ON JANUARY 15, 2021, we began a social media campaign called #FacultyFridays to better showcase the personal side of our faculty members. These posts have appeared on Instagram, Facebook and on Ostrow’s exclusive social media network, Ostrow Connect. Each week’s post has been catalogued below:
Marcia Cunha
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry
What is one thing you couldn’t live without every single day?
My trenta iced green tea from Starbucks! I’m not a coffee drinker, so my green tea helps start the day in a cool, refreshing way. Somedays, if I’m feeling a bit wild, I may splurge and order two in the same day!
What are your hobbies outside of the dental school?
I enjoy gardening, and my pandemic treat was to have massive above-ground planter boxes built for growing a plethora of veggies this summer. I’m looking forward to my first crop of tomatoes, zucchini, peppers and cucumbers. You can also catch me tie-dying, painting rocks and hula-hooping!!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
I’ve received so many pieces of great advice from friends. teachers, mentors and family, it’s hard to choose just one. However, I was recently chatting with a colleague, and she said,
“Your boundaries are a reflection of how willing you are to advocate for the life that you want.”
Brilliant!
Posted 5/28/2021
Tammie Ton
Associate Professor of Clinical Dentistry
Where is one place you absolutely have to travel to in your lifetime, and why?
Paris, France for its cultural attractions, fashion, museums, and entertainment venues.
If you were only able to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Spaghetti because it’s delicious and keeps me full.
What inspires you?
The ability to have faith when times are challenging.
What is one thing you couldn’t live without every single day?
Coffee. Keeps me alert and energized throughout the day.
What would the perfect weekend look like for you? How would you spend it?
Spending time with my family and five pets.
Posted 5/21/2021
Mahsa Alavi
Clinical Assistant Professor
What inspires you?
Overcoming challenges inspires me. I welcome challenges in my life as It gives me the opportunities to grow, get to know myself better and become stronger. Heroic and selfless stories of so many people around the world helping others and those who are pioneering and are in the forefront of scientific achievement are all inspirational. Working with students who have deep love for knowledge and work hard at it also inspires me.
What’s the last movie you saw?
Churchill’s Secret
Introduce us to your family.
I have been married to my wonderful husband Sam Alavi for 20 year sand have two children, son Ariaan, who is a freshman at USC and daughter Athina, a high school junior. We also have a Maltipoo named Sugar and an Applehead Siamese cat named Rosie Bean.
In times of great uncertainty, how do you stay grounded?
Living in the present moment and having faith that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Having trust that human ingenuity will eventually overcome the challenges, and uncertain times shall come to an end and will pass.
Posted 5/7/2021
Donna Smith
Clinical Assistant Professor
Where is one place you absolutely have to travel to in your lifetime, and why?
Panama Canal. I would love to sail through the locks and see the country side.
If you were only able to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Tacos! They are crispy with all the food groups in one fun food. They have cheese, taste great and are messy.
Introduce us to your immediate family.
My daughter Jennifer (pictured above) is the joy of my life. She graduated from USC in 2010 with a degree in psychology and communication. Not knowing what to do with her life, she moved to Vermont to continue her education. While in Vermont, she made the decision to become a physician assistant and returned to USC to study for her master’s degree. Once she graduated, she realized she loved the surgical side of her profession, so she applied for a surgical residency at Duke University in North Carolina. She now practices with a hand surgeon at the University of Washington in Seattle. This young lady really knows how to follow her dreams and how to live out of a suitcase!
What is one thing you couldn’t live without every single day?
Laughter
What are your hobbies outside of the dental school?
I love to garden and cook. Now that there is more time at home, my flower and vegetable garden are really taking shape. It is so much fun to look in the pantry, see what is there and then find a recipe to include all the findings. I never stick with the recipe. Instead, it is more of an inspiration that will lead me on to creative adventures with added ingredients.
Who is one person who has made a huge impact on your life, and how?
My father. He was a gentle giant. He was born in Kansas, left home at 18 and made his way to California. He could never afford college, but it was important to him that his children have a college education. He saved money, so my brother and I could go to college and come out debt free. Both my brother and I earned our master’s degrees (my brother at Berkeley and me at USC), and that was the proudest day for my father.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
From my grandmother, “Live every day to its fullest.”
Posted 4/2/2021
Rebecca Dayanim
Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry
Where is one place you have to travel to in your lifetime?
I’ve been fortunate to have already traveled to a lot places on my bucket list, but one of the next spots is Galapagos Islands. I can’t resist the beauty of the nature and, of course, the blue-footed booby!!
If you were only able to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Eggs! They’re great for breakfast, lunch or dinner and so many different fun ways to enjoy them!
What is a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I’ve completed a few treks, including a 100-mile trek in the French Alps — Tour de Mt. Blanc! It was incredible to traverse country borders over mountain peaks, going from France to Italy to Switzerland and filling our camelbacks with fresh spring water along the trek! And we still managed to eat delicious food.
What inspires you?
