McGill Dentistry Graduate Student Society Committee, 2024-2025
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President, Frank Chen
Bonjour/Hello/Namaste/Marhaba/Chetori/Nihao,
I am Frank Chen, a neuroscientist and an open-minded adventurer who loves to befriend people of different cultures and nationalities. Stemming from the beautiful agricultural province of Saskatchewan, I possess a spontaneous enthusiasm for the people and objects around me. I joined the McGill Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences as a master’s student, striving to unveil the mystery behind the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease through a periodontal lens. In my moments of respite, I like to improvise with my guitar and venture into the wilderness with friends for the most breathtaking scenery.
Recognizing the diverse student representations within our faculty, I aim to create an inclusive and vibrant community to facilitate intellectual and cultural exchange between students from different countries and cultural backgrounds. I acknowledge the struggles and anxiety associated with being a graduate student, such as academic pressure, financial difficulties and lack of clear career prospects. I intend to tackle these difficulties by inviting influential figures from in and out of the faculty to guide you on student life, personal finance, entrepreneurship, and emerging career opportunities. In addition, I intend to work with my team to provide you with fun and immersive experiences in the heart of Montreal, just to break the monotony of your academic
life.
I am grateful for your faith in me as I take on the role of President. Here at McGill, we are a big family, and I am committed to ensuring everyone’s voice is heard. I remain attentive to any suggestions and concerns you may have. Chat with me at yupeng.chen [at] mail.mcgill.ca.
VP Academics, Jan Kwan
Bonjour and hello! 
I’m Jan Kwan, a second-year PhD student under the supervision of Simon Tran and Dr. Thomas Nguyen.
My academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences at Queen’s University, followed by a Master of Engineering Science in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Western Ontario, where I specialized in Musculoskeletal Health Research. Currently, my research focuses on stem cell tissue engineering and implant dentistry, with particular interest in smart biomaterials (hydrogels/polymers) and dental implant biomechanics.
When I’m not in the lab, you’ll often find me exploring Montreal’s vibrant culture and hidden gems.
Over the years, my passion for dental research has inspired me to share academic resources and foster collaborative learning environments beyond the classroom and lab. I believe in leveraging cutting-edge tools to enhance research and innovation. Through active participation in international conferences on general and implant dentistry, I’ve seen how collaboration and knowledge exchange drive evidence-based
advancements.
As your elected VP of Academics, I aim to create meaningful opportunities for graduate students to engage, share their passions, and thrive academically. Together, we can foster a supportive and dynamic academic community. Feel free to reach out anytime—I’d love to connect! My email: jan.kwan [at] mail.mcgill.ca.
VP Social, Amanda Tam
Hi!
My name is Amanda Tam and I’m currently a first year MSc Dental Sciences student enrolled under the supervision of Maryam Tabrizian. My research interests lie within the scope of biomaterial development and tissue engineering.
I completed my undergraduate degree at McGill, where I was involved in various student organizations and events, which gave me valuable hands-on experience in event planning, leadership, and teamwork. With my past and current experience, I’m confident that my background will allow me to further contribute to MDGSS’s social initiatives. As a result, I’m excited to use what I’ve learned to create inclusive and engaging events that reflect the interests and needs of our community.
Aside from academics, I really enjoy hiking because I enjoy the peaceful moments outdoors and the view when I reach the top of the mountain. I love to read because it helps me take my mind off things allowing me to relax. If I’m not doing any of these things, you can often find me playing with my rabbit.
Overall, I am thrilled to be MDGSS’ VP Social! If you have any questions, suggestions, or ideas for upcoming events, please feel free to contact me at amanda.tam2 [at] mail.mcgill.ca. Your input is what makes these gatherings truly special and enjoyable for everyone.
VP Finance, Abhimanyu Singh Mertiya
Bonjour/Hi!!
My name is Abhimanyu Singh Mertiya, and I’m a second-year PhD student. I am from India, and after completing my Bachelors and Masters there, I moved here to pursue a PhD under the guidance of Bettina Willie.
