Officers | ASDA Predental Chapter UH

Get to Know Us

Get to Know The 2025-2026 Officer Team

Click on any of our faces below!

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Mattin Rastgar
PRESIDENT

Classification:
Junior

Major/ minor:
Psychology / Art minor

Tell me about yourself!
I become obsessed with a new hobby every few months (recently: making beats, running, guitar), and I want to try everything in life once, so spontaneity is the way to go. I’m also terrible with names but eventually I will get to know everyone in ASDA.

How did you know about ASDA and why did you choose ASDA?
I kind of joined ASDA by accident. I stumbled into an officer’s office hours 2 years ago and he told me to come to a meeting. I stayed because of the amazing people and huge opportunities. Joining this community was easily the best decision I made.

What is your favorite topic to talk about?
I can ramble on about magic forever.
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Joseph Trapolino
VICE PRESIDENT

Classification:
Senior

Major/ minor:
Biology/Business Administration

Tell me about yourself!
I enjoy bringing people together and making my friends laugh in the most sibling-like way. I look up to the footsteps of past leaders and friends, and I strive to create the same kind of supportive environment they built for me. My ultimate goal is to make ASDA feel like a true home for everyone.

How did you know about ASDA and why did you choose ASDA?
I first learned about ASDA through UH’s pre-dental community and saw how much it offered in mentorship, leadership, and connection. I chose ASDA because it gives students the chance to grow together, support each other, and prepare for dental school as a family.

What is your favorite topic to talk about?
My favorite topic to talk about is how everyone is growing up watching friends step into new stages of their lives and celebrating those milestones together.

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Ricardo Palencia
TREASURER

Classification:
Sophomore

Major/ minor:
Biology

Tell me about yourself!
Hi everyone I am from Pearland Texas, but I was originally born in Mexico. I grew up playing tennis and just recently have been getting into golf! I love being spontaneous and active and I hate being home. I absolutely love meeting new people and enjoy going out with friends!

How did you know about ASDA and why did you choose ASDA?
I found out about ASDA through my brother who was a part of the club before I came into college. I joined and I remember feeling as if I had known these people for years even though I had just met them. I chose the environment that made me feel comfortable and welcomed and continued on out!

What is your favorite topic to talk about?
I love talking about everyone’s favorite movie, our futures, space and poker. Anything involving critical thinking or strategy intrigues me!
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Tracy Akinyode
SECRETARY

Classification:
Senior

Major/ minor:
Exercise Science/Biology

Tell me about yourself!
Hi! I’m from Arlington, Texas and I’m so excited to be ASDA’s secretary this year! I had a bit of a late switch to dentistry, but I fall more and more in love with the profession the more I learn, and could not be more happy and confident in my decision. I enjoy all things fitness, shopping, and trying new food spots :)

How did you know about ASDA and why did you choose ASDA?
I learned about ASDA from cats back! After deciding to pursue dentistry, I immersed myself in all things pre-dental, and discovered ASDA and its amazing members! I chose ASDA because of its vast opportunities for pre-dental students such as shadowing, volunteering, networking, and much more.

What is your favorite topic to talk about?
Currently, I can’t stop talking about Love Island, my new puppy named Ace (no, not named after him!!!!), and discovering the huge variety of food spots in Houston.

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Izaan Arif
COMMUNITY SERVICE CHAIR

Classification:
Senior

Major/ minor:
Biology/Health

Tell me about yourself!
I’m originally from Katy, Texas and I have lived there pretty much all my life. I have 3 siblings which are all brothers. I love kids because interacting with them allows me to tap into a version of myself I normally don’t get to. I also am very competitive and love playing and watching sports, whether it is basketball, football, or even soccer.

How did you know about ASDA and why did you choose ASDA?
I found out about ASDA through a friend during the end of my spring semester of my sophomore year. I wanted to join right when I found out, but since the semester was ending I promised I myself I would join right when junior year started. I chose ASDA because I heard about all the different resources they offer, ranging from school tours to shadowing opportunities to mock interviews. Best of all, you get to make friendships with amazing people you’ll stay in touch with for the rest of your life.

What is your favorite topic to talk about?
My favorite subject to talk about is easily sports. I can talk about it all day, because there’s so many conversations to be had. I also like talking about music and being introduced to new artists. There’s nothing better than finding a new artist you like which has a good discography.

