Aishwarya Benzy

UConn School of Dental Medicine

I was born in New Haven, raised in Meriden, and later moved to Cheshire. I attended the University of Connecticut, earning a B.S. in physiology and neurobiology and a B.A. in human rights, with a minor in molecular and cell biology. I pursued both degrees to understand how biology and policy intersect, and why health outcomes can differ so drastically across communities.

My early experiences shaped this lens. At 13, I began volunteering with Distressed Children & Infants International, supporting outreach and fundraising efforts for children affected by poverty. Later, I worked with newly arrived refugee families through Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS), helping them navigate a fragmented and unfamiliar health system. As a UConn Health Leader, I screened patients and provided tailored referrals to social and clinical resources. In research, I collaborated with students across various disciplines to implement virtual reality tools addressing nicotine use among young adults. These experiences deepened my commitment to understanding and reshaping the systems, narratives, and relationships that influence health.

I want to join UST/AHEC because I believe that interdisciplinary, community-centered care is not a luxury, but a necessity. Oral health is often sidelined, yet it shapes confidence, communication, and quality of life. Through UST/AHEC, I want to protect what smiles stand for: dignity, visibility, and empowerment.