Shiyuan is a student in the School of Dental Medicine graduating with a Doctor of Dental Medicine. She completed her undergraduate career at Yale University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in molecular, cellular and developmental biology. In the nomination for this award, Dr. Steven M. Lepowsky (School of Dental Medicine’s Dean) has written, “MJ’s commitment to service and community outreach has been a hallmark of her time at UConn.”

Since 2017, Shiyuan has been the Dental Class President of the Medical and Dental Student Government (MDSG) at UConn where she plans activities, advocates for the student body, distributes funding to student groups, and has even discussed legislative issues such as student debt and access to care with U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney and other MDSG members.

Her other community engagements have included working with Connecticut Mission of Mercy and the Migrant Farm Workers health clinics, Connecticut Special Olympics Special Smiles program, American Student Dental Association, and American School for the Deaf. Lastly, Shiyuan holds the Community Chair of the Pediatric Dentistry Interest Group.

Along with all her service-based work, Shiyuan has interned for Fortress Insurance, researching risk management issues in dentistry. The UConn community is fortunate to not be losing this accomplished student; after graduating, Shiyuan will continue devoting her time to children’s oral health through pediatric residency training at the UConn School of Dental Medicine and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.