout this program, I realized that I enjoyed both and wanted a career that incorporated them. This led me to dentistry, a profession where I can create healthy and beautiful smiles, boost confidence and change lives. I was drawn to 91社区 because of the exceptional teaching facilities, especially the preclinic and clinic spaces. In fact, I became even more inspired to pursue dentistry when I attended 91社区鈥檚 Open House as a prospective student. Outside of classes, you鈥檒l find me on the tennis court, skiing, doing reformer Pilates, or in one of Montreal鈥檚 amazing museums or caf茅s. I鈥檓 also into art and perfume making鈥攖hey are creative outlets for me! I鈥檓 excited to share my journey with future candidates. I hope to inspire others to join this field at 91社区 and make a difference. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!


Arman Danesh

From:聽Toronto, Ontario
Language: English
Education: BMSc (Hons) Medical Sciences (Univesity of Western Ontario, 2024)

arman.danesh [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Arman)

A man smiling widely. He has black wavy hair and wears a white collared shirt with a dark necktie.

About Arman

My name is Arman Danesh, and I am a first-year dental student here at 91社区鈥檚 Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences! I moved to Canada at the age of 8, and while the transition was hectic as I was moving from city to city every two years, it has conditioned me to be open-minded and adaptable. In my free time, I like to spend time with friends and family, go to the gym, and watch soccer. My decision to pursue dentistry involved a combination of life-style factors and specific components of the profession (ex. manual dexterity, interpersonal relations, teamwork, etc). Above all, the most influential factor in this decision were the many heartwarming experiences I had with patients during my time working in a dental clinic. I was especially keen on pursuing my dental studies at 91社区 for several reasons. Firstly, I was extremely drawn to the fact that 91社区鈥檚 dental curriculum also teaches you the foundation of medicine upon which you build your dental knowledge. Secondly, the small class sizes really appealed to me, as it promotes a collaborative and engaging learning environment. Lastly, I love the city of Montreal! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. I'm happy to help!


Shiraz Simhon

From: Montreal, Quebec
Languages:聽English, French
Education: DEC in Health sciences (Vanier College, 2022), DENT-P year (91社区, 2024)

shiraz.simhon [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Shiraz)

A woman smiling. She has dark hair in a braid over her shoulder, and wears a white collared top.

About Shiraz

My name is Shiraz, and I was born and raised in Montreal. For many years, I did competitive gymnastics and cheerleading, learning self-discipline and teamwork. Now I spend my free time skiing and hanging out with family and friends. Coming from a family of engineers, I grew up in an environment that valued problem-solving. My passion for dentistry came about when I had the opportunity to shadow a resident at the Jewish General Hospital. Seeing firsthand how dentistry combines engineering through its precision and use of prosthetics in congruence with health sciences and patient-centred care affirmed my decision to pursue this field. I am very fortunate and grateful to have started this journey as a DENT-P.聽Please reach out if you have any questions!


Mounah Thoen

From: Zaandam, Netherlands
Languages: English, French, German, Dutch (rudimentary)
Education: DEC in Health Sciences (Coll猫ge Stanislas de Montr茅al, 2022), DENT-P year (91社区, 2024)

mounah.thoen [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Mounah)

A woman smiling widely is pictured in front of a waterfall. Her sunglasses rest on the top of her head, and she wears a puffy-sleeved white top.

About Mounah

Born in the Netherlands but raised in Montreal in a French speaking home and surrounded by English speaking friends from all over the world, diversity played an important role in my upbringing. It led me to enjoy discovering new cultures, new foods and new languages as a way of connecting with people and increasing my knowledge. From a young age I was drawn to dentistry thanks to the positive experiences that I had with various dentists and specialists. I loved the idea of increasing someone's confidence and self-esteem, as well as contributing to their oral and overall health. I also discovered that I could learn a lot from other people鈥檚 culture and habits in dentistry, through their food habits. Throughout high school and CEGEP, I was highly interested in how the human body works and the connection between the various body systems, bringing back the interest I had for dentistry. On the side, I continued my life-long passion of jewelry crafting.聽 Dentistry seemed to be a great profession for me as it combined many of my interests: health sciences, dexterity, and learning about people. I was naturally drawn to 91社区 Dentistry for its diverse teachings by experts, its technology available to all and for its community-centered initiatives, which converges much with my interest of learning new cultures. The small class size also appealed to me as a way of creating a tight-knit community. Finally, in my free-time, I enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles, crafting bracelets, baking bread, and hanging out with my friends around the city.

