Meet the 2024 UDSS Team!
President
Ashton Foo
Hey, I am Ashton. I am a third-year dental student. I enjoy dentistry because I like its practical components. I was born in Singapore but I grew up in Perth.
When I’m not in the library, you can find me playing sports and being outdoors.
Vice President
Shreyash Nigam
Hey! I’m Shrey and I’m currently in my third year of dental school. I love playing the guitar, singing and dancing in my free time!
When I’m not in uni you can catch me in the gym, watching Netflix or sleeping.
Secretary
Kavindi Thilakarathne
Hi everyone! I’m Kavindi, yet another DMD3. After lying low during my first year, I’m excited to be a part of the 2024 UDSS committee and contribute to my fellow dental students.
When I’m not scrambling to keep up with content, you can find me sorting through my many Spotify playlists, being nose-deep in a book, or re-watching a crime show for the umpteenth time. I’m excited for the year ahead and wish everyone the very best!
Treasurer
Jewel Ajimon
Hey, I’m Jewel, a third-year dental student from Brisbane. During my first year, I appreciated being able to develop our hand skills from the first few weeks as I did not have any dentistry-related experiences.
Outside dental school, I enjoy running (Perth has beautiful routes), experiencing the emotional turmoil of the financial markets, and planning a trip out with friends.
Immediate Past
Jim Rae
President
Hey there I’m Jim and I’m from Esperance WA, a rural town located about 7 hours south east of Perth. My interests include sport, health and most outdoor activities especially AFL, fishing & camping, touch rugby and ultimate frisbee.
My passion for dentistry has stemmed from having plenty of school friends and local community members go without access to basic oral health care. This was largely due to not enough dentists in town (and subsequent long waiting times… up to months) and/or the costs involved being far out of financial reach for most. I have seen first-hand the social and health consequences from not having access to such care which has driven me to want to become a dentist and return to rural and remote communities.
ADSA Rep
Catherine Zhou
Hi everyone, my name is Catherine and I am a DMD2 student this year. I have chosen dentistry due to its rewarding nature. Being part of UDSS is also rewarding for me as it involves organising events such as blood donation.
Outside of my dental degree, I often enjoy going to the gym or watching a movie.
Sponsorship Rep
Peter Dignam
Raptured by an unwavering passion for the unique amalgamation of art and science that dentistry embodies, it has always been my main career ambition. The prospect of transforming smiles and enhancing oral health through a meticulous blend of creativity and precision has always captured my interest.
Beyond dental school, my life consists of physical activity and the outdoors. As I embark on the exciting journey as a Sponsorship Representative, I am eager to bring my passion, skills, and centred perspective to the challenges that lie ahead.
Research Rep
Kavindi Thilakarathne
Hi everyone! I’m Kavindi, yet another DMD3. After lying low during my first year, I’m excited to be a part of the 2024 UDSS committee and contribute to my fellow dental students.
When I’m not scrambling to keep up with content, you can find me sorting through my many Spotify playlists, being nose-deep in a book, or re-watching a crime show for the umpteenth time. I’m excited for the year ahead and wish everyone the very best!
DMD4 Rep
Ranudi De Silva
Hi, I’m Ranudi and as a final year dental student I am the DMD4 class representative. The last few years dedicated to learning dentistry has been such an enjoyable experience and I can’t wait to go out into practice!
Outside of dental school I love dancing with my friends, going on cafe dates and planning trips with my friends to celebrate even the smallest of wins
DMD3 Rep
Jieun Kim
Hi I’m Jieun and I’m the DMD3 year rep for UDSS. I was drawn to dentistry as you get to work with your hands, and build connections with patients. This is my first year in UDSS and I’m quite keen to be a part of the group that brings the dental students together. Everyone is very chill and it’s been fun so far.
When I’m not doing dentistry related things around uni, I also play violin for orchestra (WAMSO). I think having a hobby and something to do outside of dentistry makes uni more fun and better for your mental health overall. I also enjoy going for long walks on Matilda Bay and watching reality shows on Neflix.
