ALEC SIMONSON
Alec Simonson started dental school in 2021, keen to master the art and science of dental medicine. Having gained a BSc and a Master of Science degree from Florida Atlantic University, he is now in his third year of study for a Doctor of Dentistry degree at the University of Florida.
During both his undergraduate and postgraduate studies, Alec has been involved in research into the fields of bioinformatics, neuropharmacology, and dental neuroscience. In 2021, he was one of two students chosen to attend and present their research at the Hinman Student Research Symposium. He has also given presentations at the American Association of Dental, Orofacial, and Craniofacial Research Conference, and the University of Florida College of Dentistry Spring Synergy Research Symposium.
Academic Achievements
While an undergraduate, Alec was made a Kenan Fellow at the Scripps Research Institute in Jupiter, Florida, and was a Presidential Scholarship awardee. As a postgraduate, Alec has already earned a John Nambu Molecular Biology Scholarship award, and he is currently publishing an article that focuses on the potential for novel, neuroprotective compounds to combat the synaptic effects of oxidative stress.
Philanthropy
As well as his voluntary work with the FreeD.O.M. USA clinic, Alec enjoys a diverse range of hobbies and interests in his free time. He is an avid pickleball player and, as such, is a member of the UF Pickleball Club. The club holds weekly practice and competitive open play sessions and competes in local and state-wide tournaments and collegiate tournaments. The club has previously hosted tournaments at the University of Florida and looks forward to continuing to do so in the future. It also organizes social events for its members, as well as opportunities for members to undertake community service, in a bid to “give back” to the local area.
Hobbies & Interests
As a licensed Ham radio operator in the Technician class, Alec is a member of the UF Ham Radio Club. He enjoys road cycling and loves to ride the trails of Lake County and Alachua County. He also likes to play golf with friends monthly. Alec is a fan of the Florida Gators, which are the intercollegiate athletics teams representing the University of Florida. The Gators compete in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and currently fields teams in 12 women’s sports and 9 men’s sports.
Alec is a member of the American Association of Endodontics, the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Association of Dental Research National Student Research Group.
