Two hundred and sixteen GSDM faculty, staff, students, and residents participated in the 2026 Boston University Global Days of Service, an annual university-wide global volunteer event.
“Community service addresses local needs, connecting people to much needed services,” Kathy Lituri MPH 03, GSDM clinical assistant professor of health policy & health services research, said. “By participating in Global Days of Service, it enhances GSDSM’s commitment to community service.”
Eleven GSDM community members shared why they wanted to donate their time and energy to local causes, as well as their favorite experiences doing so. Here’s what they had to say:
Lina Benslimane, Instructor of Health Policy & Health Services Research
Whittier Tech High School Student Visit to GSDM, co-hosted by Hispanic Dental Student Association (HSDA) and Building Our Leaders in Dentistry (BOLD)
“My favorite part in participating in the HSDA BOLD event was the discussion between the panelists and the high schoolers and their pertinent questions. [Participating in Global Days of Service is a great way] to give back to the community either monetary, voluntary time or kindness.”
Ana Keohane DMD 16, clinical associate professor of general dentistry and director of urgent care, HSDA Faculty Advisor
Whittier Tech High School Student Visit to GSDM, co-hosted by Hispanic Dental Student Association (HSDA) and Building Our Leaders in Dentistry (BOLD)
“What I valued most about the Global Days of Service event was the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while fostering a sense of connection and shared responsibility. It was inspiring to work alongside colleagues and students who are dedicated to improving access to care and giving back to the communities.”
Ofori Addo DMD AS 26
Whittier Tech High School Student Visit to GSDM, co-hosted by Hispanic Dental Student Association (HSDA) and Building Our Leaders in Dentistry (BOLD)
HSDA Bold Whitter Tech guest panelist
“I really enjoyed connecting with students at the Whittier Tech event and having the chance to influence their career paths. Sharing my personal journey through dental school and healthcare made the experience especially meaningful.”
Laurencio González CAS 28
Whittier Tech High School Student Visit to GSDM, co-hosted by Hispanic Dental Student Association (HSDA) and Building Our Leaders in Dentistry (BOLD)
HSDA Bold Whitter Tech BU Undergraduate Pre-Dental Representative
“I was honored to share some advice with these highly motivated students that I wish someone in my current position would have been able to give me as a high schooler passionate about dentistry…I’ve always been passionate about giving back, and I saw this event as the perfect opportunity to balance service and academic growth.”
Purnima Sainani DMD 28
Pine Street Inn Kitchen Prep Shift with Student National Dental Association (SNDA)
“Sometimes we forget how fortunate we are to have the ability and mean to cook for ourselves and access daily meals. It felt rewarding to give back in this way, and since we use our hands so much in dentistry, it was especially meaningful to use them in a different capacity to help others.”
Autumn Skowrenski DMD 28
Pine Street Inn Kitchen Prep Shift with Student National Dental Association (SNDA)
“My favorite part of participating in the Global Days of Service event was getting a tour and learning all the ways Pine Street Inn helps our Boston community. It was truly unreal to see the showers, sleeping dorms, and to hear about the rules of Pine Street Inn…The structure that Pine Street Inn offers for its residents was so cool to learn about, and I know the structure helps a lot of people. Overall, this was an excellent experience.”
Matt Mara DMD 16 AEGD 17 Wheelock 19, assistant professor of general dentistry and director of behavioral science education
Hope for HIE* Community and Parent Conference
“It was especially meaningful to engage [with] students who are actively involved in research and interested in careers in academia and teaching, as this conference was held through our ADEA chapter, where I serve as faculty mentor. As an HIE parent, former student, resident, and now faculty member at GSDM, I deeply appreciate opportunities like this, where GSDM supports faculty and community members in engaging with and advancing initiatives that are personal and meaningful to our community.”
Caroline Potter DMD 28
Hope for HIE Community and Parent Conference
“The most enlightening part was hearing directly from parents and caregivers about their experiences and the day-to-day challenges that often aren’t talked about. It made me realize how a huge part of dental care happens outside of the operatory and how important it is for providers to anticipate needs that may not be immediately visible. It also reinforced the
importance of building trust, communicating clearly, and creating a supportive environment where families feel heard and respected. Experiences like this highlight that providing good care goes beyond clinical skills; it requires empathy, flexibility, and a willingness to meet patients and their families where they are.”
Amy Chan DMD 28
Hope for HIE Community and Parent Conference
“Events like Hope for HIE are valuable opportunities to help spread awareness about oral hygiene, but more than that, it gives students the opportunity to connect with families on a personal level, listen to their stories, and recognize the real-world challenges that shape health outcomes. There are some things you can’t just learn inside the walls of a classroom, and I believe these experiences help bridge the gap between our didactic knowledge and compassionate, individualized care.”
Nicholas Graziano DMD 27
Hope for HIE Community and Parent Conference
“I really valued the opportunity to communicate directly with families and community members. Hearing their stories firsthand helped me to grasp the real challenges they face and reinforced the importance of this work. I left feeling thankful and even more confident in the impact this research can have for families in the Hope for HIE community and beyond.”
Sabie Marcellus, GSDM Research Dental Assistant
Seventh-day Adventist Church Health Fair
Oral Health Promoter and Screening Recorder
“As a Haitian American, this event gave me the unique opportunity to serve as a volunteer, a translator, and an advocate. I knew that even if the parishioners spoke English, meeting and seeing a healthcare worker from the same background can make people feel comfortable and enable them with the courage to access the services they need.”
*Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
