NSU Dental Congratulates its Student Life Achievement Awards winners

College of Dental Medicine celebrates its college student of the year and American Association of Women Dentists chapter for being honored at the 21^st annual Student Life Achievement Awards (STUEYs).

Held every spring, the award ceremony aims to honor those who further a sense of campus community focusing on the best in academic excellence, student centered, integrity, innovation, opportunity, scholarship/research, diversity, and community.

The award for CDM 2019 student of the year went to fourth-year dental student Francesca Pietri for her great representation in what the college stands for in its goal of creating outstanding clinicians and leaders in their communities.

Pietri’s academic excellence is no stranger to NSU as the graduating fourth year carried the same work ethic when earning her bachelor’s in biology and master’s degree in biomedical sciences from NSU. Pietri was considered a top student in her classes as she developed the strong work ethic with the goal in mind of being a dentist.

Being a leader in the classroom, Pietri took on roles by serving on executive boards, college ambassador, class representative and giving back to the community in the annual Give Kids a Smile event and dental mission trips outside the country in which she provided dental care to those in need.

“I feel privileged to have been nominated by faculty, staff and peers to receive such recognition. However, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have been selected amongst all the students at CDM to receive the award! With graduation coming up, the STUEY has added even more excitement and gratitude to my family and I during this time…. without doubt, I’ve given it my all during my time at NSU, and really appreciate the recognition! I personally want to thank all those who took the time to submit my name for consideration, and especially to the committee for selecting me— I’m honored. Thank you!”

The second award received by the college went to the NSU Student Chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists for graduate organization of the year. The organization made up of predoctoral, postgraduates and faculty aims to advance, connect and enrich the lives of women dentists as stated in their mission.

“I would like to say that the NSU-CDM Student Chapter of AAWD is an amazing organization lead by dentistry’s women future leaders of tomorrow, with hearts of gold, a work ethic second to none and a vision of giving that bonds female in the dental profession. I am honored to be their faculty advisor as they inspire me every day,” said Sharon Siegel DDS, MS, MBA, professor, chair department of prosthodontics and NSU AAWD faculty advisor.

The NSU chapter took part in various philanthropic efforts throughout the year with participation in the AIDS Walk, Rock Run breast and ovarian cancer run and Feeding South Florida, an event in which the chapter raised over 883 pounds of food. The organization also lent their dental knowledge by hosting tutorials for predoctoral students and collaborating with brands such as Colgate in hosting oral hygiene events. Aside from an active community involvement NSU AAWD takes time for mentorship and fellowship opportunities to empower and support women in dentistry these efforts were led by Nicole Elia, NSU AAWD president and class of 2020 member.

“I have been a part of AAWD since my first year at Nova CDM. What inspired me to get involved in AAWD was how well rounded the organization was. Being a member of AAWD means taking part in community service activities, fundraisers, academic learning and teaching opportunities, and even much needed social events to take a breather from the busy curriculum of dental school. Being a member means building relationships with other women in the dental field and supporting one another in our endeavors. I’m proud to be a part of AAWD and all of the goals we have accomplished each year. The STUEY award was an incredible achievement and it was an honor to be recognized along with the other wonderful nominees. 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,” said Elia.