Current Orthodontic Residents

Dr. Christopher Clarke

Dr. Christopher Clarke grew up in Sydney, Australia, and moved to the United States in 2013 after earning a golf scholarship at The University of Tampa in Florida. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry in 2016, followed by a Master’s in Medical Sciences at the University of South Florida in 2018.
Dr. Clarke then attended the New York University College of Dentistry, where he earned his DDS degree. During his time at NYU, he was known among his peers for his contributions as an academic tutor, peer mentor, and teaching assistant. He conducted orthodontic research, presenting his findings at the NYU Annual Research Day and the 2023 ADEA Annual Exhibition. His research earned him the ADEA Section On Orthodontics Student Award from the American Association of Orthodontists and was published in the Journal of Dental Education in October 2023.
In his final year at NYU, Dr. Clarke was elected President of the Orthodontic Society and represented NYU Dentistry in a Global Outreach program in La Romana, Dominican Republic. Upon graduating, he received the Dr. Barnard E. Rudner Memorial Award and was inducted into the Omega Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society.
In his spare time, Dr. Clarke enjoys playing golf, spending time with friends and family, exploring movies and shows, and playing with his dog, Beau. He plans to become ABO certified, enter private practice, and become a clinical orthodontic faculty member.

Dr. Ian Creaser

Dr. Ian Creaser grew up in Mesa, Arizona. He attended one year at Arizona State University before serving a service mission in Chile. He finished his Bachelors of Science in Microbiology with a minor in Business Administration in Utah, before attending The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. He graduated in 2024 with Magna Cum Laude honors. During his time at OSU, he participated in various organizations, leadership roles, and orthodontic research.
In his spare time, Ian can be found cycling, or hanging out with his bernedoodle and wife. Ian knows how dangerous it is to be a Cheesehead in Bears country, but that doesn’t stop him from cheering on the Green Bay Packers come NFL season. Upon graduation, he plans to become ABO certified, enter into private practice, and eventually teach.

Dr. Bushra Kanwal

Dr. Bushra Kanwal is from Karnataka, India. She earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 2014 and her Master of Dental Surgery in Orthodontics in 2018 from the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health sciences, India. She received the university gold medal for her academic achievements during her Master’s program and graduated as the valedictorian. She also received the ‘Best outgoing student’ award during her dental school. Following graduation, Dr. Kanwal spent over 2.5 years working as a consultant orthodontist for the largest dental chain in India. In an effort to broaden her horizons, she relocated to Saudi Arabia, where she spent two years treating patients with malocclusion from various ethnic origins and gained exposure to clinically diverse perspectives.  During this time she also pursued and earned Membership in Orthodontics (MOrth) from the Royal College of surgeons, Edinburgh. She is also a member of the Indian Orthodontic Society, Saudi Orthodontic Society, American Association of Orthodontists and the World Federation of Orthodontists. Dr Kanwal has published academic papers for different journals on subjects like clear aligners, craniofacial anomalies, Orthognathic surgery and emerging trends in Orthodontics.

During her free time she enjoys going to art classes and likes to experiment with different art forms like graphite sketching, miniature clay modeling, and resin and jesmonite art. She also loves to experiment with different cuisines. After graduation Dr Kanwal plans to get ABO certified and eventually teach.

Dr. Revati Kelusakar

Dr. Revati Kelusakar was born and raised in Belgaum, India. She graduated with honors from KLE VK Institute of Dental Sciences in 2021.
While in Dental school, she was actively involved in journal clubs, various community outreach programs. She also conducted research that was published in reputable journals, and gained practical experience by assisting in an orthodontic office. She was awarded the Pierre Fauchard Academy Award for outstanding service in her D4 year.
After graduating dental school Dr. Revati completed a general practice residency at Govt. Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai and also worked as a general dentist at a private practice.
Beyond dentistry, she enjoys traveling, exploring new cuisines, photography, badminton and spending time with family.
Upon graduation, she plans to be board certified and join her parents’ dental practice.

