Rubee Sandhu was born in LaSalle, Quebec, Canada, and moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan at age 14. For College, Rubee went to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she completed her Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Upon graduation in 2019, she matriculated at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

During her time at HSDM, Rubee served as class president for 4 years, being reelected annually by her peers. Rubee also played a vital role in the recruitment and admissions process at HSDM. She served as a student liaison in the HSDM Admissions process since 2020 and as a 4^th year student, served as a student interviewer. Additionally, Rubee served as a Student Ambassador for the School’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging leading efforts and initiatives to cultivate a diverse, supportive, and inclusive institution. Rubee is passionate about cultivating welcoming and cohesive communities because she believes this is truly required for the greater success of everyone.

When introducing Rubee at the ACD luncheon, Dean William Giannobile further described Rubee as frequently being chosen to represent the HSDM student body at events such as first-year orientation and on a variety of student panels. He stated that she was the standout candidate for this award and HSDM is grateful for her many contributions to their community. He described Rubee as outgoing and passionate about dentistry and that she served as a strong advocate for her class and a stellar representative of HSDM.

Rubee states that she is passionate about general dentistry, specifically in full-mouth rehabilitation and aesthetic dentistry. She will be working in Providence, Rhode Island in private practice this fall.

Joshua Clarke grew up in Pickering, Ontario, Canada. He was raised by a Jewish mother and a Jamaican father who never wavered in their support of his academic and professional goals. Joshua states that being biracial, he felt fortunate to experience the best of two cultures which largely contributed to his passion for diversity and inclusion. His parents wholeheartedly endorsed his decision to pursue a career in health care, despite the financial burden associated with the pursuit. Through their support, Joshua was able to complete a bachelor's degree in biology at the University of Western Ontario. It was at the University of Western Ontario that Joshua decided to pursue dentistry and was accepted into the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM).

Throughout his time in Boston and GSDM, he states that he developed lasting friendships with his classmates as they endured the challenges of dental school together. He hopes to continually nourish these relationships and looks forward to celebrating the continued success of his peers. At GSDM, he was active in many student-led initiatives and served as Vice President of the Student National Dental Association, Secretary of the Endodontics Study Club, and an Orientation Ambassador for first-year students. He was also involved in community service initiatives which provided dental screenings, toiletries, and food to the local community. In the third year of his program, he decided to pursue Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and spent time assisting in the operating room at Boston Medical Center. Joshua states that he will always be grateful to the dental school faculty for their support and guidance throughout his dental education.

This July 2023, he will begin a four-year Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York. He looks forward to the challenges and seeing himself grow into a confident provider within the field. After residency, he hopes to work in private practice while maintaining hospital privileges. He would also love to find an opportunity to teach and mentor students who have an interest in pursuing the specialty. He further states that he will remain an advocate for diversity and inclusion and hopes to combat the racial disparities within the profession. Joshua states that he is grateful to have been honored by the American College of Dentists in receiving the prestigious Outstanding Student Leader Award for 2023.

Dr. Elyse Estra received her bachelor's degree in Chemistry and her doctoral degree in Dental Medicine from the University of Connecticut. Upon dental school graduation, Elyse was awarded the American College of Dentists Outstanding Student Leader Award, the American Academy of Oral Medicine Award, and the American Prosthodontic Society Award.

While at the University of Connecticut, Elyse was actively involved with the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), and recently completed her term as Chair of the ADEA Council of Students, Residents, and Fellows. She is passionate about the advancement of dental education and hopes to pursue a future career in academics.

Elyse is looking forward to beginning a General Practice Residency at Massachusetts General Hospital. She hopes to gain experience in all aspects of clinical dentistry and in the comprehensive care of medically-complex patients.

In her free time, Elyse enjoys attending Orange Theory classes, trying new bakeries and coffee shops, and spending time with family and friends. Elyse is looking forward to exploring outdoor markets and running water loops in Boston!

Dr. Sleiman Elias was born in Lebanon, where his family originates. Soon after, Sleiman joined his family on their international journey traveling through many countries. Sleiman spent his life in the United States, Trinidad & Tobago, Japan, and Qatar, where he graduated high school. Sleiman decided to move back ‘home’ to Texas to pursue his B.S. degree in Biochemistry at Baylor University. After four incredible years, Sleiman continued his pursuit of a career in dentistry by attending Mississippi College and obtaining a Master’s in Medical Sciences, and then applying to Tufts School of Dental Medicine.

Sleiman has always had a deep passion for healthcare and to serve both as a volunteer and as a leader. Sleiman’s passion for dentistry developed when he shadowed his cousins and learned about the deep impact he could make on people’s lives while also having the freedom to be invested in his family and the greater community. Sleiman credits his successes to his incredible family, and all the friends (who have become family) that he has made along the way.

Entering Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Sleiman knew that he wanted to leave a lasting impact in the four years spent in Boston. Sleiman served as the Operative liaison for the class during the first year and had the great privilege of serving as Class President for his last three years of dental school. Sleiman was also heavily involved with the Admissions Office, serving as an Admissions Ambassador and interviewer during his time at Tufts. Sleiman was also honored to be selected to serve on the search committee for Tufts’ newest Orthodontic Chair.

Next year, Sleiman will be continuing his education at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine as a resident in the Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics program.

Dean Nicole Kimmes states that she was so pleased when she learned that the faculty had nominated Dr. Doria Kamseu for the ACD Student Leader Award. She states that Doria truly exemplifies the American College of Dentists pillars and the mission of their college and they are very proud of her accomplishments.

Doria was born in a small town in Kekem, Cameron. She relocated to Paris, France, and at the age of 10 she moved to Olathe, Kansas which she now calls her home. Doria received her Bachelor of Life Science degree with a minor in Spanish from Kansas State University before joining the UNE CDM.

Doria was involved in multiple initiatives and outreach activities. She was one of the first student members on the College Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee representing the Class of ‘23 from 2020-2021. This committee was responsible for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity in all aspects of operations in our college.

Doria was the college representative on the Empty Chair project, a DEI initiative to raise awareness and help prevent incidents of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other forms of interpersonal violence on our campus.

Doria served in multiple leadership roles. She was the Class Treasurer from 2020-2021 and served in the same role at the University level that same year for the student-run government. She was the American Student Dental Association District 1 Vice-chair of Events for 2 years. Doria was active in student organizations and helped to start a new student organization, the Christian Medical and Dental Association.

Doria shared that she always had a heart for helping people who are in a position that makes it harder for them to do things many of us take for granted. She volunteered for community outreach at the CDM such as a Saturday clinic at one of our externship sites, the Waterville Community Dental Center as they requested help with a pediatric initiative. She also helped to provide COVID support at the Cambodian Buddhist Temple in 2020.

After graduation, Doria plans to practice as a general dentist and would love to serve in an underserved area or at an FQHC in New England. Her long-term goal is to continue to close the disparity gap and continue to serve communities in need through mission trips in the US and globally as well.