Jumbo Updates and Accomplishments
- Daniela Romãna: ASDA Advanced Standing Committee Vice-Chair- Tufts Chapter
Congratulations to Daniela Romaña, IS27, on being named the 2025-2026 ASDA Advanced Standing Committee Vice-Chair!
In this leadership role, Daniela will serve as a mentor and advocate for international students navigating the application and transition process. She will provide guidance, share resources, and offer support to help them feel welcomed and prepared for success.
- Bharadwaj Narayan Kola: ADEA Educational Research & Faculty Relations Committee- Tufts Chapter
From Bharadwaj’s journey as a BDS graduate (2019) to earning the Master’s in Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Research (2022) and now stepping into the world of U.S. dentistry every chapter has shaped their commitment to improving patient care and supporting future dental professionals. With a strong foundation in clinical dentistry and advanced training in regulatory science, they’re passionate about merging clinical insight with research, compliance, and education. Their goal is to help the field of dentistry grow safer, more evidence-based, and globally connected.
Currently, Bharadwaj serves as Co-Mentor of the Educational Research & Faculty Relations Committee at ADEA, a role that allows them to give back by guiding and uplifting students, and navigating their careers and education in the U.S.
- Utsavi Kapadia: ASDA Advanced Standing Committee Co-chair- ASDA District 1
As the Advanced Standing Co-Chair for the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) at District 1 level, Utsavi represents the perspectives of advanced standing students within the district. In this role, they collaborate with the Executive Board to advocate for student needs, support national ASDA initiatives, and promote inclusion and engagement. Utsavi also works on planning and coordinating events, workshops, and networking opportunities tailored to advanced standing students. Facilitating mentorship, peer support, and resource-sharing to enhance integration and professional development. Advocating for the unique academic and professional concerns of advanced standing students at the local and national ASDA level. Strengthening connections between advanced standing students and the broader dental student community through outreach and engagement.
- Utsavi Kapadia: Massachusetts Dental Society- Government Affairs Committee
As a member of the Government Affairs Committee, Utsavi will work on formulating and recommending policies on legislative and regulatory issues impacting dentistry and oral health. The committee works to advance key legislative priorities and strengthen the profession’s presence at the Massachusetts State House by supporting legislation that promotes oral health and evaluating MDS positions on related bills. Making recommendations to the Board of Trustees on legislative priorities. Engaging directly with legislators and organizing advocacy events such as Beacon Hill Day. Coordinating grassroots initiatives within each District and developing new district-level programs to encourage member participation. Assessing and enhancing current advocacy efforts, including Beacon Hill Day, to expand the association’s impact. Creating a database of legislative advocacy topics and implementing ongoing member education on policy issues. Improving year-round communication with members regarding legislative initiatives to foster broader engagement and advocacy.
- Utsavi Kapadia: A Fellow of ADEA-ADCFP: Academic Dental Career Fellowship Program
- XinXin Tian: A Fellow of ADEA-ADCFP: Academic Dental Career Fellowship Program
Utsavi will work with mentor Dr. Taha Masood Akhtar as part of the ADEA Academic Dental Careers Fellowship Program (ADCFP). The program consists of faculty–student pairs who collaborate on research or teaching project. This fellowship aims to gain firsthand experience and understanding of the daily responsibilities of a dental school faculty member. Engage in one-on-one discussions to hear personal reflections and insights from faculty. Learn and apply best practices in teaching, learning, and research. Explore academic career planning and navigating the broader landscape of dental education.
XinXin will work with mentor Dr. Ronald Perry as part of the ADEA Academic Dental Careers Fellowship Program (ADCFP). The program consists of faculty–student pairs who collaborate on research or teaching project. This fellowship aims to gain firsthand experience and understanding of the daily responsibilities of a dental school faculty member. Engage in one-on-one discussions to hear personal reflections and insights from faculty. Learn and apply best practices in teaching, learning, and research. Explore academic career planning and navigating the broader landscape of dental education.
- Newly formed ADEA IS Committee features members from IS27.
Tooba Zahid Khan
Associate, International Committee – ADEA
As an Associate of the International Committee, Toomba is passionate about empowering internationally trained dentists, especially those navigating the challenging transition into U.S. dental schools. Originally from Pakistan, Toomba brings firsthand perspective on the unique hurdles international applicants face and strives to create pathways of mentorship, resources, and community that foster both inclusivity and success. Their goal is to ensure that every international dentist feels supported and equipped to achieve their professional aspirations in the U.S.
Karla Romo
Associate, International Committee – ADEA
As an Associate in the newly formed International Committee, Karla collaborates with fellow members to create opportunities and expand support for internationally trained dentists pursuing admission into U.S. dental schools. She is committed to fostering inclusivity, mentorship, and resources that help international applicants succeed in their professional journey.
Volodymyr Kachmar
Associate, International Committee – ADEA
Volodymyr serves on the ADEA CAAPID Board for International Students, representing and advocating for international dentists navigating U.S. dental programs. They contribute to initiatives in mentorship, admissions support, and community-building.