Four Keene State College biology and chemistry students are working to gain experience and prepare for dental school, according to a Mar. 13 announcement from the college. Senior Averie Silvia and sophomores Sophia Kerber, Eleni Papadopoulos, and Sheldom Vazquez are using faculty mentorship, professional advising, and research opportunities as they pursue their goal of entering the dental profession.
The college reports that its professional advisory network helps students interested in advanced degrees by providing guidance on coursework, experiential learning, and preparation for graduate or professional schools. This support is seen as important for students seeking competitive programs such as dentistry.
Professor of Chemistry Brian Anderson said that paid lab work gives these students an advantage when applying to graduate and professional programs. Students can begin gaining laboratory experience as early as their first year at Keene State College through faculty mentoring and advising.
Sheldom Vazquez said, “The professors here are willing to help you and guide you through whatever science courses you need for dental school, and the research lab opportunities here make you stand out. Dental schools really look for how you differentiate yourself from the person next to you.”
The STEPS (STEM Transformational Experiences to Promote Success) program provides additional financial, academic, and career guidance for biology and chemistry students. Through this program and one-on-one advising, students develop skills needed for success in professional fields.
Averie Silvia has already been accepted into a dental program at the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine. She said her acceptance was supported by faculty mentorship: “I shadowed at my dentist in Maine, and they were super helpful. I completed 180 shadowing hours to get into dental school,” Silvia said. “The minimum is 40 hours, which isn’t competitive at all. You really need at least 100 hours to be seriously considered.”
Eleni Papadopoulos recently joined the STEPS program and began conducting research with Dr. Anderson. She believes that hands-on experience combined with advising prepares STEM students like herself for careers in science or healthcare.
Sophia Kerber explained her motivation: “When I first started here, I originally picked biology because I knew I wanted to go into the health field. I later focused on dentistry because it offers balance. It is still very challenging.”
Looking ahead, Silvia will attend the University of New England while Kerber, Papadopoulos, and Vazquez continue their studies at Keene State College as they gain more research experience and prepare for future applications.
Silvia reflected on her personal connection to dentistry: “My babysitter passed away and… she always said, #justsmile,” she shared. “Through her, I realized how much a smile could change someone’s life.”
