Lasting Impressions | Fall 2016

She also received a Walmart community scholarship, among others. e CDM gave Pietri the chance to live her dream. “As soon as I became a dental student, I assumed an intensely determined attitude to do well and enjoy the experience,” she said. “I wanted to be a dental student for a very long time, and although my journey into dental school was not a typical one, I always knew in my heart that if given the chance, I would succeed.” Pietri’s journey included modeling in the United States, Central America, and Europe when she was 19 years old. In 2012, a er her graduation from NSU with a bachelor’s degree in biology, she moved to Paris to study the French language and architecture at the Sorbonne University. She also took painting and drawing classes at the Académie de Port Royal. Not surprisingly, Pietri’s work ethic, determination, and dedication were noticed by her professors in the NSU Master of Biomedical Sciences program. “Francesca is a dedicated and hardworking student,” said Yuri Zagvazdin, Ph.D., professor of physiology. “She showed a focused interest in the subject.” He called Pietri “a stellar performer.” “She was top in all classes. It tells you how much she was determined to do this,” said Lori Dribin, Ph.D., professor of anatomy and College of Medical Sciences assistant dean for student a airs. “She’s someone who wants to be a dentist. She’s living for this. You can’t nd anyone who wants to be a dentist more than Francesca.” For four years, Pietri shadowed Rashondia Gaines, D.D.S., M.S., director of faculty practice at the CDM. “I don’t think I’ve had someone as passionate about dentistry as Francesca,” Gaines said. “I thought she was an amazing student. She always asked great questions. She wanted to know everything.” Stanley Hack, B.D.S., CDM assistant professor of cariology and restorative dentistry, who instructed Pietri in a dental anatomy class and in the Dental Simulation Lab, said Pietri is “very diligent. She applies herself far beyond expectations.” Pietri applies the same work ethic and dedication to extracurricular activities and organizations. She is part of the executive board of the NSU American Student Dental Association chapter and was the chapter’s rst-year class representative. She also represents the CDM on the NSU Student Advisory Board and serves as the NSU Orthodon- tist Student Association treasurer and the NSU American Dental Education Association second-year class representa- tive. She was selected to be a College of Dental Medicine student ambassador, as well. In addition, Pietri accompanied dentists on dental missions to underprivileged communities in Costa Rica and Panama. She was awarded a scholarship to attend the 2016 American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) Scienti c Session in Toronto, Canada, where she partici- pated in several dental workshops. Envisioning her own dental practice, Pietri said she wants to give back to people in need and focus professionally on cosmetics. “I love aesthetics, so perhaps pursuing a specialty in orthodontics and becoming accredited by the AACD is something I might consider doing in the future. But for now, I’m enjoying being a second-year dental student.” The Stella August Endowed Scholarship, established in 1991, was funded by the estate of Stella August—a Wilton Manors, Florida, resident who died in 1989. Scholarships for tuition and fees are awarded to a limited number of NSU College of Medical Sciences students with the highest grade point average when they enter the NSU College of Dental Medicine or NSU College of Osteopathic Medicine. In addition to Pietri, first-year CDM student Robert Size (right) was awarded a Stella August Endowed Scholarship. Size received the scholarship because he had the highest grade point average in the M.B.S. program. Size, who hails from Minneapo- lis, Minnesota, is committed “to being the best possible dentist I can be,” he said. Size’s award marks two years in a row that a dental student has been awarded this scholarship. STELLA AUGUST ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP