My name is Melanye Bender. I was born and raised in Mississippi, where I attended high school and Millsaps College for undergrad. I then attended the University of Mississippi Medical Center and received a Master's in Biomedical Sciences. Prior to matriculating to dental school, I worked as a dental assistant and as a member service representative at a gym. In 2020 during the pandemic, I moved alone across the country to Pomona, CA to attend Western University School of Health Sciences and graduated with my DMD in May 2024. I come from a dental, military, and police family, and have always had a drive to serve those who served us or otherwise act as cornerstones of our communities. My decision to attend UNM's AEGD program was in large part due to my interest in serving the patient population, having opportunities to work at the VA, and experiencing what beautiful New Mexico has to offer.
In my free time, I enjoy drawing/painting, reading and writing, playing video games, traveling, exploring nature, and being around animals. My main goals while I am living here in New Mexico are to explore all of the nature spots and continue getting to know the rich history of the state and its people.
Hello, my name is Eric Chen. I grew up in Austin, TX and received my B.S in Biochemistry at The University of Texas at Dallas in 2017. I completed a post-baccalaureate program in 2020 at Temple University’s Kornberg School of Dentistry where I subsequently received my DMD in 2024. I chose to do an AEGD residency at UNM because I wanted to become well-versed in providing dental care to underserved populations, especially the medically compromised. I believe all patients should be able to have access to quality dental care, no matter their medical history or socioeconomic background. New Mexico is a special place to me since it’s close to home and I love the outdoors! As a child, my family traveled to Santa Fe every year for skiing. Other hobbies I enjoy include bouldering, hiking, playing the violin, ultimate frisbee, and attending music festivals. I currently live with my fiancée, Rachael, and my corgi, Tot.
Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico in the South Valley. Hispanic and Indigenous background. Graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2019 with a Bachelor Degree of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and minor in Honors College. Previously worked at Height’s Community Center, Explora Children’s Science Museum, and in an evolutionary immunology laboratory studying Rainbow Trout at UNM. Moved to Los Angeles, California in 2020 to attend Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of the University of Southern California and graduated in 2024. Has a passion for community dentistry and public health. Hobbies include working out and watching movies at the theater.
Hello! My name is Brian. I was born in Hong Kong but grew up in Vancouver, Canada, where I initially pursued my studies in Dental Hygiene at the University of British Columbia. Subsequently, I decided to deepen my commitment and satisfy my yearning of the dental field and profession by enrolling in the Doctor of Dental Medicine program at the University of Saskatchewan in 2020.
Currently, I am furthering my education of the dental field through the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program offered at the University of New Mexico and am ecstatic to be part of the team there. I am thrilled to be in the state of New Mexico this year, exploring new opportunities while expanding my skills in dentistry. Outside of my academic pursuits, I am passionate about exploring culinary delights as a food enthusiast; it is fair to say green chili is on the top of my list now
My name is Pegah Khamooshi, originally from Tehran, Iran, where I was born and raised. I earned my DDS degree from Tehran University of Medical Science before moving to Canada in 2018. In 2022, I was accepted into the IDDP program at the University of Saskatchewan. Currently, I am embarking on my AEGD program at the University of New Mexico, where I am gaining invaluable experience in both hospital and clinic settings. This opportunity not only enriches my dentistry skills but also exposes me to diverse cultures. I find great joy in exploring New Mexican culture and savoring its delicious cuisine. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities that have led me to this point in my career and personal growth.
I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I attended The University of Texas at Austin where I received my Bachelors in Business Administration (BBA) in 2020. I furthered my education by earning my Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC in 2024. In my free time, I love to play pickleball, workout, bake, spend time with family and friends, and watch football (go Texans!).
I was born in Vietnam and immigrated to the US with my family when I was 4 years old. I grew up in Albuquerque and completed my bachelor's degree in biology at the University of New Mexico. I moved to Kansas City for four years to attend dental school at UMKC, where I received my DDS degree. I am back at UNM to expand on my dental education and gain experience in sedation dentistry, hospital dentistry, and implant techniques. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, playing with my cat, going to concerts, and trying out new restaurants and cocktail bars. I'm thrilled to be back in my hometown where I can take advantage of all the outdoor activities and eat as much green chile as I want!
Hi, my name is Saido Ozawa, and I am a general dentist licensed by the Dental Board of California. I received the Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from University of Southern California (USC). I am originally from Tokyo, Japan and fluent in Japanese and English. In my previous work, I was an associate dentist in Los Angeles and Singapore briefly. During my training at USC, I had extensive experience working with medically complex patients, specifically HIV/AIDS and geriatric patients. I am thrilled to serve the community in New Mexico!