Student Ambassadors

Growing up in small-town Iowa in a bilingual household, my French background has always been an important part of who I am. Visiting family in the south of France and immersing myself in the language played a big role in how easily I came to love Montreal when I moved here for undergrad. The tight-knit community I built around myself at McGill through intramural sports, student groups, and outreach throughout those four years helped shape who I am today.

When deciding where to go for dental school, staying at McGill felt like a natural choice. I already had roots here and I valued the smaller class size of the faculty which allows for specialized instruction and closer connections with classmates.

Outside of academics and campus life, sports and creative outlets have always been a huge part of my life. I love playing volleyball and soccer with friends and teaching and taking dance classes. Dance has been a passion of mine since I was very young and I am grateful to keep it up during dental school! I also enjoy reading, fashion, playing board games with friends, and trying new cafés and restaurants around Montreal. That being said, feel free to reach out if you have any questions, dental or restaurant related :) I’d love to chat!

I grew up in Toronto, Ontario, where I spent my childhood enjoying creative, hands-on activities like painting. I attended French schools prior to university, then completed my Biomedical Sciences degree at Toronto Metropolitan University, followed by a gap year working in fintech, where I developed an interest in business and entrepreneurship. Combined with my passion for communication, hands-on work, and community service, I found myself drawn to the field of dentistry. 

I chose to study at McGill because I wanted the opportunity to serve a bilingual patient population within a program that places a strong focus on community outreach. The first-year FMD curriculum was also a major pull, as it emphasizes the vital link between oral and systemic health. 

In my free time, I love trying new restaurants and cafes, playing badminton, hiking, photography, and painting. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, I’m always happy to help! 

I was born and raised in Ottawa, but have spent much of my childhood in Montreal, where I have family roots. I have always been interested in working in healthcare, and I was particularly drawn to dentistry because of its hands-on nature and the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients. I completed my undergraduate degree in Medical Sciences (Honours) at Western University before coming to McGill. After receiving offers to various dental and medical programs, McGill's DMD program was my top choice because of its small class size, unique medical curriculum, and the vibrant and bilingual character of Montreal. Outside of school, I enjoy playing tennis, reading, and listening to and playing music. I also enjoy working with children, whether through summer camps, tutoring, or leading a children’s book-writing initiative.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. I am always happy to help!

I was born in Calgary, Alberta, where I lived for the first 11 years of my life before moving to Saudi Arabia. I completed middle and high school there before moving to Montreal to pursue my undergraduate degree at McGill University.

Moving between different countries played a big role in my decision to pursue dentistry! Throughout these moves, I built strong relationships with my dentists, particularly while living in Saudi Arabia. My dentist became a source of support while I was adjusting to a new environment and showed me the lasting impact that dentists can have on their patients’ lives. I was also drawn to the hands-on and creative aspects of dentistry, which ultimately solidified my decision to pursue the profession.

Outside of academics, I love swimming, reading, exploring Montreal, and trying new restaurants and cafés with friends! Please feel free to reach out with any questions, or for recommendations of new spots to try in Montreal!

Born in Quebec and raised in Lebanon, I grew up in a Lebanese family where music, food, and family were always an important part of my life. I developed a love for music from a young age and have been playing the piano for many years. Coming from a family of more than five dentists, dentistry has always been a familiar part of my life, and I eventually decided to carry on the family legacy. I was drawn to dentistry because it combines my interests in science and hands-on work with what I love most: art and creativity.

I completed my Health Sciences DEC at Marianopolis College before beginning my studies at McGill. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time in nature, playing piano, travelling, and most importantly, writing lots and lots of poetry. I also have a slightly unusual collection of wet napkins from restaurants I’ve visited around the world.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions! I’m always happy to help!

I was born in Senegal and am originally from Burkina Faso, but I’ve also lived in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada. Growing up in different countries has shaped who I am, and I’ve really enjoyed experiencing different cultures and meeting people from all over the world.

I’ve always been interested in healthcare and wanted a career where I could work closely with people. Dentistry stood out to me because it combines science and hands-on work while allowing you to build long-term relationships with patients. I chose McGill because I loved the sense of community within the DMD program and the opportunity to be part of such a culturally diverse city. Coming from an international background, this was something that really appealed to me.