Dr. Sara Alkili Khawaji

Dr. Sara Khawaji, born and raised in Saudi Arabia, graduated with distinction and first honors from the Faculty of Dentistry at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah in 2020. With nearly two years of experience as a general dentist, Dr. Khawaji is a member of the Saudi Orthodontic Society. She has a strong interest in research and has contributed to multiple published studies.
In her free time, Dr. Khawaji enjoys exploring new cultures and adventures through travel. She is also passionate about sports, spending quality time with family and friends, and playing board games. Additionally, Dr. Khawaji has a passion for learning new languages and is trilingual, speaking Arabic, Turkish, and English.

Dr. Natnicha Praneetpong

Dr. Natnicha Praneetpong was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, in 2021. During her studies, she developed a passion for orthodontics and dental research. Dr. Natnicha began her career as a general dentist in far northeastern Thailand and later at Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Dental Hospital. Working with patients in need made her recognize the importance of orthodontic treatment and its societal impact.
After two years of practice, she participated in the visiting scholar program at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry to broaden her research experience. She has published an article on orthodontic tooth movement and orthodontic-induced tooth resorption. Additionally, she presented her research project on rescuing primary failure of tooth eruption by gene deletion at the 2024 IADR/AADOCR/CADR General Session & Exhibition.
In her free time, Dr. Natnicha enjoys doing jigsaw puzzles, paper crafting, reading, and traveling. After graduation, she intends to become board-certified in orthodontics and contribute to orthodontic education.

Dr. Huize (Sunny) Ren

Dr. Huize (Sunny) Ren was born and raised in Beijing, China until she moved to the U.S. for high school. In 2020, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She then continued her education at University of Maryland School of Dentistry and finished her DDS degree Magna Cum Laude in 2024. During this time, she was the recipient of Dr. George B. Clendenin Memorial Award, the Harry E. Kelsey Award for Orthodontics and the American Academy of Periodontology Student Award. Upon graduation, she became a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. Throughout her education, Dr. Ren was actively involved in the student council, ASDA, research projects and community service.
In her free time, Dr. Ren enjoys cooking, trying different restaurants and traveling. After she graduates, Dr. Ren plans to become ABO certified, work in a private practice and potentially teach part-time.

Dr. Garima Sinha

Dr. Garima Sinha grew up in New Delhi, India and later moved to the United States, where she completed her DMD at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). During her time at UIC, Dr. Sinha was an active member of several student organizations, serving as the Class Representative for the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) and the Social Chair for the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD).
Her academic excellence and dedication to the field were recognized with prestigious awards, including the American Institute of Orthodontic Scholarship and the Frances Best Watkins Award. Dr. Sinha was also deeply involved in research, presenting her findings at numerous conferences such as the American Association for Dental Research/International Association for Dental Research (AADR/IADR), the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) conference, the Greater New York Dental Meeting (GNYDM), and UIC Clinical and Research Day.
Beyond her academic and professional achievements, Dr. Sinha is passionate about community service. She volunteered with Tutoring Chicago to assist students by providing academic support and mentorship.
After graduating, Dr. Sinha worked as a general dentist before embarking on her orthodontic journey. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures. Dr. Sinha is committed to becoming a board-certified orthodontist and plans to practice in a private setting along with working as a faculty.

Dr. Thy Tran

Dr. Thy Tran was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas. She was awarded the Bill & Melinda Gates Millennium Scholarship in 2014 and attended the University of Texas at Arlington for her undergraduate studies. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, with a minor in Disability Studies, and a certificate in Medical Humanities. She also participated in a Multi-Country International Honors Program, studying globalization and public health in Washington D.C., India, South Africa, and Brazil.
Dr. Tran earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ASDOH) in 2024.
During her time at ASDOH, Dr. Tran actively engaged in numerous extracurricular activities and community service initiatives. She served as an ambassador for the program, was involved in Special Care Dentistry, participated in the Orthodontic Honors Program, and served as president of the Orthodontics Club. Upon graduation, Dr. Tran was honored with the American Association of Orthodontists Student Award.
In her leisure time, Dr. Tran enjoys spending quality time with her family, boyfriend, and friends, experimenting with new recipes, attending concerts, hiking and exploring new restaurants. Upon graduation, Dr. Tran plans to become ABO certified, and enter private practice.

