Kaitlyn Kang

Kaitlyn, an aspiring dentist enrolled at Earl Warren College, is taking advantage of every opportunity to gain both hands-on and research experience. She was a research associate with the Department of Emergency Medicine, where she screened patients and contributed actively to various clinical research studies. She also worked as a dental assistant at a prosthodontics office in San Diego. She enhanced her leadership skills as the director of outreach for the Pink Ribbon Initiative as well as a media analyst for the Saltman Quarterly. She currently volunteers at the UC San Diego Student-Run Free Dental Clinic as a chairside assistant, and will soon start working as a Research Health Technician for the Colvonen STARR lab.

Previously she was an undergraduate research assistant in the Shtrahman Lab where she handled “basic husbandry tasks with mice.” As a surgery intern at SDNerosurgery she assisted with numerous administrative and clinical tasks. As co-outreach chair with HMP3HOPE she helped raise money for the Unrepresented in Medicine Conference, where she successfully secured donations for the organization.

While at UC San Diego, Kaitlyn has discovered a holistic approach to academics. Rather than solely chasing good grades, she is prioritizing “accumulating knowledge and an understanding of various topics,” which has led to improved study habits and a deeper interest in biology.

Beyond science, Kaitlyn is an art enthusiast. She explores various art forms, including music, film, photography, and decorative art, often seeking art museums when traveling to new cities. This passion extends to her personal style: “Vintage finds and second-hand treasures allow me to craft a personal aesthetic that speaks volumes without uttering a word.”

During the rest of her time at UC San Diego, Kaitlyn is committed to pursuing opportunities that will provide her with “firsthand experience alongside practicing dentists to familiarize myself with clinical tasks and the profession’s demands.”