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Derek Nguyen
HISTORIAN

Classification:
Senior

Major/ minor:
Business Management/Biology

Tell me about yourself!
Hi! My name is Derek Nguyen and I am a senior majoring in business management with a minor in biology. I love trying new things and picking up new hobbies, especially anything that relates to art. I’m also addicted to YouTube and spend way too much of my free time going down video rabbit holes!

How did you know about ASDA and why did you choose ASDA?
I found ASDA out through a friend who referred me to join. When I first joined, I didn’t know anyone and was a little shy to meet new people. However, at the meetings and volunteer events, I was able to meet new people and met friends who I consider incredibly close to me now. The openness and welcoming nature of ASDA is what kept me in the organization. Everyone is easy to talk to and everyone is always trying to uplift each other.

What is your favorite topic to talk about?
I can talk all day about photography, cars, art, and sports (I’ve been really into sumo wrestling recently).
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Thosam Hoang
PUBLIC RELATION CHAIR

Classification:
Junior

Major/ minor:
Public Health/Biology

Tell me about yourself!
Hey everyone, my name is Thosam. I thrive in areas with food, whether it be trying new cuisines, cooking new recipes, or just watching people eat. Other than being a large person, I love getting to know people and love hearing people’s stories. I am looking forward in meeting everyone and can not wait for what’s in store for ASDA!

How did you know about ASDA and why did you choose ASDA?
The first time I heard about ASDA was at Cats back! I met great people there, signed up, and the rest was history. I stayed for the same reason that got me into this pre dental chapter. From the start, the people in ASDA have always been so amazing and many of them have become my closest friends. I am so grateful to have so many genuine connection here at ASDA and can not wait to make more!

What is your favorite topic to talk about?
You may have seen my around campus with a shirt that says EAT EAT REPEAT. So you know I love consuming and talking about different cuisines and recipes. I also love talking to people about matcha, Laufey, Beabadoobee, tote bags, and the Catcher in the Rye.

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Rene Vences Perez
DENTAL SHADOWING CHAIR

Classification:
Post- baccalaureate

Major/ minor:
Mathematics/ Accounting

Tell me about yourself!
I like going on walks and going to the gym. I love boba and league of legends. I am a big foodie. My goal is to make everyone feel like they are not alone and heard. I enjoy going out with friends and having fun or deep conversations, either in a 1-1 setting or as a group. I am very open minded. I listen and I don’t judge, so feel free to talk to me about anything.

How did you know about ASDA and why did you choose ASDA?
I looked up dental resources in Houston on google and found the website. While the resources are great, I decided to stay in ASDA because I liked the community and family aspect that it encourages and fosters and the countless friendships I have made.

What is your favorite topic to talk about?
I love talking about accounting, healthcare, and video games, but any topic is fair game to me.

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Elaine Nguyen
WEBMASTER

Classification:
Junior

Major/ minor:
Biology/Business Administration

Tell me about yourself!
Hi hi!! I'm from Richmond, Texas and am so exicited to meet and grow with everyone this year! I love to watch funny reels of chubby marmots, youtube video essays, anime, and many many many kdramas!! I'm also a HUGE enabler so be wary if youre practicing self discipline.

How did you know about ASDA and why did you choose ASDA?
I first learned about ASDA during my very first Cats Back during my freshman year. When I began attending meetings, I was shy and reserved. That changed once I was introduced to my mentor, through their guidance, I gradually opened up and became more involved, and started building friendships. Over time, those friendships grew into something even more meaningful. Today, the people I met through ASDA are more than just friends, they’ve truly become my found family.

What is your favorite topic to talk about?
Currently I'm really into nail art and true crime!! I also love talking about different philosophical scenarios, so if you're down for a debate, I'm your gal!

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Helen Flores Salas
SENIOR ADVISOR

Classification:
Post- baccalaureate

Major/ minor:
Biology/ Business Administration

Tell me about yourself!
Hi! I love playing music and traveling with friends whenever I get the chance. On weekends, I enjoy playing sports with my friends and family, and I’m always up for discovering new cafes around Houston.

How did you know about ASDA and why did you choose ASDA?
I first learned about ASDA through social media during my senior year of high school. I researched and saw the various opportunities they offered and knew I wanted to join ever since.

What is your favorite topic to talk about?
I enjoy talking about any good drama recommendations and movies :)

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Connect with us!

Facebook: /asdauh

Instagram: @asdauh

TikTok: @asdauh

Email: asda.uh@gmail.com

On Campus Office

Lamar Fleming Jr. Building, Room 158

Mailing Address

4465 University Drive

Commons Desk Mailbox #217

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