Officers 2013-2014
President: Thu Tran
4th year
Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior Major
“Hi! My name is Thu Tran, and my first name sounds like the number two, with the “h” silent. You can usually find me with a big, fat, cheesy smile in the Silo or Memorial Union, bringing awareness to Operation Smile, or in the library, slaving away at neuronal pathways of the brain and physiological systems of the body. If you’re lucky, you might catch me in a laughing fit from too much studying. Other times, you can find me giggling with my pink laptop and thermos on campus, singing loudly and obnoxiously from building to building, as singing is one of my favorite stress-relieving activities.
My goal at the end of the day is to spread as many smiles as possible. I may not be able to directly provide corrective surgeries to children with cleft conditions or palates, but I still wish to change lives with contagious smiles and laughter each day. I will be throwing my graduation cap up this June 2014 with the hopes of being a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who can continue bringing smiles to children in the near future.
4th year
Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior Major
“Hi! My name is Thu Tran, and my first name sounds like the number two, with the “h” silent. You can usually find me with a big, fat, cheesy smile in the Silo or Memorial Union, bringing awareness to Operation Smile, or in the library, slaving away at neuronal pathways of the brain and physiological systems of the body. If you’re lucky, you might catch me in a laughing fit from too much studying. Other times, you can find me giggling with my pink laptop and thermos on campus, singing loudly and obnoxiously from building to building, as singing is one of my favorite stress-relieving activities.
My goal at the end of the day is to spread as many smiles as possible. I may not be able to directly provide corrective surgeries to children with cleft conditions or palates, but I still wish to change lives with contagious smiles and laughter each day. I will be throwing my graduation cap up this June 2014 with the hopes of being a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who can continue bringing smiles to children in the near future.
Vice-Present: Samuel Karavan
4th year
Exercise Biology Major
Samuel was born in the city of Sacramento, California. He has lived here all of his life even though he likes to travel to other states. He has five siblings in his family and three adopted children. He graduated from Mira Loma High School, attended American River College for three years, and is finishing up his senior year at UC Davis; majoring in Exercise Biology.
When he came to UC Davis, he wanted to learn more about ways to help in the community and decided to join Operation Smile, which was also closely related to his academic goal, dentistry. He found it to be a really rewarding decision and is now Vice-President of Operation Smile at UC Davis.
He is planning to finish his final classes for graduation at UC Davis and start dental school in August.
4th year
Exercise Biology Major
Samuel was born in the city of Sacramento, California. He has lived here all of his life even though he likes to travel to other states. He has five siblings in his family and three adopted children. He graduated from Mira Loma High School, attended American River College for three years, and is finishing up his senior year at UC Davis; majoring in Exercise Biology.
When he came to UC Davis, he wanted to learn more about ways to help in the community and decided to join Operation Smile, which was also closely related to his academic goal, dentistry. He found it to be a really rewarding decision and is now Vice-President of Operation Smile at UC Davis.
He is planning to finish his final classes for graduation at UC Davis and start dental school in August.
Advisor: Shirley Au
4th year
Clinical Nutrition Major
Hi. My name is Shirley and I’m currently a fourth year Clinical Nutrition major with a Human Development minor. I’m from Los Angeles, CA and I have a beautiful blue betta fish named Gary, just like the snail in SpongeBob. I like knitting, watching dramas, and napping. I joined Operation Smile during my Sophomore year because I wanted to improve the lives of children around the world. My favorite thing about Operation Smile at UC Davis is ability to bond with members that share the same interest in helping children.
4th year
Clinical Nutrition Major
Hi. My name is Shirley and I’m currently a fourth year Clinical Nutrition major with a Human Development minor. I’m from Los Angeles, CA and I have a beautiful blue betta fish named Gary, just like the snail in SpongeBob. I like knitting, watching dramas, and napping. I joined Operation Smile during my Sophomore year because I wanted to improve the lives of children around the world. My favorite thing about Operation Smile at UC Davis is ability to bond with members that share the same interest in helping children.
Advisor: Shixin Yu
4th year
Psychology Major
Hi everyone! My name is ShixinYu, and I am the current advisor for Operation Smile. I am a fourth year Psychology student and is the best advisor Operation Smile has ever had (besides Minh and Shirley)! I have many hobbies and interest that I promise to tell you only if you talk to me and pronounce my name correctly. Cheers and welcome to the OS website!