People who are selflessly dedicated to the betterment of those around them and see no boundaries. I feel lucky to be surrounded by incredible doctors, residents and staff who are genuinely dedicated to helping our patients. And then our patients are incredible people who are fighting and living with significant medical conditions, but see each day as a new opportunity. It inspires me to push every day to work harder to be a better person, dentist and leader. I am also profoundly inspired by nature. Breathing in the fresh ocean air, looking out over the mountains or gazing up at the moon every morning and evening and taking pause to appreciate everything around me reinvigorates me.
What was the last movie you saw?
It’s been an unusual year to say the least, I’ve been watching random movies on demand. The last movie I watched was The End of the Tour. It’s a film about David Foster Wallace, and I really enjoyed it!
What is one thing you couldn’t live without every single day?
Green tea … I joke that I should have a green tea IV!
What are your hobbies outside the dental school?
I really enjoy being active, mostly outdoors like hiking, biking, tennis, and everyone who knows me knows how much I love Pilates. I also love a good reason to bake something fun.
What would the perfect weekend look like for you?
A combination of doing something active outdoors, great food and family/friends. A perfect weekend would start with an early morning Pilates class, maybe a hike in Malibu and then fish tacos at Malibu Seafood, then perhaps a fun dinner at new restaurant. And the next day start out with TRX or yoga, then some tennis and brunch. And then spend the afternoon relaxing and eating with family.
Who is one person who has made a huge impact on your life, and how?
My family. But if I had to pick one person, it would be my dad. He was also dentist, but he unfortunately passed away while I was in dental school. He was always supportive! He showed me how to be empathetic, dedicated, caring and grateful. Everybody who knew him loved him. He was truly one of the most remarkable people, and I was lucky to have him as my dad.
In great times of uncertainty, how do you stay grounded?
Family, friends, nature and TV. I’ve spent many hours just staring out at the ocean!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
To do my best and be the best version of myself.
Posted 3/26/2021
Lisa Popkoff
Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry
Where is one place you have to travel in your lifetime and why?
New Zealand. My husband and I have had the great opportunity to travel all around Europe and throughout the U.S., but New Zealand keeps calling to me. We love to go hiking, kayaking and cycling, and New Zealand offers numerous opportunities to participate in these activities. It is a country of great beauty and kind people, which is the perfect place to refresh my soul after dealing with the freeways and quick pace of living in Los Angeles.
What is a fun fact about you that people might not know?
In 2004, my husband and I earned our black belts in Hapkido. One of the highlights of my marriage was flipping my husband over my head. How many wives can say that?!?
If you could have dinner with three people (living or dead), who would they be?
Ruth Bader Ginsberg – Who wouldn’t want to spend time with the Notorious RBG? She was an extraordinary human being — so smart, so strong, so fearless, yet she had a great sense of humor.
Abraham Lincoln – As President during a time when our country was the most severely divided, I would love to get his opinion on the current state of our country and his thoughts as to how we might begin to heal. I enjoy listening to quiet, eloquent speakers, and he definitely fits that bill.
Jon Stewart – Justice Ginsberg, President Lincoln and I are all relatively quiet people. Jon is a funny, extroverted guy who could keep things light, yet he is exceptionally bright and well-educated and thus could hold his own with my other illustrious guests.
At this dinner I would mostly sit back, drink a glass of red and marvel at these exceptional minds.
In times of great uncertainty, how do you stay grounded?
I have found that being in the moment has been the best way to for me to control my stress and maintain a sense of positivity during these unsettling times. At school, trying to provide our traditionally excellent education while wearing the newly required PPE and dealing with the ever-changing clinic protocol has indeed been exhausting and, admittedly at times, very frustrating. But by focusing on what I can contribute in each moment, I have found contentment and even occasions of joy amid all of the crazy.
A quote from Maya Angelou describes my thoughts in this regard so beautifully: “If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you must look forward, do so prayerfully. However, the wisest thing you can do is be present in the present … gratefully.”
Posted 3/19/2021
Mehdi Mohammadi
Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Any food that I can barbecue on the grill!!
What inspires you?
Going to nature, especially watching sunset at the beach.
What was the last movie you saw?
The Call of the Wild
What is one thing you couldn’t do without every single day?
Hot shower in the morning.
In times of great uncertainty, how do you stay grounded?
I try to stay hopeful and constantly count my blessings. I am sure this time will pass on too.
Posted 3/12/2021
Yaara Berdan
Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry
Where is one place you absolutely have to travel to in your life, and why?
Sweden in the summer. I would love to experience sunlight for most of the day.
What’s the last movie you saw?
The Social Dilemma
Introduce us to your family.
Brady — husband
Aaron — older son, senior at USC
Maya — older daughter, junior at University of the Pacific
Ryan — younger son, junior at Calabasas High School
Daniella — younger daughter, freshman at Calabasas High School
Zoe — Havanese dog
Luna — psycho cat
What is one thing you couldn’t live without every single day?
Peanut butter and jelly on either whole wheat bread or a rice cake
What are your hobbies outside of the dental school?
Hiking in the local mountains
Cooking and baking
Gardening
In times of great uncertainty, how do you stay grounded?
