Wendy Zhan

UConn School of Dental Medicine

Born in Guangzhou, China, I moved to the United States with my parents when I was one year old and grew up in the small town of Bethany, CT. After graduating from high school, I attended Emory University in Atlanta, GA, where I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in biology.

During the four years following graduation, I engaged in diverse experiences that strengthened my commitment to equity in healthcare, a value further reinforced by my time as a high school biology teacher through Teach for America. During the COVID pandemic, I witnessed firsthand the disparities in healthcare access that my students faced, solidifying my belief that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. In addition to teaching, I worked as a dental assistant, where I developed strong communication and collaboration skills that allowed me to build trust with patients and their families.

I am eager to join the Urban Service Track/AHEC Scholars Program (UST/AS) to deepen my understanding of the systemic inequities affecting underserved communities. My experiences with UST/AS will equip me with the knowledge and confidence to address culturally sensitive issues in my future dental practice. My goal is to create inclusive healthcare solutions that meet the unique needs of diverse populations and advocate for health equity in our communities.