DMD4 Rep
Liam Meinema
Hey there! I’m Liam, a fourth year dental student and this is my third year being a student representative - a role that I’ve loved doing as it allows me to get to know everyone in my cohort, as well as staff, on a more personal level.
In my free time you can probably find me pumping out coffees to pay the bills, at the gym, running, or frantically trying to book patients in at the last minute in the computer lab!
DMD3 Rep
Nichola Elliot
A fair description of myself would be a ‘jack of all trades’ after various career changes from fashion design, psychology and business management across various industries. I found myself needing a career which brought all my interests together…enter Dentistry!
As the DMD3 Year Rep I am hoping to provide support and connection to help smooth out any concerns over the year allowing everyone to feel heard and understood.
Outside of Dentistry I am heavily involved in sports - hockey, rock climbing, tennis, volleyball… but also enjoy a chill beach day or cafe hopping around Perth.
DMD2 Rep
Henry Miao
Hello, I'm Henry Miao, currently serving as the DMD2 year representative. I'm thrilled to be a part of UDSS and to represent my classmates. My passion for dentistry stems from my belief in the importance of oral health as a key aspect of overall wellbeing. Plus, I find it both fun and rewarding to provide dental care!
While dentistry is a significant part of my life, I have other interests too. I enjoy watching movies and trending YouTube videos in my free time. Additionally, I'm an avid chess player and I'm training in boxing. Who knows, perhaps chess boxing could be my niche?
DMD2 Rep
Monisha Arora
Hey!! I’m Monisha and I’m a DMD2 class representative. I’m super excited to be studying Dentistry as it allows me to make people feel more confident, have greater self-love, and live a life free of pain. I’m passionate about breaking white coat syndrome and helping people fight the fears they face when coming to the dentist. This is my second year as class rep, and I would like to continue to foster an environment where our cohort feels more like a massive friend group rather than just classmates!
In my free time I like to have a cheeky glass of red wine and I’m obsessed with sausage dogs!
DMD1 Rep
Anchal Kataria
Hey, I’m Anchal and currently, I’m a DMD1 student! Dentistry has always been the clear choice for me and I’m super grateful to be in this course.
I’m from Vancouver, Canada so I’m currently exploring Perth and its beautiful beaches! I enjoy trying new food, reading, coffee dates, and all things Dentistry. I also enjoy hiking new trails with my 2-year-old Pomsky back in Vancouver.
DMD1 Rep
Ayham Qawas
Hi everyone, I’m Ayham and I’m a first year. I’m coming to Perth from Ottawa, Canada. I’m excited to represent my cohort and aim to set a positive tone for the rest of our time here at UWA! I’ve been passionate about dentistry since I was a child, it all started when I saw how easily the dentist took away my younger brother's pain.
In my free time, I like to go to the gym, read and see how fast I can type.
Media Rep
Stella Mullane
I was drawn to dentistry as I enjoy talking to people, solving problems, and performing procedures! I believe as future dentists we are privileged to be the people our patients confide in and trust to relieve their pain or address their concerns. I am so honoured to be part of this dynamic career!
Outside class you can find me at the beach, on the netball courts, watching Netflix, or playing the occasional song on the piano. I am so excited to be a part of UDSS this year as I can get creative through my role as media rep, whilst organising fun events alongside an awesome group of fellow dental students!
Media Rep
Samantha Toh
Hi! I’m Samantha, an international student from Singapore. I love dabbling in anything creative including embroidery, painting, food photography, making music with friends, pouring satisfying latte art. I also enjoy staying active through martial arts and going to the gym.
I decided to pursue Dentistry because it allowed me to integrate my love for science along with my artistic interests. I’ve also become more appreciative of how Dentistry has the power to improve lives through alleviating pain, improving self confidence and restoring function. I’m excited to serve as one of your Media Reps in 2024. Do keep your eyes peeled for fun social media posts and exciting posters coming your way this year!
Education Rep
Laurence Vu
Hey I’m Laurence and I was born and raised in Perth. I’m currently a final year dental student and the best part so far has been seeing and treating my patients in the clinic, and chatting with them about how we can improve their oral health. As Education Rep this year, I aspire to enrich our Journal Clubs with new relevant clinical topics and promote further learning in areas where students feel they lack sufficient understanding or exposure.
