EXECUTIVE ROSTER
2024-2025 Pre-Dental Society Officers
Our team is here for all our members and work hard to educate, inform, advocate and protect the interests of our members. As with many organizations, UNM’s Pre-Dental Society is structured in a way that we have multiple positions to ensure success and service to our members.
If you have any questions, you may contact us at unmpds@unm.edu!
Billy Chang
President
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Psychology
About Billy: "I chose dentistry because it combines my passion for working with my hands, problem-solving, and helping others improve their health and well-being. It gives me the opportunity to make a direct and positive impact on people's lives. I am applying this cycle. In my free time, I enjoy snowboarding, collecting shoes, thrifting, and playing video games."
Why Pre-Dental Society? The Pre-Dental Society is immensely beneficial in my journey of becoming a dentist. Leading the society allows me to contribute to the community while also fostering my own growth and preparation for dental school.
Fun Fact! My girlfriend and I have a bearded dragon named Gurt.
Lizyana Leyva
Vice President
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Community Health Education
About Liz: I am interested in dentistry because it is a way to give back to the community in a special way. I applied for the 2025 cycle and I am open to answering any questions anyone has about the application process / what makes a competitive applicant. I enjoy crocheting, going to the gym, and cooking. I hope to support others in their dental journey so we all can achieve our goals of becoming dentists!
Why Pre-Dental Society? I joined the Pre-Dental Society because I was fortunate enough to grow up around dentistry and I want to share my knowledge with my peers as resources are limited in New Mexico.
Fun Fact! I speak Spanish.
Josh Rippberger
Fundraising and Event Coordinator
Major: Biology
Minor: Chemistry
About Josh: I’ve known that I wanted to pursue a career in dentistry since I was a child. The dental field is unique in the sense that it incorporates science, art, and business all in one. Dentistry provides a new experience every day, which is very captivating to me. However, above all, being a dentist offers a very rewarding privilege to improve people’s health and instill confidence in their smile! I plan on applying next application cycle and I’m excited to see what the Fall semester holds. Outside of school I enjoy watching sports, being active in the outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.
Why Pre-Dental Society? I joined the pre-dental society to surround myself with peers that have similar drives and dedications, as well as gain exposure and opportunities within the field that I otherwise wouldn’t have. I chose to become an officer to gain experience in a leadership role as well as to help the club grow and support the dreams of other pre-dental students!
Fun Fact! I have grown up and been surrounded by skiing my entire life. I’m an avid skier and thoroughly enjoy it.
Isabella Padilla
Volunteer Coordinator
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Management
About Isabella: I chose dentistry because I loved how you can implement various skills into one profession and how great of an impact you can make to an individuals quality of life. I plan to apply this upcoming cycle, so I will have a gap year. I am excited to continue to grow this club and enjoy my last fall semester. I enjoy going to the gym, running, and cooking. A story I have is at mission of mercy and how rewarding it felt to advocate for a young bilingual patient who was anxious towards the dentist. It was a great experience knowing that I helped a barrier that the doctor needed help with.
Why Pre-Dental Society? I joined Pre-Dental Society because I had little to no knowledge about the process. The society helped me learn a lot about the process of applying and opened up networking opportunities for me.
Fun Fact! I love to travel.
Jared Romero
Treasurer
Major: Biology
Minor: Business
About Jared: I chose dentistry because it’s one of the few professions where you can do such a significant amount of work on someone in a simple way and in relatively short amount of time.
Why Pre-Dental?: I joined the pre-dental society to help further support my journey to becoming a dentist.
Fun Fact! Jazz and Lofi are my favorite genres to study to.
Hasti Patel
Secretary
Major: Biology
Minors: American Sign Language & Chemistry, Certificate in Honors
About Hasti: I chose dentistry because, as a little girl, I always wanted to be a doctor of some sort. Dentistry offers me the opportunity to serve my community and show that oral health is not a luxury but a necessity. It can identify serious internal health issues while boosting confidence by addressing insecurities. Most people don’t realize that dentistry can relieve pain and transform lives, creating happy, healthy individuals. I plan on applying the upcoming cycle and super excited to finish my minor in ASL and take my anatomy lab this semester. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed the lab so far! Outside of school, my hobbies include playing pickleball, doing my nails, sleeping, and watching my favorite shows.
Why Pre-Dental Society? I joined the pre-dental society to gain deeper insights into the dental field and build connections with peers. I become the secretory to contribute my organizational skills and help society run smoothly.
Fun Fact! I can speak English, Hindi, Gujarati, and I’m currently learning ASL, and I love how it connects me to many different communities and cultures.
Diego Ruiz
Webmaster
Major: Population Health
Minor: Chemistry
About Diego: After shadowing a dentist for the first time last fall, I became fascinated with dentistry and appreciated how quickly and visibly you can make a difference in people's lives. This year, I'm excited to be part of the officer team and share opportunities with pre-dental students, as well as hopefully get to tour some dental schools. In my free time, I like to go camping, hike, cook, and go to the gym.
Why Pre-Dental Society? I joined pre-dental society to be part of a community that shares my goals and to gain access to resources to help me prepare for applying to dental school.
Fun Fact! I am a twin.
