Meet Our Alumni

Rishika

Pre-Dental Assistant

I was Born and Raised In: I was actually born in New Jersey but raised in Delhi, India.I moved to the US at 16!
Education: B.S in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh
What I like most about Dentistry: The creativity and individuality of every case
My happy place or favorite getaway: Barcelona, Spain
Hobby: Cooking
What I love about Pittsburgh: The summers when the college students leave and the traffic dies down
Favorite Sports Team: I don't follow sports
Favorite Restaurant: Teppanyaki Kyoto
Favorite Movie: It's hard to choose but probably a Bollywood movie called "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" which translates to "You Only Live Once"
Favorite Music: Whatever is trending at the time My Bucket List: Spend a year abroad
Fun Fact: I'm part of the 0.5% of colorblind women 

Cory

Future Dentist - University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine – Class of 2028

I was born in New Jersey but moved to Pittsburgh when I was six. I went to grade school in Wexford and attended Pittsburgh Central Catholic and then the University of Pittsburgh for my undergrad. I hope to go to dental school to become a dentist!
What I like most about dentistry: I love how you can provide instant relief with good dental care. I also love how complex dentistry really becomes an art of its own.
My happy place or favorite getaway: Myrtle Beach, SC
Favorite hobby/pastime: I love playing basketball, I played in high school and I wish I could play here now.
What do you love most about Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh is the perfect blend of big and small city. The restaurants are amazing, the sports teams are always good, and the people are always nice.
Favorite sports team: Steelers!
Favorite restaurant: There are so many choices for this, but Texas de Brazil is my favorite.
Favorite movie: I am not a big movie fan, but I used to love a Good Burger as a kid.
Favorite music: I’m a big electronic music guy.
Favorite app or social media site: As edgy as it may sound, I find myself on Reddit a lot.
My bucket list: I’d love to skydive one day. I feel like I’ll never be afraid of anything after that.
Favorite quote: “Don’t count the days, make the days count” – Muhammad Ali
A fun fact: Ben Roethlisberger taught me how to throw a football for a week during a football camp.
Favorite dental joke: What does the dentist of the year get? a little plaque

Kami

Future Dentist - University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine – Class of 2028

I was Born and Raised In: Elizabeth, PA
Education: I got my bachelor of science in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh in 2022.
What I like most about Dentistry: restoring confidence in patients’ smiles
My happy place or favorite getaway: the beach
Hobby: Spending time with my dog Callie
What I love about Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh Pride
Favorite Sports Team: The Pens
Favorite App or Social Media Site: Tik Tok
Favorite Restaurant: Luciano’s 
Favorite Movie: La La Land
Favorite Music: Pop and Alternative  
My bucket list: Go on a trip to Europe.
Fun Fact: I have 4 siblings, the oldest is 25 and the youngest is 4! 
Favorite Quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
 

Austin

Creighton University School of Dentistry - Class of 2027

I was born in Pittsburgh and grew up in Cranberry Township. I went to Seneca Valley for grade school and high school and was blessed to be able to stay in the area for college at Carnegie Mellon.
Education: Carnegie Mellon University B.S. in Psychology, Minor in Music Performance
What I like most about dentistry: I get to engage with science, art, and handiwork in order to help patients!
My favorite getaway: Kauai, Hawaii or anywhere else with beautiful nature
Favorite hobby: I love going to the gym and I'm learning how to cook!
What I love about Pittsburgh: PGH is full of surprises! Everyone who grew up here also has a set of unspoken agreements regardless of background.
Favorite sports team: Can't decide between the Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, or Penguins!
Favorite restaurant: Five Guys - those burgers are my comfort food!
Favorite movie: Alien
Favorite music: My taste in music is very eclectic... I'll listen to anything I can sing or dance to!
Favorite app or social media site: Messenger!
My bucket list: Become an Iron Phi
Favorite quote: “To do what ought to be done, but would not have been done unless I did it, I thought to be my duty.” - Robert Morrison
A fun fact: I am a third degree black belt in Taekwondo.
Favorite dental joke: What do you call a dentist who doesn't like tea? Denis

