2019 - 2020 CSUF Pre-Dental Society's Executive Board
Hi, my name is Lauren Ballesteros and I am the President for the Pre-Dental Society at Cal State Fullerton.
I am a biological science major, with a minor in anthropology. I joined PDS because I believe it is a great way to make connections with others while learning more about what it takes to get into dental programs at various schools.
I previously wanted to be an orthodontist, but am now leaning toward becoming a general dentist, because I think it falls more in line with what I want to do in the future, and that is to give back not only to my own community, but to communities across our borders as well.
Aside from school work, I enjoy watching Mork and Mindy, listening to the RX Bandits, hanging out with friends, and taking my dog out on hikes.
If you have any questions and believe I can assist you, please feel free to contact me.
President
Lauren Ballesteros
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Hi everyone, my name is Jenessa Marquez and I am a third-year Biological Science major and this year’s secretary for Pre-Dental Society. My love for dentistry first started when I went to my local dentist to change the rubber bands for my braces. This of course may not be your typical start of a dentistry career journey, but this simple procedure unexpectedly fascinated and excited me. In addition, I appreciated how the dental associates were so nice and welcoming. That was the start of my dental journey. I first started shadowing a dentist during the summer after my senior year in high school, and long after that, I continued to intern and shadow dentists for a total of three years. Fortunately, I was eventually given the opportunity to work at a dental office as a dental associate and receptionist. Working alongside with a dentist during procedures has allowed me to enhance my learning in dentistry and provided me with hands-on experience that only served to increase my passion for dentistry. Besides my involvements in dentistry, I am a youth leader for High School students at Saint Justin Martyr and I am also active in several clubs on campus which include: Titan Catholic, P.A.S.A, and the professional Biology Fraternity Beta Psi Omega.
Vice President
Jenessa Marquez
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Treasurer
Gerimae del Rosario
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Hi everyone! My name is Gerimae del Rosario and I am the Treasurer for CSUF’s Pre- Dental Society. I am a third year with a health science major and a minor in Pre-Health Professions.
In the future I plan on becoming an orthodontist and helping those who are in need. My goal is to help others boost their confidence with their smiles.
I have been a part of this club since my first year, and I have learned so much about the field of Dentistry and how to successfully prepare myself for applying to dental school. Being a part of this club has taught me so much, and I hope you can get something out of it too.
When I am not in class, I enjoy playing tennis and being a part of the CSUF’s tennis club. I love to go to Disneyland with my friends and my boyfriend, and I love finding aesthetic places to take pictures at. When I am not out and about I like spending time watching movies/shows, listening to music, and trying out new makeup looks.
I wish everyone the best of luck this school year, and please feel free to contact me for any questions or if you just want to chat. Thank you!
Dental Outreach Coordinator
Arian Afrasiabi
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Hello everyone, I am the volunteer coordinator at Pre-Dental Society. My name is Arian Afrasiabi, and I transferred from orange coast college to Cal State Fullerton in the spring of 2018. This is my second year here majoring in biology. I decided to become a dentist, when me and my brother, who is disabled, went for a check-up. The doctor was not polite and calm towards my brother, and he did not know how to behave around people with disabilities, so my brother was not comfortable with him and was not cooperating at all. Instead, my brother was listening to me when the doctor was telling him what to do. For example, to stay put and don't move. Since then I realized that I love dentistry and I can be much more helpful towards people with disabilities. Not many doctors I saw were patient with people with disabilities.
Also, now, I am more focused on volunteering, shadowing, and studying hard. I love our pre-dental club because it is beneficial, and it puts you on the right track.
My favorite thing to do in my spare time is to play classical guitar, find delicious food to eat, go to the movies and watch documentaries on Netflix.
I hope all you guys enjoy this club as much as I do and wishing you a great path in your journey to becoming a dentist.
Dental Outreach Coordinator
Kristin Kepley
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My name is Kristin Kepley and I am the volunteer coordinator for the Pre-Dental Society at Cal State Fullerton. I am a fifth-year biochemistry major and this is my second semester at CSUF and in PDS. I transferred to CSUF from Fullerton College this year. When I started here, I could not wait to join PDS as a way to further my pre-dental career. It has been wonderful for making connections as well as gaining knowledge and experience. I want to become a dentist because it is a career that meets all of the criteria for my dream job. It works closely with people, improves their lives, allows flexible hours, provides challenging and interesting cases every day, and beautifully combines science and art. I spend much of my time volunteering in Fullerton. This is something I have become very passionate about and I hope to spread that to PDS and leave a positive impact on the members of our community.
