NSU CDM Impressions Fall/Winter 2019

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | 39 Fourth-year student Francesca Pietri was named the CDM 2019 Student of the Year and the CDM Student Chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) was named Graduate Organization of the Year during the 2019 NSU Student Life Achievement Awards (STUEYS). The STUEYS honor those who further a sense of campus community, focusing on NSU’s Core Values of academic excellence, student centered, integrity, innovation, opportunity, scholarship/ research, diversity, and community. Pietri was recognized for representing the CDM’s goal of creating outstanding clinicians and leaders in their communities. The 2019 graduate exhibited a strong work ethic while in the CDM, and while earning her bachelor’s degree in biology and master’s degree in biomedical sciences from NSU. As a leader, Pietri served on executive boards, was a college ambas- sador and class representative, and participated in the annual Give Kids A Smile event and dental medical outreach trips outside the United States. “I feel privileged to have been nominated by the faculty, staff, and my peers to receive such recog- nition,” Pietri said. The Student Chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists, which consists of predoctoral students, postgraduates, and faculty members, aims to advance, connect, and enrich the lives of women dentists. “The NSU CDM Student Chapter of AAWD is an amazing organization led by dentistry’s female leaders of tomorrow, with a work ethic second to none and a vision of giving. It bonds women in the dental profes- sion. I am honored to be the faculty adviser, as the members inspire me every day,” said Sharon Siegel, D.D.S., M.S., M.B.A., professor and chair of the Department of Prosthodontics. The CDM chapter participates in various philan- thropic efforts throughout the year, including the AIDS Walk, cancer runs, and Feeding South Florida, for which the chapter raised more than 883 pounds of food. The organization also led tutorials for pre- doctoral students and collaborated with companies such as Colgate in hosting oral hygiene events. The CDM’s AAWD also embraces mentorship and fellowship opportunities. “I have been a part of the AAWD since my first year at the CDM,” said class of 2020 student Nicole Elia, CDM AAWD president. “Being in AAWD means taking part in community service activities, academic learning and teaching opportunities, and even much-needed social events to take a breather from the busy curriculum of dental school. We build relationships with other women in the dental field and support one another. When people ask me about our organization, I tell them that we may be small in number, but we are mighty. AAWD will continue to make great strides in the years to come.” u CDM Honors NSU Student Life Achievement Award Winners Linda C. Niessen, D.M.D., M.P.H., M.P.P., former CDM dean and professor (left), with 2019 CDM Student of the Year Francesca Pietri