I am a dedicated, registered dental hygiene professional and United States Air Force veteran with 8 and a half years of service. Through these experiences I have developed a strong foundation for patient care, teamwork, and clinical support. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene in 2025, followed by a Master’s degree in Dental Hygiene with a concentration in education in 2027. During my graduate studies, I served as a teaching assistant, supporting both didactic and clinical instruction while helping facilitate student learning through academic and hands-on learning. My short-term goal is to expand my experience in dental hygiene education, with a focus on transitioning into a more didactic-centered faculty role and ultimately achieving a tenured academic position. My research interests focus on improving access to dental hygiene care for geriatric populations, particularly in addressing barriers to care and enhancing preventive services for this underserved demographic.