Fell free to contact me, it would be my pleasure to guide you!

Philip Lu

From: Richmond, British Columbia
Languages: English, Cantonese, Mandarin, French
Education: Master of Physical Therapy (UBC, 2022), Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences (University of Waterloo, 2020)

philip.lu [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Philip)

A man in a white shirt smiling widely. He has dark hair and is surrounded by greenery.

About Philip

I am a first-generation immigrant who initially moved to Prince Edward Island with my family when I was nine. Afterwards, I completed my secondary education in British Columbia before moving to Ontario for my undergraduate training. My experience volunteering for the Canadian Red Cross as well as the UWaterloo Well-Fit program led me to pursue a career in physiotherapy. After working for a year as a jaw physiotherapist, I decided to pursue further training in dentistry to be able to offer a greater scope of practice to those living with orofacial pain. I chose 91社区 primarily for its reputable outreach program, small class size, as well as integrated medical-dental curriculum. I also wanted to improve on my French and 91社区 has provided tremendous support in enabling me to pass my OQLF language exam required to work as a dentist in Quebec after graduation. Please do not hesitate to ask me about my academic program, as well as other aspects of my life ranging from endurance running to changing careers!


Justin M茅nard

From: Montreal, Quebec
Languages: English, French
Education: DEC in Health sciences (College International Sainte Anne, 2022), DENT-P year (91社区, 2023)

justin.menard [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Justin)

A man smiling widely. He has dark hair, wears a blue sweater draped over a white t-shirt, and stands in front of a swimming pool overlooking a lake or river.

About Justin

I was born and raised in Montreal in a French speaking family but have spent my entire childhood in the relatively anglophone neighborhoods of NDG and Beaconsfield. In high school, I developed a strong interest for the sciences and the arts. With my father being a pharmacist and my mother a painter, I have always been exposed to both disciplines. Thanks to my dentist and orthodontist I soon realized that both passions could be explored in the field of dentistry. In fact, it is during the 5 years I had braces that I became most attracted to the field; being able to learn first-hand from my orthodontist how important oral health is and how much of a difference it could make on a patient鈥檚 confidence really sold the deal for me. Having worked in the services field, such as being a barista at a local coffee shop also helped me understand how important and fun person-to-person interactions are, and I hope I can bring a smile to my future patients! Finally, I chose 91社区 due to their innovative curriculum and their small class size which offers individualized training. If I鈥檓 not enjoying a nice coffee while studying, you may find me on upper field taking in the fresh air or playing soccer with friends. If you have any questions feel free to reach out!


Ange-Cedric N'zi

From: Abidjan, C么te d'Ivoire
Languages: English, French
Education: BSc Biology (Concordia University, 2019), DEC Respiratory Anesthesia and Technology (Vanier College, 2022)

ange-cedric.nzi [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Ange-Cedric)

A man with glasses smiling. He has short black hair and wears a grey crewneck sweater with 91社区 logo on the chest.

About Ange-Cedric

Born and raised in Abidjan, C么te d鈥橧voire, my knowledge of healthcare in general and of dentistry specifically were very limited. At age 21, I came to Montreal and decided to follow my passion for healthcare while working part-time for a financial institution. Even though I studied entrepreneurship and finance right after high school, I was always passionate about health sciences. After volunteering in hospitals, obtaining a bachelor鈥檚 degree in biology, and completing a Professional DEC in Respiratory Therapy, I was fortunate to secure a position as an anesthesia assistant at the Montreal Children鈥檚 Hospital. This role exposed me to pediatric dentistry and pediatric oral surgery, which made me fall in love with Dentistry and Oral Health sciences. Outside of the hospital, you could often find me playing soccer, running, or spending time with family and friends.