Dr. Jenna (Burton) Berry

Dr. Jenna (Burton) Berry grew up in Michigan in the Detroit/Ann Arbor suburbs. She graduated summa cum laude from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science. She then continued her education at Columbia University in New York where she earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery.
While at Columbia, Dr. Berry was an active member of several student organizations including her service as the president for both the Michael Yuan Orthodontics Society and the Columbia Aesthetics Club. Having been a student during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jenna also founded and ran the COVID-19 Information Hotline at New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center. Upon graduation, Dr. Berry was the recipient of the Columbia Excellence in Orthodontics award.
In her free time, Jenna loves to travel, hike, and try all the restaurants she can in Chicago’s lively food scene! Dr. Berry plans to become ABO certified, work in private practice, and teach orthodontics part time following graduation.

Dr. Eric Coy

Dr. Eric Coy is a dedicated and passionate orthodontic resident at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Born and raised in Maryland, Dr. Coy has always had a deep appreciation for education and community service. Dr. Coy’s journey in dentistry began with a strong academic foundation, earning a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Bioinformatics from Towson University in 2018. During this time, Dr. Coy discovered a profound interest in the intersection of healthcare, public service, and artificial intelligence (AI) through two research internships at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Driven by this passion, Dr. Coy pursued a career in dentistry and enrolled in the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) where he received a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in 2023. During dental school, he actively engaged in various extracurricular activities, research projects, and community service initiatives particularly focused in expanding healthcare access to the LGBTQIA+ community. Dr. Coy’s dedication and commitment to excellence in research were recognized through prestigious awards, including two research awards at UCSF’s Research and Clinical Excellence Day in 2021. He was also chosen by faculty and peers to lead his class as a Clinic Chief.
In the realm of orthodontics, Dr. Coy is passionate about exploring the application of cutting-edge technologies and research to enhance orthodontic treatment outcomes. He is particularly interested in progressing the use of AI in orthodontics, aiming to contribute valuable insights to the field.
Beyond academics and dentistry, Dr. Coy enjoys immersing himself in various hobbies and activities. In his spare time, he enjoys exercising, exploring Chicago, cooking, and visiting family. Upon completing the orthodontic residency at UIC, Dr. Coy plans to achieve board certification and embark on a journey of professional growth. He envisions practicing privately in his community, aiming to make a positive impact on the lives of patients and contribute to the advancement of orthodontics.

Dr. Ingrid Harb

Dr. Ingrid Harb was born and raised in Lebanon until she moved to Canada at the age of fourteen. In 2018, she earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Biochemistry with distinction from McGill University. She continued her studies at McGill University and earned her DMD with distinction in 2022. Following dental school, Dr. Ingrid completed a general practice residency at the Montreal Children’s Hospital where she further developed her love for orthodontics.
Dr. Ingrid was an active member on her dental school’s Student Society and class council. She conducted research during her undergraduate and dental education. Dr. Ingrid is also the recipient of the McGill Dentistry Summer research scholarship, the Maxwell & Betty Goldberg Prize, the Harry Rosen Scholarship, American College of Prosthodontics Predoctoral Achievement Award, and the Dr Soo Kim Lam Prize.
In her free time, Dr. Ingrid enjoys reading, running, cooking, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with her friends and family. Upon graduation, she plans on becoming a board certified orthodontist and enter private practice.

Dr. Adrienne Hoffman

Dr. Adrienne Hoffman was born and raised in Plano, Texas. Dr. Hoffman attended the University of Missouri where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Minor in Biology. During her tenure at the University, she started various organizations that help students and community members find inclusivity, belonging and hope for their futures.
Dr. Hoffman started her career as an insurance broker and consultant in Chicago. During this time, she was able to travel the world and learn the business side of healthcare. After deciding dentistry was her passion, Dr. Hoffman attended Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery. Dr. Hoffman was the recipient of distinguishment such as The International College of Dentists Student Leadership Award and The American Academy of Orthodontics Award.
When she finds free time, Dr. Hoffman will never turn you down to attend live music, a restaurant reservation, or workout class. Upon graduation, Dr. Hoffman plans to become ABO certified, join private practice, and eventually teach.

