Dental Research Student Association
Who we are
The Dental Research Student Association (DRSA) is a newly established Melbourne Dental School student association and is affiliated with the Graduate Research Association (GSA) at the University of Melbourne. DRSA seeks to create a social and inclusive environment within our school and to assist students with navigating the world of post-graduate research as well as facilitating social, professional development, and extracurricular opportunities for students who are involved in dental/oral health-related research. DRSA events range from fun, casual get-togethers to more professional gatherings like our Journal Club.
Meet the committee
| Dr Yeganeh Khazaei — President, DRSAI’m Yegi, the President of the DRSA. Together with our amazing committee, I help create a friendly, approachable, and genuinely supportive space for graduate researchers. We’ve organized everything from casual catch-ups to community-building events where students can connect, decompress, and actually enjoy the journey of doing a PhD. I’m passionate about bringing people together, building a sense of belonging, and making sure no one feels like they’re navigating grad school alone. I’m a general dentist (Mashhad - Iran), and an epidemiologist (Munich - Germany), now a third-year PhD candidate working in pediatric dentistry and biostatistics. You can usually find me at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) on Level 4. |
| Alexander Logothetis — Vice President, DRSAI'm Alex and as the Vice-President of the DRSA, I help support our vibrant community of students passionate about dental research. From coordinating social events to the monthly Journal Club where we dive into current research over snacks and good company, my role focuses on creating an engaging environment. Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge, meet like-minded peers, or simply enjoy a relaxed discussion, there’s always something happening. You can usually find me in the lab on Level 6, so feel free to drop by for a chat, share ideas, or get involved! |
| Dr Negar Yazdani — Secretary and Treasurer, DRSAI’m Negar, a general dentist and a PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne. I look after both the Secretary and Treasurer roles at the DRSA —yes, it’s a lot of hats, but I enjoy it. When I’m not working on my PhD in the lab on Level 6, you’ll usually find me helping organise events, keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes, or making sure the DRSA stays as welcoming and inclusive as possible. I love being part of a team that brings graduate researchers together in a relaxed, friendly environment where fun and academic life can actually coexist. |
| Dr Marwa Mostafa — President, DRSAI’m Marwa, a pediatric dentist and the Social & Wellbeing Officer of the DRSA. I help bring our community together through casual, friendly gatherings—and I’m usually involved in making sure everyone’s well-fed and having a good time. I’m in the third year of my Ph.D., where my research focuses on inequalities in oral health. |
Our activities
PhD life keeps us all busy, but we make it a point to come together at least once a month — whether it’s a casual coffee catch-up, a small lunch, or a relaxed get-together. Here’s a little sneak peek into some of our socials:
DRSA held a fun “Painting Night” at the Geoffrey Wylie Theatre, bringing together GR/DCD candidates for an evening of art, music, and connection - complete with pizza!
“Journal Clubs” — our newest DRSA initiative, created to enhance learning, discussion, and professional growth for GRs across the School.
“Graduation Ball” organised by the Melbourne Dental Postgraduate Group (MDPG) in partnership with the Dental Research Student Association (DRSA) of the School. This special evening celebrates the achievements of all students in the DCD and GR programs at MDS, with particular recognition for those completing their degrees in 2025.
Join our Journal Club
Our monthly MDS Journal Club is a shared space for learning, discussion, and critical thinking within the DRSA and the wider MDS community. Designed for students from all backgrounds, it’s a friendly and inclusive environment to delve into research methods, understand the statistical side of science, and learn how strong research is designed, analysed, and applied.