Xavier Prinja

From: North Bay, Ontario
Languages: English, French, Spanish (rudimentary)
Education: BSc (Hons) Kinesiology, French Stream (University of Ottawa, 2022), MSc Physiotherapy (University of Ottawa, interrupted in 2023)

xavier.prinja [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Xavier)

A man with crossed arms stands in front of a greystone building. He has short hair under a white baseball cap worn backwards, and round-framed glasses.

About Xavier

Born and raised in North Bay, Ontario, my upbringing was a unique mix of French Canadian and Indian heritages. From an early age, martial arts have been more than just a hobby; they鈥檝e instilled in me values like discipline, commitment, and teamwork. Alongside martial arts, playing hockey and tennis became my other arenas for personal growth. As someone who prioritizes well-being, I ensure to hit the gym regularly as a way to destress and refocus. My journey toward dentistry started with an acute awareness of the need for oral healthcare in Northern Ontario. During my shadowing experiences, I was struck by the multifaceted nature of dental care and the profound impact it can have on communities. One of my aspirations is to operate a mobile dental clinic to provide services to remote areas of Northern Ontario that are often overlooked. 91社区鈥檚 Dentistry program stood out for several reasons: its rigorous and comprehensive curriculum, its focus on cutting-edge research, and the chance to learn and practice in a multicultural environment like Montreal. Given the city鈥檚 diversity, I see it as the perfect stage to prepare for a career committed to serving varied communities. Feel free to send me your questions. Cheers!


Daphn茅 Richard

From: Montreal, Quebec
Languages: English, French
Education: DEC in Health sciences (College Andre-Grasset, 2022), DENT-P year (91社区, 2023)

daphne.richard [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Daphn茅)

A woman with long blonde hair smiling. She is wearing a lacy white top.

About Daphn茅

I was born and raised in Montreal. During my high school years, I did a humanitarian trip to Africa, where I helped many marginalized communities getting education and build a new clinic centre to provide them with a better healthcare access. Since then, I knew that my calling was in healthcare, but I wanted to find a way to have close-contact encounters with patients on a daily basis. It was in CEGEP that I really deepened my interests for sciences and loved the dexterity skills that some of the labs were requiring. That was when I realized that dentistry was the perfect combination of sciences, dexterity skills, aesthetics, and human contact. It was after the application process that I finally chose 91社区 to complete my DMD because they have a very open-minded, diverse, and thoughtful program as they provide many classes, information sessions and healthcare access for many marginalized communities. If I鈥檓 not studying, I love to cook, ski, spend time with my family and friends, explore outdoors and nature and do yoga, especially with puppies. It will be a pleasure to answer any questions you might have to help you reach your future goals!


Ma茂a Vitoratos

From: Williams Lake, British Columbia
Languages: English, French
Education: BSc in Health Science with a minor in Chemistry (Wagner College, 2023)

maia.vitoratos [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Ma茂a)

A woman smiling with her head titled. She has long brown hair, and wears a dark blue short-sleeved top with buttoned collar.

About Ma茂a

I was born in Williams Lake, British Columbia, and raised in Kamloops in a busy household with my parents, a younger sister, and two dogs. Growing up in this area provided me with a unique perspective on healthcare in diverse communities, from small rural towns to larger urban cities. During high school, I was heavily involved in the sport of triathlon, which allowed me to pursue my undergraduate degree at Wagner College and compete as a Division 1 triathlete in the NCAA. I held leadership roles, including team captain in my final year, which shaped my passion for dentistry and the potential leadership role I could have in smaller communities as an oral health care professional. This passion was strengthened through shadowing and volunteering in dental offices in Williams Lake and Kamloops. Similar to being part of a team in the NCAA, I admired the collaborative effort in a dental office to deliver optimal patient care, with the dentist at the heart of the team. I chose 91社区鈥檚 Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences for its cutting-edge research, dedicated professors, and focus on community service. The small class size has allowed me to build strong relationships with both my peers and faculty, creating an exceptional learning environment. In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities like running with friends, hiking, and exploring Montreal鈥檚 hidden gems. Feel free to reach out with any questions about dentistry at 91社区- I鈥檓 here to help!