Dr. Mallory Kocher

Dr. Mallory Kocher was born in Greenville, South Carolina and grew up in a variety of places including Cincinnati, Ohio; Geneva, Switzerland; and Charlotte, North Carolina. She attended the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill where she graduated with distinction, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a minor in Spanish for the Professions. In college, she was a member of the UNC Dance Team.
She attended the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill for Dental School, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. She was an active member in a variety of students organizations including American Student Dental Association, the Aesthetic Dental Society, and her Student Executive Board. She won the ASDA Award for Excellence, highlighting her leadership and service done throughout dental school. In addition to her involvement in the dental school, Mallory has worked on numerous research topics and has published papers on bone regeneration and craniofacial morphology in reputable journals.
In her free time, Dr. Mallory loves to travel to new places. She enjoys getting outdoors to ski, golf, and play pickleball. She loves to try new restaurants in Chicago, go to a pilates class, and cheer on the Tarheels in Basketball. Upon graduation, she plans to enter private practice and become ABO certified.

Dr. Lauren Mills

Dr. Lauren Mills is from Mason, Michigan. In 2015, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Kalamazoo College. She obtained her Masters degree in physiology from the University of Michigan in 2018. She then moved to the Chicago area to complete her DMD at Midwestern University, graduating in 2023. While in school, Dr. Lauren was involved in several research projects studying behavior analysis, orofacial pain, and bone physiology. She is a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society and is excited to continue her orthodontics training in Chicago.
In her free time, Dr. Lauren enjoys playing the piano, drawing/painting, gardening, eating, and spending time with her husband, two toddlers, and dog. Upon graduation, she plans to become board certified and enter private practice.

Dr. Amanda Nicole Nikho

Dr. Amanda Nikho was born and raised in the Chicagoland suburbs. In 2018, she attended the University of Michigan and received her B.S. in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience. She then returned to Chicago to earn her D.M.D. from the University of Illinois in 2022. Directly following, she obtained her Hospital Dentistry certificate from OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, Illinois, in 2023.
Throughout her education, Dr. Nikho worked as a pediatric and orthodontic assistant in private practice for six years, developing her passion for the field. She also enjoyed researching the impact of cranial base and maxilla morphology on growth and consequential skeletal classification. And she was granted the Dr. Trucia Drummond Award and the A.C.E. Student Scholarship Fund in 2022 as recognition for presiding over both the American Association of Women Dentists and the Middle Eastern Dental Student Association.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Nikho adores graphite art and spending downtime with her family and friends. And after graduation, she plans to become ABO certified and work locally.

Dr. Zainah Shaker

Dr. Zainah Shaker hails from St. Paul, Minnesota. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in nutritional sciences at the University of Minnesota. She then continued her education by completing her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Minnesota and graduated with high distinction. Following completion of her doctorate degree she was determined to pursue further training in order to provide care to medically complex patients in both the clinical and operating room settings and this led her to a General Practice Residency. She completed her General Practice Residency at the University of Minnesota Medical Center- Fairview Hospital. After residency she practiced as a general dentist in the Twin Cities area. During this time she worked in private practice as well as in a hospital providing care to patients in the operating room setting. Completion of her own orthodontic treatment inspired her to provide this care to her patients which led her to begin her Orthodontics residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, baking and reading

Dr. Monika Soliman

Dr. Monika Soliman was born in Alexandria, Egypt. At the age of 5, she immigrated to the United States with her family, settling in New Jersey, where she was raised. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Rutgers University- Newark where she graduated summa cum laude. She earned her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree from Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) in 2023. At HSDM, Dr. Soliman served as the treasurer of both the class of 2023 and the American Student Dental Association. She also conducted research and took part in community service.
In her free time, Dr. Soliman enjoys working out, spending quality time with her family and friends, traveling, and engaging in her church community. After she graduates, Dr. Soliman plans on working in private practice and becoming ABO certified.