My research focuses on computational biomechanics, mineralized tissues and mechanobiology. Currently, I am working on projects related to rare genetic disorders that affect calcified tissues like bones. My goal is to understand how these disorders disrupt the tissue’s ability to respond to physical cues, such as physiological load, impairing growth and development.
Outside of my research, I like to spend time with piano, flute and novels. I like to go for hikes and capturing the beauty of nature through photography. From a young age, I’ve had a passion for financial management. I would carefully divide my pocket money into 'leisure' and 'future' expenses, ensuring sustainability in the long run. This interest in finance has grown over time, which led me to contest for VP of Finance for MDGSS. I thank all of you for electing me, and I assure you to continuously work for the financial betterment of MDGSS.
In this role, my primary aim is to optimize our budget so that a certain amount of money can be devoted to grant travel awards for academic purpose. I’m always open to suggestions or feedback on how we can improve our financial strategies. Feel free to reach out to me at my email abhimanyu.mertiya [at] mail.mcgill.ca if you have any thoughts or ideas.
VP Communications, Zaneta D'Souza
Hey everyone!! I am Zaneta D’Souza, a first-year MSc Dental Sciences student under the supervision of Sreenath Madathil, currently working on an exciting thesis project that explores the application of AI in oral cancer diagnosis.
As many of you know, I served as the President of the McGill Dental Graduate Student Society (MDGSS) for the 2023-2024 academic year, where I spearheaded a wide range of academic, social, and career-based initiatives for our faculty. This experience, alongside my extensive leadership background in both academic and professional settings, has equipped me with the skills and dedication needed for the role of VP Communications. While the responsibilities of President were
immensely fulfilling, I felt that transitioning to VP Communications would allow me to focus on my academic commitments and even more on what I am passionate about: fostering open, effective, and engaging communication across our student body.
Throughout my academic journey, I’ve actively worked to enhance the student experience in our department. My approach has always been rooted in creating learning environments that are enjoyable, inclusive, and innovative—principles I embraced as an assistant professor at Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai. Teaching and engaging with students provided me with a deep understanding of effective communication and the nuances of the student-teacher dynamic. Later, as a Medical Science Liaison for a leading global pharmaceutical company in India, I gained a more comprehensive view of research’s practical implications, strengthening my expertise in teamwork, creativity, and strategic communication.
What I cherished most during my presidency was the unwavering support and enthusiastic participation from both students and faculty members. Our events not only saw great turnout but also received overwhelmingly positive feedback, affirming the importance of clear and timely communication. I am confident that I have mastered this skill and am eager to use it to keep everyone well-informed and engaged.
Beyond my academic and professional life, I am passionate about playing the piano, singing, badminton, and indoor running. Connecting with peers who share similar interests always energizes me, and I’d love to bond with more of you over these hobbies.
As your VP Communications, I will ensure that our student body remains transparent, accessible, and well-informed. My goal is to encourage open and effective communication that strengthens our vibrant and supportive student community. Please feel free to reach out to me at zaneta.dsouza [at] mail.mcgill.ca. I look forward to collaborating with you all to make our faculty experience even more enriching and engaging.
VP Careers, Nina Chen
Hello!
My name is Nina, and I am excited to serve as your VP of Careers for MDGSS this year. I completed my Bachelor’s degree at the University of Ottawa studying Biomedical Science, and I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Dental Science under the supervision of Simon Tran.
My research interests stem around regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and stem cell therapies. My current project explores the growth and expansion of salivary gland organoids to better understand their potential for restoring impaired salivary gland function. This work aims to contribute to developing
effective treatments for conditions like xerostomia.
Prior to my master’s program, I gained valuable experience in the biomedical field through both academic research and industry roles. My work with pluripotent stem cells and their applications deepened my understanding of translating research into real-world impact. These experiences have sharpened my skills in collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving—qualities I am eager to contribute as VP Careers.