Golnaz Zahedi-Niaki

From: Montreal, Quebec
Languages:聽English, French, Farsi
Education: DEC in Health Sciences (Coll猫ge Jean-de-Br茅beuf, 2018), BSc in Anatomy and Cell Biology (91社区, 2021), MSc(A) in Physical Therapy (91社区, interrupted in 2023)

golnaz.zahedi-niaki [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Golnaz)

A woman with dark curly hair smiling widely. Her hair partially covers her top, which is black an reads '91社区 Dentistry' across the chest.

About Golnaz

Montreal is where I call home, and it is also where my journey toward dentistry began. My decision to pursue dentistry at 91社区 stems from my own dental experiences. Having undergone procedures like braces and tooth extractions, I was always struck by the professionalism and compassion my dentists showed. Their dedication inspired me to follow this path, as I saw firsthand the impact quality dental care can have on a person's confidence and well-being. I am excited to continue that legacy of care through my own dental journey. I chose 91社区 Dentistry because of its commitment to providing a comprehensive education through small class sizes, modern facilities, a rigorous curriculum, and a distinguished team of professors.

While I am passionate about oral health and keeping teeth healthy, that does not mean I will turn down a delicious meal! Outside of dentistry, I love exploring Montreal鈥檚 vibrant food scene and discovering restaurants. This means I will never say no to a dinner invitation and will gladly chat about my favourites in the city. I balance my indulgences with physical activities like running along the Lachine Canal and spin classes.

Feel free to reach out, it would be a pleasure to help!


Christy Zhu

From: Shanghai, China
Languages: English, Mandarin, French (rudimentary)
Education: BS in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology (UCLA, 2023)

yaxuan.zhu [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Christy)

A woman smiling. She has long dark brown hair, and wears a red hoodie that reads '91社区 Dentistry' data-fid=13456

About Christy

I was born and raised in Shanghai, China. I moved to the Bay Area in the United States when I was 14 for high school and later went to UCLA for undergraduate study. Meanwhile, my family moved to Montreal from Shanghai, thus I get to spend a lot of time in Montreal as well. Growing up living in different places can be challenging but it exposes me to different cultures, lifestyles, traditions, and languages. This enables me to cherish diversity and makes me a more open-minded person. I discovered my interest in life science during high school and decided to explore different healthcare fields during undergrad. Attending pre-health workshops, dentistry caught my eye as I realized it is such a critical aspect of physical health that affects people鈥檚 daily lives, yet numerous people often regard it as merely complementary. To gain a better understanding of the dental field, I shadowed at clinics and later started working as a dental assistant. I also led the pre-dental society at UCLA and advocated oral health awareness on campus. I chose 91社区 because I love the small class size here. Outside of school, I love playing tennis, snowboarding, and going to cafes with friends! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Aliceson Drollette

From: Willsboro, New York
Languages: English, French (rudimentary)
Education: BA Biology with minor in Chemistry (University of Vermont, 2022)

aliceson.drollette [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Aliceson)

A woman with shoulder-length dark blonde hair smiles widely. She has hoop earrings and wears a beige mock neck top.

About Aliceson

I was born and raised in the small town of Willsboro, New York, on Lake Champlain. Growing up in this community gave me the opportunity to build my confidence and leadership skills before heading across the lake to Vermont to complete my undergraduate degree. During this time, I became extremely interested in vaccine and skeletal muscle research, and the medical laboratories became my favorite place to be! My interest in dentistry was sparked through various experiences such as my own dental history, shadowing different specialities, leading the Pre-Dental Society at UVM, and later becoming a dental assistant. I chose 91社区鈥檚 Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences because of their highly acclaimed academics and the importance they place on encouraging their students鈥 successes. In my free time, you can find me with my friends and family, enjoying the outdoors (no matter the season), playing piano, or curling up with a good book! I could not be more excited to come across the border to complete my dream of becoming a dentist. If you have any questions, I would be more than happy to answer them!


Chloe Durnford

From: Conception Bay South, Newfoundland and Labrador
Languages:聽English, French
Education: BA in French and Psychology (Memorial University of Newfoundland, 2018), BEd Primary/Elementary in French Immersion (Memorial University of Newfoundland 2019)

chloe.durnford [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Chloe)

A woman with long wavy blonde smiling widely. He hair partially covers the navy blue surgical scrubs she is wearing.

