Dentistry has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up around my family's offices, Viva Smile Dentistry, I spent years learning not just the clinical side of healthcare, but also the responsibility that comes with caring for people. Working closely with patients and helping manage the day-to-day operations of multiple offices taught me how much trust, communication, and consistency matter in building meaningful patient relationships.

Over time, I became increasingly interested in the intersection of healthcare, leadership, and patient confidence. That interest eventually led me to found The Bright Spot, a professional teeth whitening studio focused on education, patient experience, and accessible cosmetic care.

At UC Irvine, I also worked in an immunology research laboratory studying T-cells and assisting with flow cytometry-based research. Research challenged me to think critically, stay detail-oriented, and approach problems through an evidence-based lens.

Outside of dentistry and academics, a large part of my life has been centered around service and community work. Through Smiles for Soldiers and Armenian humanitarian initiatives, I have helped support the development of dental operatories in underserved rural villages and participated in scholarship and cultural fundraising efforts for students in Armenia.

When I am not working or studying, I spend much of my time training for triathlons and Ironman races. Endurance sports have become one of the strongest influences on my mindset, teaching me patience, discipline, humility, and the value of long-term consistency.