As VP Careers, my vision is to empower our graduate community by organizing workshops, networking events, and panel discussions featuring professionals from academia, industry, and clinical fields. My goal is to help you navigate career opportunities and build connections that will set the stage for your future success. Whether it’s resume building, interview preparation, or finding the right mentor, I am here to ensure you have the resources to excel beyond your studies.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at nina.chen [at] mail.mcgill.ca with ideas or career related questions. Let’s work together to make this a year of growth, opportunity, and professional development.
VP Intra-faculty Affairs, Verónica Parra
Hello Everyone!
I’m Verónica Parra M, a dentist and specialist in periodontics from Colombia. I'm currently a first-year Master’s Thesis student in the Oral and Population Health Cluster under the supervision of Dr. Paul Allison and Dr. Nora Makansi. I’m deeply passionate about the field of dental public health and understanding the
impact of oral health conditions on marginalized communities.
Throughout my academic journey, I’ve learned the value of building strong connections that go beyond classrooms creating opportunities for collaboration, support, and friendship. I strongly believe that a connected and welcoming academic environment helps everyone grow both personally and professionally.
As VP of intra-faculty affairs, my goal is to bridge the gap between DMD, MSc, and PhD students. I aim to foster collaboration through initiatives that bring us together for research, learning, and fun. Whether it’s organizing academic activities, creating opportunities to network, or simply finding ways to help us connect. I’m dedicated to making our faculty feel like one big community where we can grow together. I’d love to hear your ideas and suggestions! Feel free to reach out to veronica.parra [at] mail.mcgill.ca.
Non-Thesis Representative, Sakshi Verma
Hello, 
I am Sakshi Verma and currently a second-year student in the Master’s in Dental Sciences Non-Thesis program. Originally from India, I bring an international perspective to my studies, having trained as a dentist in my home country. My interest lies in the intersection of data science and dentistry. The non-thesis program has provided me with an amazing platform to transition from traditional dentistry to a career in data science within the dental field. Apart from academics I love to paint, write poems, and explore new places!
Having spent a year at McGill and in the non-thesis program, I understand the details of navigating through this degree. It is important to emphasize and recognize the flexibility our program offers, allowing us to tailor our degrees to our interests and career goals. I am dedicated to helping incoming students make the most of their experience. Despite being a small cohort, I hope to enhance the experience of non-thesis students and ensure that our unique contributions and needs are recognized and valued within the broader academic community.
I look forward to working with you all to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students. Feel free to reach out to me at sakshi.verma [at] mail.mcgill.ca whether to chat about the program, painting tips or place recommendations!
PGSS Representative, Adetomiwa Adedire
Hello Everyone!
My name is Adetomiwa Adedire, and I am a first-year Master's thesis student at McGill University, under the supervision of Dr. Paul Allison. I hold a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BChD) from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and my passion for public health drives me to pursue a master’s degree focused on access to care.
Throughout my academic journey, I have had the privilege of taking on several leadership roles, both in clinical settings and within student organizations. In 2023, I served as the Senior House Surgeon in the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience. During my undergraduate studies, I had the honor of chairing the Dental Students Research Club and leading the IFUDSA Electoral Committee. My leadership experience also includes serving as the General Secretary of the Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA) and as the Missions Secretary. Additionally, I served as the General Secretary of the Dental Students Electoral Committee at OAU.
In addition to academics and leadership, I am passionate about fostering collaboration and inclusivity within diverse communities. Beyond my academic and professional pursuits, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, cooking, and watching movies. As the newly elected PGSS representative, I am committed to addressing the needs and concerns of our student body and ensuring that the interests of MDGSS are well represented at the PGSS council. I value teamwork and communication, and I look forward to working with faculty, staff, and fellow students to enhance our collective experience at McGill.
Please feel free to reach out to me at adetomiwa.adedire [at] mail.mcgill.ca if you have any questions or suggestions. Let’s work together to make this academic year a success!