Outside of dentistry, I look forward to catching up with friends, photography, reading, and drinking coffee. You’ll also find me working my after-hours job as a librarian at the UWA libraries. If you spot me, feel free to come say hi!
Education Rep
Kaylee Wong
Hi I’m Kaylee and I am currently in my final year of my studies. My favourite part of Dentistry is the hands-on aspect and getting to interact with patients. As Education Rep, I hope to bring in a greater range of speakers to present at our Journal Clubs and tailor topics towards potential knowledge gaps amongst students.
In my free time I like crocheting, trying out new food places with my friends and travelling. I am also the Vice President of the Australian Dental Students’ Association this year.
Junior Social Rep
Amir Aminy
Hey, I am Amir and I am in second year of dental School. I am also the Jr. Social Rep and I am looking forward to organising different events throughout the year so dental students at UWA can have some fun while studying hard to be future dentists. Hopefully I can help in creating a year full of memorable moments. Thanks!
Junior Social Rep
Raghav Ravikumara
Hey I’m Raghav, one of the Junior Social Reps this year. I’m a DMD2 student from Perth. As a Junior Social Rep, I’m looking forward to planning & running events. I aim to help foster friendships not only between classmates, but between year groups.
In my free time I love to stay active and try new sports, but usually I’ll be playing golf (when the weather permits) or at the gym.
Senior Social Rep
Sinya Zheng
Hello! I’m Sinya, a fourth-year student and your 2024 Senior Social Representative. Dentistry quickly became a passion of mine as I realized its incorporation of both the arts and sciences.
In my free time, I enjoy oil on canvas painting. My dental school experience so far has been thoroughly enjoyable, especially with all the incredible people I’ve met along the way. Therefore, I am very excited to be organizing the end-of-year ball so that we celebrate this journey together!
Senior Social Rep
Jade Tan
Hi I am Jade, a DMD4 and your senior social rep in 2024! My favourite aspect of dentistry has to be how rewarding the profession is, from enjoyable daily patient interactions to the joy I ultimately get from getting my patient out of pain or helping them achieve their dream smile.
Outside of dental school, I enjoy being active by going on long walks, snorkeling and hanging out with my dog/furry son, Tobi! Sinya and I have exciting plans for the ball this year, and we can’t wait to deliver the event of the year for the UWA dental school.
Alumni Rep
Josephine Santoso
Hi, I’m Josephine and I am the 2024 UDSS alumni rep.
Some of my interests other than dentistry include collecting Lego, traveling, and finding good brunch places! My only dietary requirement is that I don’t eat chicken because I have 8 pet chickens whom I love dearly. I’ve wanted to become a dentist since I was in primary school so I’m currently living out my childhood dreams!
Sports Rep
Peter Nguyen
Hi, I’m Peter!
As I came to grips with the fact that I would never become a professional athlete, I decided the next best thing was to get into dental school and become the UDSS Sports Rep.
When I’m not fumbling my way through the dental degree, I can be found playing soccer and basketball, designing graphics and posters, or religiously watching Liverpool, the Essendon Bombers or the LA Clippers.
Sports Rep
Shenelli Croos Dabrera
Hi! My name is Shenelli and I’m in my final year of dental school. I am the sports rep for UDSS for 2024. I really like that dentistry is full of challenges, and that dental school enables us to adapt and overcome these challenges to become a better clinician upon graduation.
Outside of dentistry, I like salsa dancing, sunset swims at the beach and hangouts with friends.
Webmaster
Nikhil Peter Thomas
Hi, I’m Nikhil, a DMD3 student. Although the offering of a unique blend of science and art is what attracted me most to dentistry, I really look forward to a long career in this field because of its immensely rewarding nature in other aspects like solving patients’ problems and fostering harmonious mutually-participative patient relationships.
When off-campus, I like going on long evening walks, trying new food, engaging in social sports like badminton or basketball and occasionally catching a flick.