Building student involvement, fostering civic engagement and enhancing community service to advance public health.
Welcome to the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine’s DC page for the class of 2022! All 203 of us are incredibly excited to be here as we embark on our journey to become future colleagues! This class comes from all regions of the country and overseas, epitomizing the diversity that we at Tufts greatly value, yet we all share a common thread of actively desiring to care for others through dentistry. We pride ourselves in supporting each other over the next four years and beyond, as well as positively impacting our community. We hope that you follow our journey as we leave a lasting impression on our Jumbos family, the city of Boston, and the world! Thanks for visiting & stay tuned!
As we continue on this journey of ours, join us in appreciating and embracing the progress and milestones of both our whole class, as well as individual students by following our instagram page!
ROMINA AZNAVALEH
Class President
My name is Romina Aznavaleh and I am from San Antonio, Texas! I did both my undergraduate and graduate programs at The University of Texas at San Antonio. In 2014 I received my B.S. in Chemistry along with biology and psychology. In 2016 and 2017 I received my M.S. in Biomedical Engineering and Business, respectively. On days that I am not in school, I like taking long walks, paint, play piano, and take pictures!
As the President of D’22, I strive to be the support and backbone for our class and will put forth my best effort to assist with everything I can, whether personal or school related. My goal is to not only graduate from Tufts, but to graduate with the best 4 years worth of experiences alongside some of the best colleagues I will have for the rest of my life.
CHRIS HINES
Class Vice President
My name is Charles C Hines III and I’m from Illinois. I recently moved with my wife from Houston, TX. I am proud to say that my wife and I have a newborn girl named Kamille and are enjoying the beauty of parenthood through dental school thus far. I am excited to be part of the Tufts family, and looking forward to serving underrepresented communities in the near future.
PALAK PATEL
Class Treasurer
My name is Palak Patel, I grew up in Simsbury, CT and I graduated from the University of Rochester in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Health, Behavior, and Society with a minor in Biology. Afterwards, I came to Boston to attend the Masters of Science in Biomedical Sciences program at the Tufts University School of Medicine. In my free time I enjoy traveling to new places, exploring different cultures, listening to a wide variety of music, and trying out new restaurants.
I am so excited and humbled to have the opportunity to be a part of the D22 E-Board. My hope is to use this platform to serve as an advocate for my class and help voice their concerns. I would like to be someone that they can rely on and entrust, and will always try to be of assistance. Although we are just beginning our journey through dental school, it has been wonderful to see our class form bonds with each other and build a strong class presence. We truly are a team, and each member of the class is a valuable player in our success. I can not wait to see where the next four years takes us!
SHALIN SHAH
Class Secretary
My name is Shalin Shah and I am from Troy, MI. In 2016, received my bachelor’s degree in Zoology with a minor in Neuroscience from Miami University in Oxford, OH. Following my undergraduate education, I received my M.A. in Biomedical Sciences at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL. Outside of school, I enjoy playing tennis, trying new cuisines, watching the Detroit Red Wings, and going to the gym.
As a member of the D22 E-Board, I feel obligated to do whatever I can for my classmates so we can all succeed together during our four years here. The caliber of student here is second to none and I look forward to connecting with all of my classmates as we traverse through this challenging and exciting time in our lives. Go Jumbos
COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES:
The following students were selected to represent our class on and in various committees and organizations. If you have an inquiry regarding a specific group, please feel free to contact the corresponding representative!
Patient Care Quality Assurance Committee: Rikesh Patel
Curriculum Committee: Devin Gillis
Ethics, Professionalism and Citizenship Committee: Anshelle Tucker
Risk Safety and Infection Control Committee: Djenane Lemaire
Promotions Committee: Nikesha Walters
Outcomes Assessment Committee: Mitra Marvasti-Sitterly
Research Committee: Benas Jakubauskas
Student Library Advisory Committee: Emarsharae Anderson
ADEA Representative: Jacksyn Clanton
ASDA Representative: Alia Osseiran
Community Service Liaisons: Janki Shingala, James Cruz
Be sure to follow our instagram account, @tufts_d22!
To see pictures from our White Coat ceremony, checkout this link!