Summer Raza attends the International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) Conference

Please help us congratulate Summer Raza, a dedicated HPAO Peer Mentor, who was selected to attend the International Association of Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research General Session. The conference took place on March 25-28 at the San Diego Convention Center.

The conference consisted of presentations from leading researchers, clinicians, and dental students, including keynote speakers highlighting the goals and latest advancements in oral health research. She attended a presentation titled “Empowering the Future of Oral Health Research,” which provided valuable insight into opportunities for undergraduate involvement. She also met one-on-one with a representative from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to discuss future research pathways and programs.

“I love learning more about the dental field, whether that is research involvement, or ways to stay connected within the dental community," said Summer Raza. She accounts, "It was especially insightful to hear from dental students about their research and their journeys to dental school. Coming from an ecology research background at SDSU, being exposed to oral health research from a more specialized perspective was truly eye-opening. This experience has strengthened my motivations to pursue a career in dentistry and deepened my excitement as I prepare for this upcoming application cycle."

Summer Raza is a HPAO peer mentor who supports fellow pre-health students through academic planning and professional school preparation. "Being involved with HPAO has not only provided me with the opportunity to attend the IADR General Session, but also allows me to share my excitement in this journey with other pre-health students. It is truly rewarding to assist students as they navigate their paths to graduate programs, and this role has helped me develop skills I will carry with me not only as a dental student, but also as a future dentist."

Her commitment to mentorship and excellence exemplifies the values of the HPAO community.