Austin
Creighton University School of Dentistry - Class of 2027
I was born in Pittsburgh and grew up in Cranberry Township. I went to Seneca Valley for grade school and high school and was blessed to be able to stay in the area for college at Carnegie Mellon.Education: Carnegie Mellon University B.S. in Psychology, Minor in Music PerformanceWhat I like most about dentistry: I get to engage with science, art, and handiwork in order to help patients!My favorite getaway: Kauai, Hawaii or anywhere else with beautiful natureFavorite hobby: I love going to the gym and I'm learning how to cook!What I love about Pittsburgh: PGH is full of surprises! Everyone who grew up here also has a set of unspoken agreements regardless of background.Favorite sports team: Can't decide between the Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, or Penguins!Favorite restaurant: Five Guys - those burgers are my comfort food!Favorite movie: AlienFavorite music: My taste in music is very eclectic... I'll listen to anything I can sing or dance to!Favorite app or social media site: Messenger!My bucket list: Become an Iron PhiFavorite quote: “To do what ought to be done, but would not have been done unless I did it, I thought to be my duty.” - Robert MorrisonA fun fact: I am a third degree black belt in Taekwondo.Favorite dental joke: What do you call a dentist who doesn't like tea? Denis
Nicole
University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine – Class of 2024
I was born and raised in Bucks County PA.Education: University of PittsburghWhat I like most about dentistry: I love that it is truly an art-form where you are able to make an impact on the lives of patients and broader community.My favorite place or favorite getaway: Exploring local trails and natural parksFavorite hobby/pastime: PaintingWhat I love about Pittsburgh: I thrive on the cultural scene – whether that be visiting a museum or seeing a new show at the BenedumFavorite sports team: Philly Sports! Favorite restaurant: NoodleheadFavorite movie: He Bought a ZooFavorite music: AlternativeFavorite app or social media site: 1 Second EverydayMy bucket list: SkydivingFavorite quote: “Everything Happens for a Reason”A random fact: I can speak RussianFavorite dental joke: What does the dentist of the year get?. . . A little plaque!
Sung
I was born in Kissimmee, FL. Raised in Taipei, TaiwanEducation: Bachelors in Biomedical Sciences. Pitt Dental Class of 2026What I like most about dentistry: I love how flexible dentistry is, depending on the patient’s want/need we can personalize a treatment plan for him/her.Family: 1 older sister, 2 younger brothersFavorite hobby/ pastime: I love hiking at different places with my fiancé, Thomas and our dog, Elsa.My favorite place or favorite getaway: I am originally from Florida so Disney World has always been my happy place as well as a place for a weekend getaway.Favorite restaurant: Everyday NoodleFavorite app or social media site: Snapchat/InstagramWhat do you love most about Pittsburgh: I love that there are four seasons here, watching the leaves change color has been quite a breath taking experience.Bucket list: Sky DivingFavorite quote: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. – Maya AngelouRandom fact: I speak Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese
Shannon
University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Hygiene - Class of 2024
I was born in Sharon, PA and raised in Sharpsville, PA.Education: I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Point Park University in December 2020 with a BS in Pre-Medical/ Pre-Professional Studies and a double minor in Chemistry and Psychology.What I like most about dentistry: For the love of dental science; structure, development and abnormalities of the teeth, disease prevention of the mouth and gum tissue, the anatomy, the physiology, and oral biology.Favorite hobby/ pastime: Reading scientific journal articles and photographyMy favorite place or favorite getaway: Key West is my favorite place and hope to one day call it home.Favorite sports team: The Steelers!Favorite restaurant: Rolands in the Strip District. Best Lobster Rolls (next to The Keys of course)Favorite movie: Shutter IslandFavorite music: Anything Mac MillerWhat do you love most about Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh people love Pittsburgh. We have the number one fans for every sports team. Pittsburgh fans are the best!Bucket list: To visit the River Shannon in Shannon, Ireland.Favorite quote: “The world only exists in your eyes. You can make it as big or as small as you want. – F. Scott FitzgeraldFun fact: My middle name is my mom and grandmas name put togetherFavorite dental joke: Why should you be kind to your dentist?. . . because they have fillings too.