When I’m not studying, you can usually find me watching YouTube, a series, or a movie, exploring Montreal, travelling, or spending time with friends. If you have any questions about the DMD program or life at McGill, feel free to reach out! I’m happy to chat. 😊

I grew up in Montreal in a household shaped by two very different cultures. My father is Moroccan, and my mother is Ukrainian, so I grew up around different languages, traditions, foods, and ways of doing things. From a young age, this made me curious about people and comfortable moving between different environments. In CEGEP and at McGill, I studied psychology because I was interested in understanding people and what shapes the way we think and behave. My path eventually led me to dentistry because I wanted a career that brought together working closely with people, science, and hands-on work. Coming from a psychology background, the process of applying to dental school was not always straightforward, and I spent a lot of time figuring out prerequisites, building my CV, and learning from others who had gone through it themselves. As a Student Ambassador, I hope to help make the journey a little less overwhelming for students who may be coming from a similar background or who are simply unsure where to start. I chose McGill because of the sense of community I experienced here and its connection to the wider Montreal community. Outside of school, I love cooking and baking, trying new restaurants, travelling, dancing, and spending time with family and friends.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

I grew up in the United States, specifically in Massachusetts, but I spent a lot of time in England, where my family is from. I attended Boston University (BU) for my undergraduate degree and pursued a dual degree in English and French Literature. After graduating from BU, I attended a post-bac pre-health program to complete my pre-requisites for dental school. I chose McGill because of its small program size, the strong curriculum that incorporates the fundamentals of medicine, the diverse array of research opportunities, and the unique opportunity to utilize my French language skills. In my free time, I enjoy needlepoint, embroidery, and Pilates, as I am also a certified Pilates instructor. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions! I am always happy to help!

Born and raised in the suburbs of Montreal, I’ve always felt strongly connected to my community, particularly through my involvement at my local pool. I’ve been a competitive swimmer since the age of 6 where I learned the importance of team work, dedication, and living an active lifestyle. Now, I work as a lifeguard during the summers to give back to the same community that helped shape who I am today. My interest in dentistry began when I realized I genuinely loved going to the dentist, which was an unusual sentiment among other kids my age. Those positive experiences sparked my curiosity, and as I grew older, I came to appreciate how dentistry combines science, art, and patient care; all things central to my life as a student, artist, and lifeguard. I was especially drawn to the profession’s focus on prevention and the way a healthy smile can transform someone’s confidence and quality of life. Outside of McGill, you’ll find me at the pottery studio playing with clay, at the pool teaching kids to swim, or outside playing with my dog. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, I’m happy to help!

My name is Tang-Jia Deniz Tezyel, chosen by my grandfathers. In Mandarin, Tang (唐) represents China, while Jia (加) comes from Canada (加拿大). Together, they reflect my Chinese and Canadian roots. Deniz, meaning “sea” in Turkish, represents my family’s connection to the Black Sea. My name is a reminder that no matter where I live, I will always carry a part of my culture and history with me.

I was born in Montreal and raised in Gatineau, where my multicultural upbringing sparked a lasting curiosity for languages and history. During those early years in Montreal, visiting my dentist inspired my love for dentistry. I was drawn to how compassion and skill could bring comfort and confidence to others.

Outside of school, I’m passionate about music, reading, and languages. I began playing the violin at five and later had the joy of teaching it, sharing my love for music with others. I love reading because it lets me explore different perspectives and live a hundred lives through stories. I’m also perfecting my Turkish, which keeps me connected to my roots and deepens my appreciation for cultures. These interests ground me and remind me to appreciate life’s small, meaningful moments.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

I was born and raised in Guangzhou, China, and completed both my undergraduate and graduate studies in Boston, United States. It was in Boston that I developed a strong commitment to community service, as I worked with local communities extensively. This experience solidified my desire to build a career centered on helping others, which led me directly to dentistry. I believe a healthy, confident smile is foundational to a person's self-esteem and quality of life, and I want to be able to provide the care that helps individuals feel their best.

I chose McGill because of its small class size and emphasis on research. Additionally, our faculty’s commitment to community service also enables me to continue helping people. Finally, as someone who loves immersing myself in new cultures, the opportunity to take on the challenge of living in a bilingual city is an incredibly exciting prospect for my personal growth. Outside of school, I love travelling, going to concerts, and wandering around the city (when the weather is nice)!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

Though I was born in the US, I have spent almost my entire life in Montreal, from my first days of daycare all the way to going into the DMD. When I was younger, I had many encounters with dental procedures; for instance, I underwent general anaesthesia for dental surgery of 16 of my teeth when I was 2 and had braces for 5 years in high school. Going into CEGEP, I knew that I wanted to work in healthcare, but after shadowing professionals from various fields, I chose to go into dentistry. What drew me to McGill was the unique curriculum, the connection that develops between classmates of cohorts of our size, and the proximity to home.

Aside from academics, my hobbies include music in any form (listening to it, singing songs, and playing guitar), fashion, and participating in the lively social life here (there is always an activity to do!).

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Born and raised in Nanjing, China, I came to Canada alone at the age of 14. I completed my secondary education in Sherbrooke before moving to Montreal for CEGEP and university. Throughout my CEGEP and undergraduate studies, I enjoyed exploring the health sciences. My understanding of how the nervous system underlies human function and perception has inspired me to apply this knowledge in a hands-on and patient-centered field like dentistry. Having visited the dentist many times myself, I have come to appreciate the importance of preventive care and hope to advocate for oral health as a future practitioner. I was drawn to McGill’s DMD program because of its small class size and enriched clinical experiences throughout the four-year curriculum. In addition, after spending three years of my undergraduate studies at McGill University, I value its supportive academic environment, which motivates me to continue my studies here. Outside of school, I enjoy climbing, dragon boating, and exploring restaurants in the city. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

I was born and raised in Bangalore, India, and have always been curious about the world around me. I love exploring different cultures, learning from new experiences, and embracing adventure. Outside of dentistry, I enjoy rock climbing, hiking, scuba diving, surfing, and parasailing. I also studied business and enjoy teaching accounting in my free time. Cooking from scratch and hosting friends and family is another passion I grew up with and continue to cherish today.

My passion for dentistry comes from my interest in healthcare and my desire to serve communities. During my undergraduate studies and clinical practice in India, I had the opportunity to participate in community initiatives, including oral health screenings in government schools and denture programs for seniors. These experiences taught me the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and making a meaningful impact, even with limited resources. I also love the artistic side of dentistry; it’s exciting to see how science and creativity come together to transform smiles and improve lives.

I chose McGill Dentistry because of its small class sizes, collaborative learning environment, and access to innovative technology. Since arriving, I’ve discovered a supportive and engaging community where learning is both engaging and rewarding, thanks in large part to our knowledgeable and approachable professors. Here, striving for excellence is part of everyday life.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. I look forward to meeting you!

I grew up in Toronto’s 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 McGill’s 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 McGill 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’d love to connect and answer any questions to help you toward your future goals!

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—exploring cafes, restaurants, and unique spots in Montreal with friends—and staying active through spin and yoga classes.

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’ve 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—it feels a lot like checking in on old friends!

I chose McGill 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’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

Born and raised in Montreal, I grew up in a trilingual family of Greek heritage. I’ve 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 McGill 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 McGill’s Open House as a prospective student. Outside of classes, you’ll find me on the tennis court, skiing, doing reformer Pilates, or in one of Montreal’s amazing museums or cafés. I’m also into art and perfume making—they are creative outlets for me! I’m excited to share my journey with future candidates. I hope to inspire others to join this field at McGill and make a difference. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

My name is Arman Danesh, and I am a first-year dental student here at McGill’s 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 McGill for several reasons. Firstly, I was extremely drawn to the fact that McGill’s 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!

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. Please reach out if you have any questions!

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’s 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.  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 McGill 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.

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

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 McGill 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 McGill 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!

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’s 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 McGill due to their innovative curriculum and their small class size which offers individualized training. If I’m 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!

Born and raised in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, 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’s 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’s 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.

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’ve 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. McGill’s 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’s 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!

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 McGill University 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’m 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!

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 McGill’s 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’s hidden gems. Feel free to reach out with any questions about dentistry at McGill- I’m here to help!

Montreal is where I call home, and it is also where my journey toward dentistry began. My decision to pursue dentistry at McGill 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 McGill 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’s 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!

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’s 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 McGill 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!