About Chloe

I was born and raised in Newfoundland and Labrador, where I developed a deep appreciation for community and connection. I always knew I wanted a career in healthcare, and my passion for dentistry was sparked by my grandfather, who, even while living with dementia, remains deeply committed to caring for his teeth. His dedication left a lasting impression on me and inspired me to explore the field. Now, I鈥檓 proud to be the first in my family to pursue a career in dentistry.

Before dental school, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in French and Psychology and a Bachelor of Primary/Elementary Education in French Immersion from Memorial University of Newfoundland. I then worked as a classroom teacher, as well as a dance and voice teacher, where I discovered the joy of mentorship. While my path has been non-traditional, my experiences have shaped how I connect with people and approach patient care.

I wouldn鈥檛 be where I am today without the support of my family and friends, and I aspire to be a source of encouragement for others. Outside of dentistry, I enjoy walking my dogs, spending time with loved ones, and getting lost in a good book. Feel free to reach out鈥擨鈥檇 love to chat!


Jesse Iba帽ez

From: Toronto, Ontario
Languages: English, Spanish, French
Education: BSc (Hons) Bio-Medical Science (University of Guelph, 2022)

jesse.ibanez [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Jesse)

A bearded man smiling widely. He has brown hair, and is wearing a white medical coat bearing his name and the 91社区 logo.

About Jesse

I am from Toronto鈥檚 West End, with family roots now in Cambridge, Ontario. I was raised in an Anglophone household by my Anglo-Canadian mother and Uruguayan father. My path to dentistry has been centered around honouring my heritage by giving back to Canada鈥檚 Hispanic communities. In addition to my English and Canadian fluency, I studied in French Immersion for 13 years. I鈥檓 by no means a fluent Montrealais, so I understand the Anglophone struggle to sound competent in French鈥擨 can provide many tips from that point of view. I wear many hats: husband, photographer, content creator, Sunday School teacher. One that I wear proudly is being a student with inattentive ADHD. Dentistry is well suited for neurodivergent professionals, but the academic path to get there is certainly not. I have found that with extra effort, overcoming this barrier is indeed possible in this program, and I鈥檓 passionate about using my experience to help others do so. I mentor students navigating the SAA (formerly OSD) accommodations systems and/or juggling our intense academic workload. Before dental school, I undertook a BSc at University of Guelph majoring in Bio-Medical Sciences. This gave me the unique experience of the Advanced Study in Human Anatomy dissection courses in my senior years which prepared me well for our demanding medical curriculum. Over these years, 91社区 my passion for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery has led me to several OMFS externships, for which this faculty has prepared me well. I serve as a volunteer of the 91社区 Mobile Dental Clinic, a program that provides free dentistry to Montreal鈥檚 underserved, and as the VP of External Affairs for the 91社区 Dental Student Society. I鈥檇 be happy to share my experience or opinion to answer any of your questions about our amazing program.


Nadine Lebcir

From: Montreal, Quebec
Languages: English, French, Spanish (rudimentary)
Education: DEC (Hons) in Health Sciences (Vanier College, 2021), DENT-P Year (91社区, 2022)

nadine.lebcir [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Nadine)

A woman smiling. She has long wavy brown hair, and wears a red v-neck vest over a black turtleneck top.

About Nadine

I was born in Montreal in a multicultural neighborhood shaped by a strong sense of community. My dream had always been to play in the WNBA as I had played basketball competitively for many years. However, after discovering love for science and arts in high school, this is when dentistry caught my eye. I had realized that all the hobbies I picked up throughout my childhood such as crochet, nail arts and drawing all involved creativity and great manual dexterity like in dentistry. Furthermore, through all the volunteering I did with my basketball team, and by working with the red cross in hospitals to help with the COVID-19 response, I realized that what I enjoy doing most is making someone鈥檚 day better. Being very extraverted, settings that involves talking and engaging with people is where I thrive best and enjoy the most. I chose 91社区 Dentistry not only because it鈥檚 innovative dental curriculum, but also because of its great initiatives to give back to the community. If not studying at library, you鈥檒l find me exploring new restaurants, biking around the city or on the basketball court. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any question!