Nicole

University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine – Class of 2026

I was born and raised in Bucks County PA.
Education: University of Pittsburgh
What I like most about dentistry: I love that it is truly an art-form where you are able to make an impact on the lives of patients and broader community.
My favorite place or favorite getaway: Exploring local trails and natural parks
Favorite hobby/pastime: Painting
What I love about Pittsburgh: I thrive on the cultural scene – whether that be visiting a museum or seeing a new show at the Benedum
Favorite sports team: Philly Sports! 
Favorite restaurant: Noodlehead
Favorite movie: He Bought a Zoo
Favorite music: Alternative
Favorite app or social media site: 1 Second Everyday
My bucket list:   Skydiving
Favorite quote:  “Everything Happens for a Reason”
A random fact: I can speak Russian
Favorite dental joke: What does the dentist of the year get?. . . A little plaque!

Sung

University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine – Class of 2026

I was born in Kissimmee, FL. Raised in Taipei, Taiwan
Education: Bachelors in Biomedical Sciences. Pitt Dental Class of 2026
What I like most about dentistry: I love how flexible dentistry is, depending on the patient’s want/need we can personalize a treatment plan for him/her.
Family: 1 older sister, 2 younger brothers
Favorite hobby/ pastime: I love hiking at different places with my fiancé, Thomas and our dog, Elsa.
My favorite place or favorite getaway: I am originally from Florida so Disney World has always been my happy place as well as a place for a weekend getaway.
Favorite restaurant: Everyday Noodle
Favorite app or social media site: Snapchat/Instagram
What do you love most about Pittsburgh: I love that there are four seasons here, watching the leaves change color has been quite a breath taking experience.
Bucket list: Sky Diving
Favorite quote: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. – Maya Angelou
Random fact: I speak Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese

Sarah

University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine – Class of 2025

I was born and raised in the small town of Sherburne, NY where the cow population just might surpass that of people.
Education: I graduated from Allegheny College in May 2018 with a BS in Biology and a Minor in Studio Art.
What I like most about dentistry: My favorite part about dentistry is treating every case like a work of art that allows a patient to feel as comfortable and confident with their smile as possible.
My happy place or favorite getaway: My favorite getaway is Cape Cod, MA
Favorite hobby/pastime: Watching sports and spending time with family and friends.
What I love about Pittsburgh: Accessibility and Sports culture
Favorite sports team: I enjoy all sports, but I am a budding Pittsburgh Penguins fan!
Favorite music: Country
Favorite social media site: Instagram
My bucket List: Travel to New Zealand
Favorite quote: “You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself in any direction you choose!” -Dr. Seuss
Favorite dental joke: What did the dentist see at the North Pole? – – A molar bear

Rani

Future Dentist - University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine – Class of 2028

I was born and raised in Jefferson City, Missouri
Family: I will be the fifth dentist in my family.
Education: I am a Natural Science major at The University of Pittsburgh.
What I like most about dentistry: I love being able to provide immediate pain relief and creating smiles that help people feel more confident with.
Favorite hobby/ pastime: going on walks
My favorite place or favorite getaway: Anywhere with friends and family - the people make the place.
Favorite sports team: What are sports?
Favorite restaurant: Conado Tacos
Favorite movie: She’s the man
Favorite music: Alt
Favorite app or social media site: YouTube
What do you love most about Pittsburgh: I enjoy exploring the different neighborhoods.
Bucket list: paper lantern festival
Favorite quote: "The best conversation you have can be with a stranger"
Fun fact: I am legally a midget
Favorite dental joke: What award did the dentist win? A plaque

Yuna

Future Dentist - Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine, Class of 2028

