Sasha Manchanda
DMD 2018
Reston, VA
Contact: smanch@bu.edu 

4th Year Class Rep

From day one of Orientation Week, Sasha saw how active and enthusiastic the ASDA chapter at BU was and she knew that she wanted to be a part of it. Upon beginning dental school, one of her personal goals was to establish a voice and a presence in the student body; ASDA allowed her to do just that. ASDA welcomes student perspective, equipping students with the tools they need to create a more supportive environment, both academically and beyond. Her various roles in ASDA, including Class Representative and former Chapter Treasurer, have allowed her to participate in activities at the local, district, and national levels, as well as network with other dental schools, making valuable connections. She is excited to continue sharing her passion about BU ASDA and spreading the “ASDA fever".

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Ashu Sharma
AS 2018
Hometown: Machhiwara, India
Contact: drashu@bu.edu

AS 2 Class Rep
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Ashu is from a small town in India. After doing his Bachelors and Masters in India, He headed towards United States to expand his sphere of knowledge and experience of new world outside India. He has always been active and passionate when it comes to helping others. Ashu saw his calling towards ASDA during his first year when he saw how active ASDA was at local, state and National level. Ashu saw ASDA as a bigger platform to reach out to more people and connect with others who share the same passion. He believes ASDA has a lot to offer to the students and the community through its many community outreach events, peer learning events and multi cultural events.  ASDA gives students an opportunity to explore and learn more than just dentistry and make them a better person and professional. Ashu is looking forward to serve as Class Representative for ASDA and make his share contribution towards this liberal and progressive association.

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Safina-Aliya Dhanji
DMD 2019
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Contact: safinaad@bu.edu

3rd Year Class Rep

​Safina is from Toronto, Ontario, Canada and became DMD 2019’s Class Representative in her second year. In her spare times she loves to cook, play ball hockey, box and is a self-proclaimed TV junkie! She chose this position so she could get involved with the school in multiple ways and meet new people within the BUGSDM community. This association gives her the opportunity to participate in activities such as volunteering, lunch-and-learns and social events – all of which she is passionate about! She also is very passionate about reducing the oral health care dichotomy that exists between the developed and the developing worlds. She hopes to one day take the skills she as acquired in dental school to set up and equip dental clinics in East Africa and train local professionals so that this disparity is weakened! Safina is excited to promote all things BU ASDA and looks forward to the upcoming year! 

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​Poojan Dhanasha
AS 2019
Hometown: India
Contact: poojank@bu.edu

AS 1 Class Rep

Beating the stereotype, an Indian dentist with added skills in global public health, Poojan has always striven for exponential development in public relations and innovation. He moved to the United States with an aim to understand public health determinants across the globe, which brought him to Boston University to receive his masters degree training in public health before his transition to the dental school. A great listener, being approachable is one of his imminent
skills. His interests lie in a plethora of community outreach activities, innovation and diversity welfare and this according to him is what means to be a party to ASDA. In anticipation of a holistic growth, Poojan is elated about his commitment to ASDA and is looking forward toserving integral roles within the committee, both locally and nationally.

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Juan Mora
DMD 2020
Hometown: Paoli, PA
Contact: jpm5519@bu.edu

2nd Year Class Rep 

Pablo was born in Bogota, Colombia, and moved to the United States at age 3. He attended Penn State University, and then joined Boston University to earn his masters in Oral Health Science before starting dental school. He is passionate about groups aimed at change and opportunity, including philanthropy and community outreach programs. This position allows him to further his involvement within the ASDA community while at the same time offering his expertise to the different committees and DMD classes alike. As a proud member of ASDA, Pablo is excited to contribute to multiple ASDA committees and help his classmates enhance their connections between academics, professionalism, and community. He is looking forward to the year ahead within this BU ASDA family!

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Payal Kumar
DMD 2021
Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta
Contact: payalk@bu.edu
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1st Year Class Rep

​​Payal traded in Tim Hortons for Dunkin’ Donuts and moved from Edmonton to Boston this past summer. Since day one of Orientation, Payal knew she wanted to get involved with the BU ASDA chapter, as she saw the positive impact this organization has had on the GSDM community. She is excited to explore all aspects of ASDA and share the academic and social opportunities ASDA has to offer with her classmates.

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