Dr. Suzanne Abreu

Dr. Suzanne Abreu was born and raised in Washington Heights, New York. In 2017, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from Smith College. After graduating, she served as a Blue Engine Teaching Assistant (BETA) of AmeriCorps for a year, where she taught Algebra to high school students in The Bronx. Dr. Abreu has always been passionate about helping underrepresented minorities obtain access to quality education and healthcare, which led her to pursue a career in dentistry. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree and a certificate in public health (CPH) from NYU College of Dentistry in 2022. While in dental school, she participated in extracurricular activities, research, public health efforts, and community service.
Her research project received the ADEA Section on Orthodontics Award and the second-place award at the ADEA 2022 Annual Session. She is the recipient of the Dean’s Scholarship Award and the Samuel I. Botkin Memorial Award. Her dedication and commitment to excellence in dentistry led her to become inducted into the Omega Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) National Dental Honor Society.

In her spare time, Dr. Abreu enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, cooking, exploring large cities, and experiencing different cuisines and cultures. Upon graduation, Dr. Abreu plans to become ABO certified, enter private practice, and, one day, join a craniofacial team.

Dr. Nourah Abdul Kader

Dr. Nourah Abdul Kader was born in Saudi Arabia and raised in India. She graduated from dental school in India with honors in 2018 and later attended the Advanced standing program for International dentists at Southern Illinois University to receive her DMD degree. Nourah is the recipient of the International leadership award, Larry M. Lowe scholarship, and Doris and Bill Gvillo scholarship, and was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi and Omicron Kappa Upsilon honor societies. Nourah has diverse interests in research and has published articles on 3D printing, Obstructive sleep apnea, and Oral candidiasis in reputed journals. Her current research interests include machine learning and biomechanics in orthodontic tooth movement.
Growing up in a household where her eldest sister was autistic, Nourah became sensitized by the need of the developmentally challenged. She has been voluntarily supporting multiple institutions that work with special needs and autistic kids. She also runs a startup – Caapid Simplified, that supported over 300 international dentists secure careers in the US. Nourah believes in breaking barriers and showing other women dentists that they can do it too. All her choices in life have been about breaking the stereotype where it limits growth. She most recently has been pursuing strength training to show herself and the world that strength comes from within. Learn more about her journey on her Asana Ortho Instagram handle.

Dr. Neil Chandok

Dr. Neil Singh Chandok was born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin. He then attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and graduated with a degree in Zoology. He was inspired to enter the dental profession after working at a non-profit pediatric dental clinic.
Dr. Chandok attended Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health earning a combined Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D) and Master in Public Health (MPH) degree. While at Arizona School of Dentistry, Dr. Chandok was the recipient of the A.T. Still University Research Fellowship and served as a student representative on the research committee. He was the student author of the ADEA (American Dental Education Association) policy research report published in 2022 and presented at ADEA’s annual convention. Upon graduation he was selected for the Pierre Fauchard Academy Senior Student Award of Merit and the Jack Dillenberg & Jamie Moret Future Dental Educator Award.
In his free time Dr. Chandok enjoys playing and watching sports, running, viewing documentaries, architecture, trying new cuisines, traveling and exploring various types of music. He intends to become board certified and dedicate time between dental education and practicing orthodontics for the underserved.

Dr. Evan Chwa

Dr. Evan Chwa grew up in Morton Grove and Northbrook, Illinois where he attended Glenbrook North High School. He later attended Loyola University Chicago earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Minor in Anthropology in 2018. There he was awarded the Mulcahy Scholarship which funded his research in dental microwear which was published in the American Journal of Physical Anthropology titled, “Artificial Resynthesis Technology for the experimental formation of dental microwear textures” (doi: 10.1002/ajpa.24395).
Loyal to Chicago, Dr. Evan continued his education at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine. While in dental school he was granted the Dr. Jerry F. Balaty Award in recognition of excellence in diagnosis and treatment planning in operative dentistry. Dr. Evan joined the field of orthodontics because it intersects with his skill set and passion for treatment planning, oral health education, developmental growth, and anthropology. He looks forward to further investigate the clinical intersection of anthropology and orthodontics.
In his spare time, Dr. Evan loves to hike, try new restaurants, play tons of video games, and find new posters to hang up. After graduating, he plans to join his father’s orthodontic practice in Northbrook, Illinois.

