Student spotlight: Lotte Sjulin elected to national leadership role

Lotte Sjulin, a fourth-year dental student, was elected chair of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Council of Students, Residents and Fellows (COSRF).

In this prestigious position, Lotte represents and advocates for all students, residents and fellows in the dental education community by addressing the issues that shape the present and future of dental education.

Lotte and her fellow COSRF leaders meet with other ADEA councils to discuss current issues facing dental students, residents and fellows and work together to determine possible solutions, including the ADEA Council of Deans that includes the deans of all dental educational institutions.

Lotte also works with other ADEA students leaders across the country to encourage students to take on ADEA leadership positions and to coordinate national, district and local initiatives.

As chair, what are some of the projects you’re working on this year?

Every year we hold two national meetings. At our fall meeting, we're having a competition called "I Have an Idea." Students will compete against one another to come up with the best dental curriculum. At our spring meeting, we're having a speaker talk about academic careers in dentistry and ADEA student leaders from across the country will have a chance to highlight what they've been doing throughout the year.We’re also developing an event called "A National Road to Residency." A faculty member and a resident from each dental school are going to talk about their residency programs and what life is like for residents at their schools.

How did you get elected to the chair position?

There is an election at the spring national meeting and candidates give a speech on why they think they deserve the position and their ideas and goals for the year.This year, my goal was to do the "A National Road to Residency" event, and also continue with a project I started last year called "Faculty Pearls of Wisdom." I am taking pieces of advice from faculty across the country and writing a book for students interested in pursuing careers in academia.

What are you most excited for this year?

I'm excited to work with students from other schools. It's a unique experience; I’ve already connected with students from Connecticut, California and Colorado. We share our different dental school experiences, which has reminded me how special the UNMC College of Dentistry is. It's fun to brag on our school and how well put together we are. I'm really excited to expand my friendship base and bounce my ideas off other dental students and receive guidance from them.