Dental Volunteer Coordinator
Yen Nguy
Hello everyone! My name is Yen Nguy and I am a senior majoring in Biological Science here at CSUF. I am the Treasurer for this year’s Pre-Dental Society.
My interest in dentistry sparked after I interned at a dental office. From there, I began assisting patients alongside some talented dentists. Through that position, I could see that by becoming a dentist, I get to implement my passion for art while educating patients about their oral health and building a trustworthy relationship with them in the future.
Joining Pre-Dental Society not only helped me on how I can prepare myself on the path to dentistry, but it has allowed me to meet and broaden my network from my peers to students and faculty from dental schools. Overall, it has been a rewarding experience for me and I hope it will be as rewarding for you.
When I am not occupied with my classes or with work, I like to go outdoors and explore or engage in my many hobbies which include DIY crafts, cooking, sewing, painting, singing to music, and watching movies.
I am delighted to meet more of you fellow pre-dents! Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions, I’ll be glad to help!
Hi everyone! My name is Gabrielle Dao and I am a second-year biology major and secretary for Pre-Dental Society. I joined PDS to be able to connect with other people who have similar career goals as myself. Since joining, I have learned so much about dentistry and the many steps needed to take to get into dental school and become a successful dentist. In the future, I would like to become a general dentist and own my own private practice. As most people are not the biggest fans of going to the dentist, my goal is to change people’s perspectives and become more comfortable.
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Along with PDS, I am also part of the Supplemental Instruction program, as an SI leader for biology. In my free time, I like going to the gym, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with my friends and family.
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I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with PDS, and I hope, if you haven't already, you will join us! If you have any questions about PDS or anything in general, do not hesitate to email me!
Secretary
Gabrielle Dao
Hi everyone, my name is Britney Doan, I’m a second year, a Public Health Science major with a minor in Pre-health Professions and your webmaster/publicity coordinator.
I joined the Pre-dental Society not only to explore the field of Dentistry and how to become a successful applicant but to also build connections and make relationships with people who have the same passion as I do. My goal is to ensure that by spreading the word on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. is to welcome students to our club and the opportunities it has to offer for those interested in Dentistry.
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I found my love of Dentistry through my parents. Throughout many years I’ve traveled with them to underprivileged communities in Vietnam, where they’ve touched so many lives with the work that they do. In the future, I hope to do the same as a general practitioner. As for right now, I continue to go with them on their mobile care trips not only shadowing them but also showing young children in Vietnam proper oral hygiene instructions.
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On my free time I enjoy reading, photography, watching old, classic movies or some of my favorite TV shows like Friends, Gilmore Girls, and Greys Anatomy.
When I’m not at home or in class I love trying different kinds of food, swimming, running and spending time with my friends and family.
If you need anything or have any questions please feel free to ask me, my door is always open!
Dental Publicity Coordinator
Britney Doan
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Hello, Pre-Dents! My name is Christine and I am a 4th-year Biology major. I am currently in the application/ acceptance process of dental schools so if you guys have any questions regarding your application or any others, you can come to me with no hesitation. Some of my hobbies would be going on adventures, working out, and play video games. I have pursued dentistry since I was a child because many of my family members are dentists but when I started high school I really wanted to try other medical professions. Quickly after, I realized that my heart pulled me toward the exciting hands-on work of dentistry. I just want all of you to know that it is totally ok to not have any idea how to go about pursuing dentistry, all you need is an open mind and we can all work together to help each other succeed. We have all been in each-others shoes at one point so with that welcome to our pre-dental family.
Social/ Fundraising Coordinator
Christine Garoian
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Pre-Dental Society NSM ICC Rep
Daisy Zuniga
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Hello everyone! My name is Daisy Zuniga and I am the NSM ICC representative for the Pre-Dental Society on campus. I am a 3rd-year public health major. Although I was initially a biochemistry major, I decided to change my major to public health because I became more interested in this major when I noticed flaws in the U.S public health system. I became interested in dentistry during my senior year of high school after I got my dental assisting license. I have shadowed and worked as a dental assistant with various dentists and have become more passionate about dentistry ever since. You are welcome to contact me if you have any questions!
One of my goals this year is to learn more about dentistry and become more involved in the dental community. My personal goal this year is to run a mile under 7 minutes once more! My hobbies include reading, running, playing volleyball, or soccer and I am currently learning a new language!