Dr. Katherine Howard

Dr. Katharine Howard grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago.  She graduated from Benedictine University in 2018 with a major in Health Science and a minor in Mathematics prior to attending the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry, where she earned her DMD degree in 2022.
Dr. Kate was an active member of several student organizations throughout her time in dental school, including serving on the executive boards of the American Association of Women Dentists and the Practice Management Club.  She also co-founded and served as president of the Orthodontics Club at UIC.  Her research interests include evaluating the demographic and clinical relationships between COVID-19 and obstructive sleep apnea, and she has presented her research at national conferences such as the Hinman Research Symposium at the University of Tennessee in 2021, the American Association for Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research’s annual session in 2022, and the American Association of Orthodontists’ annual meeting in 2022.  When she graduated, Dr. Kate was named as an A.C.E. Student Scholar and was awarded the American Association of Orthodontics Award, the American Institute of Orthodontics Award, and the Dr. Susan A. and Dr. Daniel A. Rowan Scholarship.
Dr. Kate is a self-taught artist and enjoys drawing in her free time.  She also enjoys travelling with her family, trying new restaurants, and attending Broadway musicals.  Upon graduation, she plans to become board certified, enter private practice, and potentially teach part-time.

Dr. John Lorenz

Dr. John Lorenz was born and raised in Libertyville, Illinois. In 2013 he graduated with highest distinction from the University of Iowa with a degree in neuroscience. He then attended the University of Iowa College of Dentistry where he obtained his D.D.S. and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon, National Dental Honor Society.
Dr. Lorenz has spent the last five years serving as a Captain in the United States Air Force. His military career first brought him to David Grant Medical Center in California, for a one year Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency. After California, he volunteered for a one year deployment in southern Turkey.  During this year he was awarded the base top company grade officer of the quarter for his work as a dentist and military officer. Dr. Lorenz concluded his military career with a three year assignment at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where he practiced general dentistry and led multiple military operations and teams.
After 4 years of traveling abroad, Dr. Lorenz is excited to have finally returned to his home state of Illinois. He looks forward to spending time with family and friends as well as enjoying Chicago’s international food scene and storied sports franchises.

Dr. Priya Shah

Dr. Evan Booth

Dr. Evan Booth was born and raised in La Grange, Illinois and is a proud alum of Lyons Township High School. He graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2016 with degrees in Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies. Upon graduation, Evan interned with the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, a non-profit in Northwest Montana, just outside of Glacier National Park.  He then returned to the Midwest, completing his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 2021.

In his free time, Dr. Evan enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors fly-fishing and birdwatching.  He also enjoys cooking and reading. Upon graduation, Dr. Evan plans to become board certified and enter private practice.

Dr. Emelia Karkazis

Dr. Emelia Karkazis is from Bannockburn, Illinois. She attended Marquette University as a seven-year pre-dental scholar, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences in 2018. Dr. Karkazis then attended Marquette University School of Dentistry where she earned her D.D.S. in 2021. Emelia is the recipient of the Pierre Fauchard Academy Student Merit Certificate Award, the Quintessence Publishing Company Clinical Achievement in Research Award and was published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJODO) in dental school. Emelia’s dedication to the dental profession led to her induction into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Honor Dental Society Xi Chapter.

In her free time, Emelia loves to travel, bake, try new restaurants around Chicago, and spend time with her family, friends, and dog. Upon graduation, Emelia plans to become ABO certified and enter private practice.

Dr. Matthew Rhee

Dr. Matthew Rhee was born in Berkeley, CA and raised in Sartell, MN.  He later would attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign obtaining a degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a minor in Chemistry in 2017. For his dental training, Dr. Rhee completed his Doctorate at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2021.

In dental school Dr. Rhee participated in multiple student organizations serving in roles involving peer development as well as executive functions in groups such as the student chapter of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Student Research Group.  His research interests during his pre-doctorate years included A.I. enhanced Orthodontic treatment planning, the oral health impacts of anxiety and depression, and socioeconomic disparities relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Dr. Rhee was the recipient of the American Association of Orthodontics Award, John W. Davis Orthodontic Scholarship Award and the Society for Color and Appearance in Dentistry Student Award of Merit.

In his free time Dr. Rhee enjoys playing golf, ice hockey as well as building and fixing cars.  He is also an avid fan of Hip-Hop music and loves exploring Chicago and its food scene. Giving him restaurant recommendations is strongly encouraged!