"I was born and raised (and a little about yourself): I was born in Seoul, South Korea, moved to King of Prussia, Pennsylvania when I was nine, and moved here to Pittsburgh this year. I have visited South Korea a few times, because I miss it a lot!
Family: My family is spread out all over the world - USA, South Korea, Canada, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
Education: I went to Valley Forge Elementary School, Valley Forge Middle School, Conestoga High School, and am going into my sophomore year at the University of Pittsburgh. My goal is to apply to dental school to become a dentist!
What I like most about dentistry: From what I can tell so far, dentistry not only treats patients physically but also emotionally. And it contains a perfect blend of art, science, and social-skills.
My happy place or favorite getaway: My happy place is a deep swimming pool.
Favorite hobby/pastime: I love to chill with my two cats (Latte & Choco), swim, play tennis, and water my mini Pinus strobus.
What I love about Pittsburgh: I do not have much to say about the city yet, because I moved here only a few weeks ago. However, I found late-night drives around campus to be very soothing and pretty!
Favorite Sports Team: I do not have a favorite sports team, but I am a fan of watching basketball!"

Dr. Relis

Retired

Thank you for your many years of dedicated service and personalized attention to your patients!

Marilue

Retired - Thank you for your many years of dedication and service!

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh.
Family: I have two daughters and a grandson.
Education: I graduated from Brentwood Jr./Sr. High School.
What I like most about dentistry: The smiles on a patients face when they see their new “smile”!
Favorite hobby/ pastime: I like to bake and garden.
My favorite place or favorite getaway: The ocean is one of my favorite places.
Favorite sports team: Pittsburgh Penguins
Favorite restaurant: Tessaro’s
Favorite movie: Dr. Zhiraga
Favorite music: I enjoy all types of music.
Favorite app or social media site: My favorite app is Words with Friends.
What do you love most about Pittsburgh: I love Pittsburgh for its diversity.
Bucket list: I want to see a lighthouse in Maine
Favorite quote: “It is what it is.”
Fun fact: I use to love riding motorcycles.
Favorite dental joke: What do dentists call their x-rays? … toothpicks

Kathy

Retired - Thank you for being such a valuable member of our team!

I was born and raised in Armstrong County.
Education: Ernst & Young / Inc Magazine Female Entrepreneur of the year in 1989. Started and owned 3 companies that supplied, manufactured and installed products for maintenance/protection of traffic to the road construction industry in PA
What I like most about dentistry: How it enhances your smile and overall facial appearance
My happy place or favorite getaway: Time with my husband Bob and family
Favorite hobby/pastime: Reading and decorating our home and working in my flower gardens
Family: 5 children and 9 grandchildren
Favorite sports team: Penguins
Favorite restaurant: Hoffstodt’s Oakmont
Favorite movie: any Tom Cruise movie
Favorite music: 70’s
What do you love most about Pittsburgh: All the great people
Bucket list: visit Italy

Sahel

Dental Assistant

I was born in Kabul, Afghanistan and also raised there, but in 2021 we moved from Kabul to Pittsburgh, PA. 
Family: We are 8 people, 6 of who are in the medical field.
Education: I have graduated from proj-e-fifth 315 high school in Kabul. Then I went to Afghanswiss medical institute for 6 years but because of the Talibans I couldn’t continue my studies.
What I like most about dentistry: I like to relieve the pain of people and make them smile.
Favorite hobby/ pastime: Playing Chess and soccer 
My favorite place or favorite getaway: Any place where I have access to nature.
Favorite sports team: Dallas Cowboys
Favorite Restaurant: any restaurant with spicy food
Favorite movie: I like comedy movies like The Three Stooges 
Favorite music: Classic Afghan music
What do you love most about Pittsburgh: The people are honest and kind
Favorite app or social media site: Facebook
Bucket list: Traveling the world
Favorite quote: “There is always light at the end of the tunnel”
Fun fact: For every one person in New Zealand there is 10 sheep
Favorite dental joke: Why did the smartphone go to the dentist? . . . it had bluetooth