UW C.O.R.E
Child Oral Health Relief Education
Meet our 2014-2015 CORE Officers!
Julie Vu - Co President
Hey guys, my name is Julie Vu! I am one of C.O.R.E.'s Co-President this year and currently a senior majoring in Biology-Molecular, Cellular, and Development. Outside of school, I work as a research assistant at the Center for Pediatric Dentistry and also spend time as a Dental Outreach volunteer with NeighborCare Health. In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, swimming, and sight-seeing. And I also love exploring all the cafes and coffeeshops that Seattle has to offer! Fun fact, I come from a very large family of over 40 first cousins, 8 of which currently go to the UW!
Garrison Dephillips - Co President
Major: Biology
Year: Senior
Hi I'm Garrison and I'm from Tacoma, WA! In my spare time, I love to experiment with cooking new food.
Lisa Ngo - Activities Coordinator
Hi, my name is Lisa Ngo and I am C.O.R.E.'s 2014-2015 Activities Coordinator. I am from Tacoma, Washington and I'm a senior majoring in Medical Anthropology & Global Health. I joined C.O.R.E. because I grew up in an extremely diverse neighborhood with students from all backgrounds. Early on I became aware of the inequalities that existed within my community and the effects of poverty on the underprivileged. I wanted to join an organization that advocated for and served these populations. I wanted to be a part of a movement that promoted health education so that people, regardless of their economic status, could be given the tools to take charge of their own health. This is exactly what C.O.R.E. is all about!
Outside of C.O.R.E. I am a mentor for UW's Dream Project and Team Leader for Healthcare Alternative Spring Break. I also love to travel! Last summer I studied abroad in Italy to learn how culture affects health outcomes within communities. This summer I traveled with the Vietnam Health Clinic to provide primary health care services to underserved areas of Vietnam. Back in Seattle, I volunteer at Seattle's Union Gospel Mission Dental Clinic as well as the UW Dental Fears Clinic. Please feel free to ask me about any of these activities if you are interested! I would be happy to share my experiences and help you get involved!
During my free time I enjoy playing tennis and swimming. I always find time to catch up on my favorite TV shows and I really like scary movies. But if there's one thing you should know about me, it's that I love ice cream!
Jennifer Tang - Secretary
I am currently a senior majoring in Biology. I was born and raised in Seattle, WA. I am interested in dentistry because I would have a chance to communicate with people in various languages while performing hands-on procedures. In my free time I like to stay active by exercising, practicing wushu, and performing with my lion dance team.
Andrew Ikazaki - Public Relations
My name is Andrew Ikazaki, a current UW senior majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. I have a keen interest in the utilization of molecular/cellular biology topics to progress the insight and understanding of our natural world. Furthermore, I hope to use this knowledge to assist and improve the lives of those that lack the means to do it themselves. Initially, I wanted to pursue a career in molecular biology research but as time went on I decided that the field of dentistry would allow me to match, and even exceed, the passions I have. After I complete my undergraduate degree, I plan to apply to California Dental Schools and use my year off to continue my research.
Malika Jhawar - Treasurer
I am excited to help my future patients understand that flossing, brushing, and attending cleanings can go a very long way. Many people don't realize that oral health isn't simply localized to the mouth- problems in your teeth and gums can cause problems in your entire body. As a psychology major, I am also very interested in dental fears, and further research in trying to treat it. I took Hindustani classical singing lessons through middle and high school and have loved applying this knowledge when performing with my a cappella team, UW Awaaz. I love flossing, listening to Beyoncé, eating mangoes and playing Bananagrams. Fun fact: I don't sweat!!!
Jessie Zou - Webmaster
Hi everyone! My name is Jessie, and I am currently in my senior year and I am majoring in Biochemistry. I am a Seattlite through and through, I grew up around the area and have been here ever since. I became involved in CORE because I am really committed to making an impact in the community in which I can bring my interests and skills to help others. I really resonate with CORE’s commitment to community service, which I believe is key in pursuing any career in the healthcare field. Outside of CORE, I am involved in a research lab in the UW School of Dentistry studying the effects of nitrous gas on the human endocrine system. In addition, I work as a registered dental assistant in a dental practice in downtown Seattle. I also had the opportunity to be apart of Healthcare Alternative Spring Break (HCASB) last year and traveled to Colville, WA where I shadowed a few dentists practicing rural dentistry.
During my free time I like to hang out with friends and eat a lot of food. I also like to sing, go rock climbing and love spending time outdoors. A fun fact about me: when I was in fourth grade, I was a part of a unicycle team and we performed during the halftime show at a UW men’s basketball game!