Lynh Pham

From: Montreal, Quebec
Languages: English, French, Vietnamese
Education: DEC in Health Sciences (Marianopolis College, 2017), BSc in Nursing (91社区, 2020)

lynh.pham [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Lynh)

A woman smiling widely. She has black hair, tied back, and wears a pink collared shirt.

About Lynh

I was born and raised in Montreal. From a young age, I was grateful for my extended family and community that supported my mother and I during difficult moments. As I grew older, I wanted to help out and give back to my community. I started volunteering at the temple with my mom and in a hospital. It was extremely rewarding to help people in need and make a difference in their lives. At school, I was always drawn to science because it kept me curious and engaged. I knew that my calling was in healthcare, so I pursued nursing. I learned many invaluable lessons and developed my passion in caring for others. My interest in dentistry began later when I became more aware of my family's compromised oral health. I quickly understood the importance of preventive dentistry as I realized that people from my entourage took their oral health for granted. I believe that dentistry combines my passion for science and people while still providing direct care to my patients. Outside of school and work, I enjoy competing in dragon boat and dancing with my friends. I also like to learn new skills and enjoy my time in nature.


Steven Raspa

From: Montreal, Quebec
Languages: English, French, Italian
Education: BSc in Kinesiology (91社区, 2022)

steven.raspa [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Steven)

A man with short black hair smiling. He wears a white medical coat and stands in front of a mural bearing words.

About Steven

Born and raised in Montreal, you could say that I鈥檝e had a uniquely 鈥淢ontrealais鈥 parcours to 91社区 Dentistry. From high school in Montreal鈥檚 East end to CEGEP in Westmount to 91社区 for my undergrad, a few things have remained constant. First, I enjoy assembling model cars. The fact that I love painting, gluing, and assembling a fuel injector system in a postage-stamp-sized space probably explains why I want to perform precise, detailed procedures in extremely small spaces as a dentist! Second, I try to seize every opportunity I get to be of service to others. Taking things full circle, I found in dentistry an amazing opportunity to apply my manual dexterity and detail-oriented focus to address the oral health needs of patients and empower them to take an active, positive role in their overall health. I chose 91社区 Dentistry because the program offers us the pinnacle of clinical training coupled with the opportunity to care for Montreal鈥檚 underserved and vulnerable communities. Specifically, serving the dental needs of the Neurodivergent Community is something that resonates with me personally and is a career goal that I鈥檓 excited to pursue at 91社区. It鈥檚 my pleasure to answer any questions you have!


Matan Tordjman

From: Montreal, Quebec
Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Hebrew (rudimentary)
Education: DEC (Hons) in Health Sciences (Marianopolis College, 2018, BSc (Hons) Microbiology and Immunology (91社区, 2021)

matan.tordjman [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Matan)

A man with curly dark hair smiles widely. He is wearing a black and white geometric pattern collared shirt.

About Matan

I was born and raised in Montreal. I was raised Jewish, both at home and at school, and always made sure to dedicate some of my time to helping my community through volunteer work. I love learning new things and I dedicate myself to improving in whatever I do. For example, I have been playing piano since the age of five, and I continuously challenge myself with increasingly difficult pieces. I also love to immerse myself in other cultures, as I believe there is always something valuable to learn from others. One of the ways that I do this is by learning new languages. Thus far, I have learned to speak four and understand a fifth. My other hobbies include charcoal drawing and 3D modeling. My decision to pursue dentistry was based on many factors, however, it was partly because I wanted to give back to the community while working within my interests of biology and hands on practice. I chose 91社区 because I knew that I wanted to contribute to the advancement of the dental field through researching novel dental technology and techniques, which 91社区鈥檚 dental faculty thoroughly supports.


Stephanie Zhou

From: Vancouver, British Columbia
Languages: English, French, Mandarin (Shanghainese dialect)
Education: BSc Anatomy and Cell Biology (91社区, 2021)

stephanie.zhou [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Stephanie)

A woman in a white medical coat smiling widely. She has long, wavy, light brown hair and her arms are folded.