Dr. Zachary Skabelund

Dr. Zachary Skabelund grew up in various locations during childhood including Iceland and Texas, then eventually settled in Logan, Utah. He graduated from Utah State University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.

Dr. Skabelund then attended the Ohio State University for dental school, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2021. During this time he earned various scholarships including the Academic Achievement Scholarship, and Student Research Scholarship. Upon graduation, he was selected for the American Association of Orthodontists Student award, Pierre Fauchard Academy Senior Student Award and became a member of the Theta Chapter of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society.

From 2010 to 2012, Dr. Skabelund participated in a mission trip in northern Brazil and became fluent in the Portuguese language. In his free time, he enjoys playing and watching sports, viewing documentaries, listening to 90s music and alternative rock, and tinkering with electronics. He is a lover of animals and enjoys spending time with his fish tanks. He intends to become board certified and join private practice following graduation.

Dr. Analia Tahir

Dr. Analia Tahir was born in Chicago, Illinois. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minored in Art & Design at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2016. She went on to complete a Post-Baccalaureate program at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry in 2017. Dr. Tahir then graduated from Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine and received her D.M.D. in 2021. Dr. Tahir has a special interest in community service and enjoys providing clinical care to underserved populations.

In her free time, Dr. Tahir enjoys trying new restaurants across Chicago, making music playlists, exercising, spending time with her loved ones, and indefinitely cuddling her two dogs by the fireplace. Upon graduation, Dr. Tahir plans to enter private practice and serve her community.

Dr. Stephen T. Treacy

Dr. Stephen T. Treacy was born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut. He then attended the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a Bachelor of Science-Business. During his summers while attending Notre Dame, Dr. Treacy split his time between working at an orthodontic office in his home town, and pursuing business internships at a number of companies, including Under Armour.

Dr. Treacy then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S) degree. While at UNC, Dr. Treacy was the first-ever recipient of the UNC Business Essentials scholarship, and earned a Certificate in Business from the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. Additionally, he was an executive board member for the Student Entrepreneurs in Dentistry, and a co-founder of the Dental ReStore – a non-profit organization focused on providing mission groups and local community clinics with dental equipment.

During his free time, Dr. Treacy enjoys everything sports (especially Notre Dame football), reading about history, making and eating baked goods, listening to 2000’s pop-punk music, and spending time with family and friends. Upon graduation, Dr. Treacy plans to become board certified and enter private practice.

Dr. Hsuan (Rebecca) Tsuei

Dr. Rebecca Tsuei grew up in Cupertino, California, otherwise known as Apple’s headquarters. She earned her Bachelor of Science at UCLA in 2015, graduating with a major in Psychobiology and a minor in English. Post-graduation, Dr. Tsuei worked in a dental office and in a research lab that collaborated with NASA to send mice to space. She then returned to UCLA for dental school, receiving her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2021. While at UCLA, Dr. Tsuei served on the executive board of student government and conducted clinical research on the effect of micro-implant supported skeletal expansion on orthodontic tooth movement.

In her free time, Dr. Tsuei enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with friends and family. Although she does not squat 400 pounds, as circulating rumors might suggest, she also enjoys lifting and trying new workout classes. Upon graduation, she plans to become ABO certified, work in private practice, and join a craniofacial team.

Dr. Shirley Zhang

Dr. Shirley Zhang was raised in Naperville, Illinois. She attended Northwestern University where she earned Bachelors of Arts degrees in biology and psychology. In college, she continued her passion for dancing as a competitive Latin ballroom dancer, winning the 2016 National Collegiate DanceSport Championship her senior year. She continued her education at the University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated with her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree with honors.

While in dental school, she was active in community dentistry as well as in advocacy for the LGTBQ+ community, co-founding the Penn Dental Pride Alliance. She was the recipient of the International College of Dentists Humanitarian Award, the Penn Dental Medicine Award for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, and the Herman Segal Emergency Care Award. Her dedication towards her profession led her to be inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the National Dental Honor society.

In her spare time, Dr. Zhang enjoys Latin ballroom dancing, acrylic painting, trying new cuisines, and spending time with family and friends.