2023 Predoctoral Convocation Awards
The School of Dentistry celebrated the accomplishments of its predoctoral dental students during the 2023 Predoctoral Convocation Awards at the end of April.
Stefanie Seitz, DDS, MEd, assistant dean for students, emceed the event, which recognized 31 individuals and presented nearly $24,000 in scholarship and award winnings.
The Alliance of Texas Dental Association presented third-year dental students Cheyenne Alexander, Taylor Jordan and Garett Rutkowski with endowed scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each in honor of their academic excellence and leadership efforts.
Tyler Childs, second-year dental student, was presented with the Թ Ambassador Scholarship. This honor is given each year to one outstanding student from each of the institution’s schools. A scholarship in the amount of $5,000 was awarded to each ambassador. Childs will represent the dental student body and the university at numerous events throughout the 2023-2024 academic year.
On behalf of their respective classes, each class president bestowed the honor of Professor of the Year. Oscar Miranda, junior class president, praised John P. Hanlon, DMD, clinical assistant professor, on behalf of his class by saying, “he takes his time to explain concepts until you really understand it — that really goes a long way for us as students.”
The sophomore class selected Edward F. Wright, DDS, MS, professor, as their awardee. “This member of faculty took great care in teaching us dental anatomy, made sure no student was left behind or left feeling discouraged,” said Nikki Kramer, sophomore class president.
Freshman Class President Valentina Glikas named Haley L. Nation, PhD, associate professor, as her classmates pick for Professor of the Year. “She consistently goes out of the way to ensure that students have the resources and support that they need to excel,” Glikas said.
Other honors, awards and scholarships announced included:
• Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation Scholarship: Valentina Glikas and Karimu Osman
• Richard H. Carr, Jr, DDS Endowed Scholarship: Sara Bellusa and Bailey Meyer.
• Edward G. Rennels and Vick Williams Award: Julia Lovelace
• Kramer Award: Joshua Dickie
• Mu Nu Memorial Award: Garett Rutkowski
• Outstanding Achievement in Academics: Samuel Sikon
• Outstanding Achievement in Research: Kan Wang
• Outstanding Achievement in Service: Olumayowa Amu
• Junior Clinic Award for Excellence in Clinical Dentistry: Cheyenne Alexander (GPG1), Alexis Gonzalez (GPG2), Joshua Dickie (GPG3), Sara Bellusa (GPG4), Lazaro Emanuel Tobias (GPG5), Vrinda Patel (GPG6), Glaucia Schuindt Teixeira Neves (GPG7), Liliana Perez (GPG8)
• CACTUS Award: Alexander Reed and Ashley Wu
• Pierre Fauchard Academy Dental Student Scholarship Award: Dylan Nguyen
• Arthur T. Storey Scholar's Award: Joshua Dickie
• Maria Yeung Student Research Award: Glaucia Schuindt Teixeira Neves
• Carus Dental Scholarship: Derrick Wong
The School of Dentistry congratulates all the awardees for their achievements and commitment to excellence over the year.