About Stephanie

I was born and raised in Vancouver, BC, but spent a few years in Shanghai, China during my early childhood. In high school, I discovered my love for science and continued my hobbies in violin and ballet. While attending 91社区 to earn my Bachelor of Science in Anatomy and Cell Biology, my most memorable and rewarding experience was being part of Best Buddies, a club on campus that fosters friendships between students and members of the Montreal community with developmental or intellectual disabilities. The club taught me about the importance of community involvement and the inequities in dental and medical healthcare for those with disabilities. My interest in dentistry started after high school when I started volunteering and shadowing in different healthcare settings. After shadowing a dentist, my passion for dentistry instantly grew. I realized that being a dentist involved manual dexterity, creativity, health sciences, patient interaction, and community involvement 鈥 all of which were aspects I sought in my future career. Outside of the classroom or the library, you can find me with friends, exploring new restaurants, or traveling to different cities. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. I look forward to meeting you!

Munzer Akourdi

From: Damascus, Syria
Languages: English, French, Arabic
Education: DEC in Natural Sciences (Coll猫ge Bois-de-Boulogne, 2020), DENT-P Year (91社区, 2021)

munzer.alkourdi [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Munzer)

A bearded man in round glasses smiling widely. He is wearing a red hoodie with the 91社区 logo on the chest.

About Munzer

Coming from Damascus, Syria - where I lived until the age of 16 - I had the privilege of being brought up in a community that holds friendship, solidarity and helping others at the heart of its values. Driven by these values, I jumped at every opportunity I got to meet new people and involve myself in my community, attending swimming and chess club with my childhood neighbours, taking part in productions with my high-school theatre company, gathering people around at the college cafeteria for UNO tournaments and tutoring at my local library. These experiences deepened my love for meeting people and hearing about their journeys and perspectives on life. As I grew and made my way through school, I became increasingly interested in health science. I looked into healthcare fields and found my calling in dentistry. Indeed, dentistry was a field that reconciled my passion for meeting people, my academic interest in health science and my desire to help others by joining a field where I can develop care for under-represented groups and communities. Beyond my professional and academic interests, I try to appreciate the silly side of life by watching stand-up comedy, British panel shows, cartoons and anime!


Tyler Baliesh

From: Montreal, Quebec
Languages: English, French (casual), Hebrew (casual)
Education: DEC in Sciences (John Abbott College, 2016), BSc (Hons) Kinesiology (91社区, 2019), BSc Psychology (Concordia University, 2021)

tyler.baliesh [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Tyler)

A man smiling. He has short, curly brown hair and is wearing a white medical coat with the 91社区 logo on the chest.

About Tyler

I was born and raised in Montreal in a middle eastern household where music, laughing and big family gatherings came first amongst everything else. I grew up in a very dextrous environment with a mother and brother who are painters and tailors as grandparents. Throughout my education I spent my time playing competitive basketball, a sport that taught me proper leadership and communication skills. With the combination of injuries and a passion to understand how to better my health, I pursued healthcare. Luckily, I was very fortunate to have an amazing experience with my general dentist. Walking out of the clinic, I not only felt the health benefits of having a clean smile, but I felt the immediate psychological boost of confidence that came with it. This immediate gratification and enhanced self-esteem are what drove my passion to pursue this career. Studying at 91社区, I noticed that every student described the dental school environment as 鈥渇un鈥. The positive atmosphere of the interviews, a process of high stress and anxiety made me realize that this school prioritizes inclusivity and compassion and professionalism.


Micaela (Mica) Buchbinder

From: Mexico City, Mexico
Languages: English, French, Spanish, Hebrew
Education: DEC in Health Sciences (Marianopolis College, 2020), DENT-P Year (91社区, 2021)

micaela.buchbinderrubinstein [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Mica)

A woman smiling widely. She has long brown hair, and wears a white medical coat over an off-white top.

About Mica

Born in Cuernavaca and raised in Mexico City, I moved to Montreal when I was 13 years old. Though hard at first, adapting to my new life became easier as I got more and more involved in my community. By joining school clubs, tutoring and volunteering at various organizations, I further developed my interest in helping those around me. From a young age, I was very interested in sciences and was fascinated with understanding how things work. By seeing the progress of my orthodontic treatment, I was deeply drawn to the field of dentistry. Therefore, in order to expand my knowledge of the field, I shadowed and volunteered at many dental clinics. While I already had a scientific interest in the profession, seeing the doctor-patient relationships that were formed further convinced me that dentistry was the right career for me. I like to spend my free time with my friends and family, (poorly) playing piano or watching a good Netflix show. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions!


