Blake M - Research Program Mentor | Polygence
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Blake M

- Research Program Mentor

DMD at University of Connecticut

Expertise

Dentistry, Medicine, Surgery, Pathology, Anatomy, Research

Bio

Hi there! I'm Dr. Blake Ma, a mentor based in Connecticut, dedicated to helping students discover their potential. My academic journey began at the University of Connecticut, where I majored in Molecular and Cell Biology. During my college years, I found my passion for mentorship, leading a large honors program mentoring initiative and providing individualized support as a private tutor to over 200 students. My commitment to fostering student growth was further solidified through my work with the Yale Young Global Scholars program. Following my Doctorate in Dental Medicine in 2020, I pursued advanced training in New York, honing my skills in complex dental procedures, including surgeries and implants. Mentoring is my passion that gives me a break from the private practice. I'm currently in private practice and a distinguished member of the dental community, recognized as a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry (top 1% nationwide) and a Fellow in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. I'm eager to connect with mentees who have an interest in medicine, healthcare, or biological research, and help them navigate their own inspiring paths. With over a dozen successful mentoring projects under my belt, I specialize in providing personalized mentorship that helps students achieve their distinct objectives. I've guided students through diverse milestones, including securing strong college recommendation letters, gaining entry into dental school, mastering impactful project presentations, and even achieving publication. I look forward to working with you to help you realize your own goals.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Pathway to a Career in Healthcare

This project is designed for students eager to explore the vast and dynamic world of healthcare careers. We'll go beyond simply listing professions, diving deep into your specific interests within medicine, allied health, or biological research. Together, we'll identify key roles that align with your passions and strengths. Through personalized guidance, I'll help you uncover practical strategies to gain valuable exposure, build relevant skills, and maximize your opportunities in your chosen healthcare field. By the end of our work, you'll have a clear, actionable, and step-by-step roadmap tailored to successfully pursue your desired career in healthcare.

How to Conduct Great Research

This project is designed to equip students with the essential tools and foundational principles for conducting high-quality research in medicine. Once these core research methodologies are firmly established, students will apply their newfound knowledge to develop a prototype project. This unique project will allow them to investigate a specific, niche area within the medical field that aligns with their interests.

Interpreting Outcomes of Oral Surgery Topics

This project offers an exciting introduction to the core principles of oral surgery. We'll cover fundamental topics such as wisdom teeth surgeries and dental implants, providing a solid grounding in these common procedures. Once you've grasped the basics, you'll have the opportunity to choose a specific area within oral surgery that genuinely interests you. Under my guidance, you'll then dive into scientific literature, critically examining how various factors might influence patient outcomes in your chosen sub-field. This deep dive will not only enhance your understanding of oral surgery but also hone your skills in scientific inquiry and critical analysis.

Teaching experience

As the Director of the Honors Mentoring Program, I led efforts to enhance the freshman experience for over 400 incoming honor students. My role involved developing and implementing social and educational programming designed to support their transition and growth. For three years, I also served as a private tutor, specializing in physiology, neuroscience, and biology. I independently tutored over 30 students and also provided support through my university. Additionally, I spent a year with the Yale Young Global Scholars program, where I worked with gifted students to explore and develop their academic interests.

Credentials

Work experience

Eastman Dental Institute (2021 - 2022)
Dentist
Yale Young Global Scholars Program (2019 - 2020)
Program Mentor
MDG (2021 - Current)
Private Practice

Education

University of Connecticut
BS Bachelor of Science (2016)
Molecular and Cell Biology/Minor in Business
University of Connecticut
DMD Doctor of Dental Medicine (2020)
Dental Surgery, Restorative Dentistry, Human Anatomy

Completed Projects

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