4th year
Psychology Major
Hi everyone! My name is ShixinYu, and I am the current advisor for Operation Smile. I am a fourth year Psychology student and is the best advisor Operation Smile has ever had (besides Minh and Shirley)! I have many hobbies and interest that I promise to tell you only if you talk to me and pronounce my name correctly. Cheers and welcome to the OS website!
Treasurer: Vy Bui
4th year
Biological Sciences Major
My name is Vy Bui. I’m a fourth year majoring in Biological Sciences. My favorite colors are yellow, black, green and purple. My favorite hobbies are playing mahjong and tennis. Although I study in biology, I have to confess that I also love astronomy. The universe has always been a mystery, sometimes scary and fascinating. Since I was a child, I have always embraced change. I moved several times when I came to the United States. I lived in Oregon for almost 2 years and have traveled to other states, though now I’ve lived in California for more than 4 years. The things I learned and the people I met define my life. I hope I can travel to various parts of the globe after I graduate from UC Davis. I look forward to interacting with different people, learning from their cultures and sharing mine.
4th year
Biological Sciences Major
My name is Vy Bui. I’m a fourth year majoring in Biological Sciences. My favorite colors are yellow, black, green and purple. My favorite hobbies are playing mahjong and tennis. Although I study in biology, I have to confess that I also love astronomy. The universe has always been a mystery, sometimes scary and fascinating. Since I was a child, I have always embraced change. I moved several times when I came to the United States. I lived in Oregon for almost 2 years and have traveled to other states, though now I’ve lived in California for more than 4 years. The things I learned and the people I met define my life. I hope I can travel to various parts of the globe after I graduate from UC Davis. I look forward to interacting with different people, learning from their cultures and sharing mine.
Secretary: Sasha Kasper
2nd year
English and Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior Major
Hello! My name is Sasha and I’m a sophomore studying English and Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior. I have been a part of the UC Davis Operation Smile Club since my freshmen year and I am so honored that I can be a part of the Executive Board for the club this year. I hope to travel to Japan or Russia next year through the Operation Smile U-Voice Program. When I’m not participating in the Operation Smile Club I love to play tennis, write poetry, and bake. You can find me frequently in Mishkas Café downtown ordering up their delicious lattes or anywhere that sells boba tea. I can’t wait to welcome more people into this amazing club! Have a beautiful day!
2nd year
English and Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior Major
Hello! My name is Sasha and I’m a sophomore studying English and Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior. I have been a part of the UC Davis Operation Smile Club since my freshmen year and I am so honored that I can be a part of the Executive Board for the club this year. I hope to travel to Japan or Russia next year through the Operation Smile U-Voice Program. When I’m not participating in the Operation Smile Club I love to play tennis, write poetry, and bake. You can find me frequently in Mishkas Café downtown ordering up their delicious lattes or anywhere that sells boba tea. I can’t wait to welcome more people into this amazing club! Have a beautiful day!
Publicity: Wassim Hmeidan
2nd year
Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior Major
Hello, I am a second year NPB major. I am currently a pre-med student looking into going to medical school with the hopes of becoming a surgeon. I joined Operation Smile Winter 2013 and became Fundraising and Publicity Chair the following quarter. As I always say, keep smiling my friends!
2nd year
Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior Major
Hello, I am a second year NPB major. I am currently a pre-med student looking into going to medical school with the hopes of becoming a surgeon. I joined Operation Smile Winter 2013 and became Fundraising and Publicity Chair the following quarter. As I always say, keep smiling my friends!
Web Design: Tammy Pham
3rd year
Biological Sciences Major emp. in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior
Hello! My name is Tammy Pham, and I’m a third year at UC Davis. I recently joined Operation Smile this year and am having an amazing time so far! On my spare time, I really like to participate in great causes or some form of community service. So, it’s wonderful to be a part of a club that can make a huge difference and help those children with cleft palate. Please come and check out our club and see what we are all about!
3rd year
Biological Sciences Major emp. in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior
Hello! My name is Tammy Pham, and I’m a third year at UC Davis. I recently joined Operation Smile this year and am having an amazing time so far! On my spare time, I really like to participate in great causes or some form of community service. So, it’s wonderful to be a part of a club that can make a huge difference and help those children with cleft palate. Please come and check out our club and see what we are all about!