Yu-Yao Chang

From: Gatineau, Quebec
Languages: English, French, Mandarin
Education: DEC in Natural Sciences (CEGEP de l鈥橭utaouais, 2015), BHSc in Health Sciences (University of Ottawa, 2018), Qualifying Year for the Master of Science Applied in Physical Therapy (91社区, 2019), MSc(A) in Physical Therapy (91社区, 2021)

yu-yao.chang [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Yu-Yao)

A man smiling widely. He has black hair and wears a white medical coat over a dark turtleneck top. He stands in front of a mural bearing words.

About Yu-Yao

I lived in the Ottawa-Gatineau region for the majority of my life, where I studied Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa. I later came to Montreal to study physical therapy at 91社区. What drew me to dentistry is my whole orthodontics experience: the partnership that was formed between my dentist and I, and the joyful and gratifying feeling that we both experienced after seeing the before and after pictures of my teeth. Dentistry brought a smile to my face; I want to give back to the community by bringing more smiles into the society. For several years, I have been helping my community by teaching Mandarin to children, coaching badminton, and volunteering at a non-profit foundation for kids with disabilities. I chose to pursue dentistry at 91社区 because of its community-focused vision and its numerous outreach programs. During my free time, you can find me exploring different food delicacies around the city or playing badminton and volleyball! Please don鈥檛 be shy to reach out for any questions that you may have regarding dentistry or 91社区; it will be my pleasure to help!


Hayeon Min

From: Montreal, Quebec
Languages: English, French, Korean
Education: DEC in Arts and Sciences (Coll猫ge Jean-de-Br茅beuf, 2020), DENT-P Year (91社区, 2021)

hayeon.min [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Hayeon)

A woman smiling widely. She has black hair, just past shoulder-length, and wears a white medical coat over an off-white top. The medical coat bears the 91社区 logo on the chest.

About Hayeon

My family left South Korea to settle in Canada when I was six months old. I witnessed numerous challenges when transitioning into a new setting while staying attached to my Asian roots throughout my growth in Montr茅al. Spending my childhood in a bilingual environment, I was quickly exposed to the rich diversity of the city. I developed a passion in serving the immigrant community through various cultural and humanitarian events. In CEGEP, I began to explore new fields of activities that used to be intimidating for my timid self. I learnt to present competitively at science fairs, develop teamwork at the school鈥檚 entrepreneurship club, and express on stage for the Thespian troupe. By discovering new interests, challenges, and traits about myself 鈥 including health, management, teaching, and especially arts 鈥 I saw how dentistry鈥檚 multidisciplinary approach appealed to me. At 91社区, I am thankful of the kindliness and the altruistic initiatives of the students in the dental faculty. I enjoy sharing my love for food, music, and climbing with my school friends. I also like to wind down with long walks in the nature and little handcrafting projects.


Damian Rendon

From: Bogota, Columbia
Languages: English, French, Spanish
Education: DEC in Enriched Health Sciences (Dawson College, 2020), DENT-P Year (91社区, 2021)

damian.rendon [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Email Damian)

A man with dark, curly hair, wearing a  white medical coat over a dark collared shirt smiles widely.

About Damian

I was born in Colombia and immigrated to Canada when I was eight. Growing up, I changed schools multiple times, which was difficult, but allowed me to cherish diversity by meeting people from all walks of life. In high school, I discovered my passion for science: I found great enthusiasm when learning about the world and its living beings, and this interest has only gotten stronger throughout my studies. In CEGEP, I had the opportunity of engaging within my community by being a student representative of my program, an executive of both the chess club and a homeless outreach club, and a volunteer at the first aid room and at campus events. My first memorable experience with dentistry was at the orthodontist: I will always remember the solicitude with which I was treated and the unique connection that I was able to form with the staff. From this, I realized that dentistry was the perfect mix of science, human interaction, hands-on work, and business that I needed! In my free time, I love to wear funky socks, relax with videogames, go rock climbing, read an interesting book, or play chess! I鈥檒l be glad to answer your questions so do contact me!

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