How a Biological Sciences student is preparing for dental school at UIC
Interview with Karla Heading link
Name: Karla Herrera
Major: Biological Sciences
Minors: Nutrition and Spanish for the Profession
Why did you choose UIC and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences?
The reason why I picked UIC is because of its outstanding College of Dentistry. I am in the pre-dental track and UIC College of Dentistry is the #1 Dental School in Illinois.
How did you choose your major?
I chose my major because it was one of the best fits for me and my goals. Biological Sciences major meets all the dental school class requirements which makes it easier to plan and meet all the requirement.
What has been your favorite class or professor so far?
My favorite class has been HN 110. Even though I took the class online, I genuinely learned so much with it. This class teaches us the basics of culinary and how to balance out every meal. The part I enjoyed the most was having to prepared different meals every week.
What is a project you are currently working on? Or is there an internship you have participated in or one you have applied to during your time at UIC?
I am currently conducting research at the UIC College Of Dentistry in the Oral Biology Department where my primary responsibility involves data analysis. Our research is focused on gaining insights into the heightened aggressiveness of oral tumors in comparison to their more frequently observed counterparts in the skin. I also got accepted into the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) at Columbia University in New York this upcoming summer. I will be there for 6 weeks and learn more about dentistry while gaining a lot of hands-on experience as well.
What resources have you connected with and found useful on campus?
The resources I have used the most on campus is the writing center. They have helped me so much with all my English tests and even working on my scholarships/internships applications.
Are you a part of any clubs or groups on campus, and how has that impacted your experience as a student?
I am actively part of the Pre-Dental Club, where I have gotten many opportunities at the College of Dentistry, from volunteering, to working with the staff. Also, I am part of Mujeres en Medicina, and this upcoming year 2024-2025, I was selected to be the Pre-Dental Committee Head which involves mentorship, organizing events and find volunteering experience for our club members.
What are your aspirations after graduation?
My aspirations after graduation are to go into Dental School for 4 more years. After that, I aspire to work with other dentists, or probably with the dentist I currently work with (as a dental assistant) and eventually open up my own office.
If you could give your freshman year self one piece of advice, what would it be?
I would tell myself to never give up, seek for help, and get involved on campus since it’s the way you will find a lot of opportunities and make great friendships.