Sarah
University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine – Class of 2025
I was born and raised in the small town of Sherburne, NY where the cow population just might surpass that of people.Education: I graduated from Allegheny College in May 2018 with a BS in Biology and a Minor in Studio Art.What I like most about dentistry: My favorite part about dentistry is treating every case like a work of art that allows a patient to feel as comfortable and confident with their smile as possible.My happy place or favorite getaway: My favorite getaway is Cape Cod, MAFavorite hobby/pastime: Watching sports and spending time with family and friends.What I love about Pittsburgh: Accessibility and Sports cultureFavorite sports team: I enjoy all sports, but I am a budding Pittsburgh Penguins fan!Favorite music: CountryFavorite social media site: InstagramMy bucket List: Travel to New ZealandFavorite quote: “You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself in any direction you choose!” -Dr. SeussFavorite dental joke: What did the dentist see at the North Pole? – – A molar bear
Rani
Pre-Dental Intern
I was born and raised in Jefferson City, MissouriFamily: I will be the fifth dentist in my family.Education: I am a Natural Science major at The University of Pittsburgh.What I like most about dentistry: I love being able to provide immediate pain relief and creating smiles that help people feel more confident with.Favorite hobby/ pastime: going on walksMy favorite place or favorite getaway: Anywhere with friends and family - the people make the place.Favorite sports team: What are sports?Favorite restaurant: Conado TacosFavorite movie: She’s the manFavorite music: AltFavorite app or social media site: YouTubeWhat do you love most about Pittsburgh: I enjoy exploring the different neighborhoods.Bucket list: paper lantern festivalFavorite quote: "The best conversation you have can be with a stranger"Fun fact: I am legally a midgetFavorite dental joke: What award did the dentist win? A plaque
Dr. Relis
Retired
Thank you for your many years of dedicated service and personalized attention to your patients!
Marilue
Retired - Thank you for your many years of dedication and service!
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh.Family: I have two daughters and a grandson.Education: I graduated from Brentwood Jr./Sr. High School.What I like most about dentistry: The smiles on a patients face when they see their new “smile”!Favorite hobby/ pastime: I like to bake and garden.My favorite place or favorite getaway: The ocean is one of my favorite places.Favorite sports team: Pittsburgh PenguinsFavorite restaurant: Tessaro’sFavorite movie: Dr. ZhiragaFavorite music: I enjoy all types of music.Favorite app or social media site: My favorite app is Words with Friends.What do you love most about Pittsburgh: I love Pittsburgh for its diversity.Bucket list: I want to see a lighthouse in MaineFavorite quote: “It is what it is.”Fun fact: I use to love riding motorcycles.Favorite dental joke: What do dentists call their x-rays? … toothpicks
Kathy
Retired - Thank you for being such a valuable member of our team!
I was born and raised in Armstrong County.Education: Ernst & Young / Inc Magazine Female Entrepreneur of the year in 1989. Started and owned 3 companies that supplied, manufactured and installed products for maintenance/protection of traffic to the road construction industry in PAWhat I like most about dentistry: How it enhances your smile and overall facial appearanceMy happy place or favorite getaway: Time with my husband Bob and familyFavorite hobby/pastime: Reading and decorating our home and working in my flower gardensFamily: 5 children and 9 grandchildrenFavorite sports team: PenguinsFavorite restaurant: Hoffstodt’s OakmontFavorite movie: any Tom Cruise movieFavorite music: 70’sWhat do you love most about Pittsburgh: All the great peopleBucket list: visit Italy
Sahel
Dental Assistant
I was born in Kabul, Afghanistan and also raised there, but in 2021 we moved from Kabul to Pittsburgh, PA. Family: We are 8 people, 6 of who are in the medical field.Education: I have graduated from proj-e-fifth 315 high school in Kabul. Then I went to Afghanswiss medical institute for 6 years but because of the Talibans I couldn’t continue my studies.What I like most about dentistry: I like to relieve the pain of people and make them smile.Favorite hobby/ pastime: Playing Chess and soccer My favorite place or favorite getaway: Any place where I have access to nature.Favorite sports team: Dallas CowboysFavorite Restaurant: any restaurant with spicy foodFavorite movie: I like comedy movies like The Three Stooges Favorite music: Classic Afghan musicWhat do you love most about Pittsburgh: The people are honest and kindFavorite app or social media site: FacebookBucket list: Traveling the worldFavorite quote: “There is always light at the end of the tunnel”Fun fact: For every one person in New Zealand there is 10 sheepFavorite dental joke: Why did the smartphone go to the dentist? . . . it had bluetooth