Remembering what is fundamentally important to me; my family and friends and continuing to work towards my purpose.
Posted 3/5/21
Cheryl Park
Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry
Where is your favorite place to travel?
South Korea
Where is the most interesting place you’ve traveled?
Phuket
What is your dream vacation?
Anywhere with more private/less crowded beach with my immediate family.
What inspires you?
Learning inspires me — not just in dentistry but in life in general.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I consider myself a mother of 3 — 2 Schnauzer dogs, 1 toddler son
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Hiking, visiting new hiking trails
What are your hobbies?
I love oil and water paintings and sketches. I wish I had time to do more.
What book are you reading now?
I currently started reading a personal finance book, I Will Teach You to Be Rich. It is an easy and interesting read about planning personal finances.
Posted 2/26/2020
Sunny Fereshteh
Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry
Where is your favorite place to travel?
My favorite place to travel is any place with DHOP. Traveling with a group of students and colleagues, excited to go treat a community that wouldn’t necessarily receive dental care is my absolute dream. Each country we have traveled to has been incredible in every way. Whether it be the people of the community or the landscape or the culture, they have all been interesting and exceptional. Some of the places that stand out are Kenya, Cambodia, Panama and the Philippines.
What is your specialty food to cook?
I do not cook, but I grill! I love to grill, especially because there are less dishes to clean with grilling! I love to grill carne asada and burgers.
What’s growing in your garden?
I do not garden especially with my dogs peeing all over the back yard. I don’t think I want to try to grow anything where they have relieved themselves.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?
My favorite local restaurant actually closed. It was called Brio in Torrance, and I just loved it. So now I order food from Bossa Nova, which I love as well.
What inspires you?
Mmmm, what inspires me? As corny as it sounds, dental students. They are my motivation every day, and just when I’m tired or frustrated or over things, they do something that just inspires and motivates me to keep going! They don’t believe me when I tell them, but they really do. Whether they learn how to do a procedure for the first time or treat a child that was so scared and they made the patient relax or their constant positivity and belief that things will get better. It is incredibly motivating.
What pets do you have?
I have two dogs, Joey & Charlie, but I gave Charlie to my mom so she could enjoy the love of Charlie and he, of course, likes her better. My favorite activity is taking Joey hiking. We both love the ocean and any hike with views of the ocean are our go-to hikes.
What’s the favorite concert you’ve ever been to?
Wow, I miss concerts. It is something that I and my best friend used to do pre-COVID at least 3-4 times a year. I miss them a lot. My favorite ones were Florence and the Machine, Arcade Fire, Linkin Park, and Awolnation. If I can do dentistry and dance for the rest of my life, I would be the happiest human!
Posted 2/19/2021
Cheryl Goldasich
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry
What is one place you absolutely have to travel to, and why?
I would take my daughter to Israel. We are both Jewish, and we would love to know more about our heritage.
If you were only able to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Wow, unfortunately I would have to say oatmeal. It’s what I eat every morning for breakfast.
What is a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I enjoy flying with my husband in our small plane to lunch on weekends. It’s fun to fly to San Diego or Camarillo and get there in 20 minutes, and, no I’m not a pilot, I’m a passenger.
What inspires you?
Seeing dental students on the clinic floor succeed and hearing them say, “Thank you,” when they learn something that helps them with the next patient.
What’s the last movie you saw?
The last movie I saw was Terminator 2. My husband was one of the lighting technicians on the movie.
Introduce us to your family.
My husband is John, and we’ve been married for 38 years. We have a 33-year-old daughter, Samantha, who is a high school English teacher. Sam is married to Daryl, and they have a 2-year-old son, Luke. Samantha is expecting son #2 next spring!
What is one thing you couldn’t live without every single day?
My staff. I have the best dental team on the planet, and those ladies take very good care of me. I couldn’t live without them.
What are your hobbies outside of the dental school?
I am becoming a very good co-pilot. I fly with my husband to various places for lunch or vacations.
What would the perfect weekend look like for you?
I would fly with John to a fun destination for lunch or to spend the weekend.
Who is one person who has made an impact on your life, and how?
My dad, Dr. Robert Laxineta is my biggest influence. He has been my dad, my employer, my teacher, my mentor and my friend. It is largely because of him that I attended USC and why I teach others today.
In times of great uncertainty, how do you stay grounded?
I do my job to the best of my ability. I focus on the job at hand and not think too far ahead.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Do the right thing and do the thing right.
Posted 2/12/2021
Alexander Alcaraz
Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Our family enjoys camping together every year somewhere in the Sierras. We specifically enjoy camping in a campground outside Bishop, Calif., and when possible, Yosemite.
What is your favorite food to cook?
In general, I enjoy baking and find the experience meditative, especially when shared with my two daughters. I am especially fond of making pizza. My daughters always help me make the dough and sauce from scratch, and we all make our own individual pizzas. I also love to bake bread with them, and our tradition is to bake challah bread on Thanksgiving. We love making the dough the night before and allowing it to slowly rise in the refrigerator overnight. Then, we bake it first thing in the morning, and the smell of fresh baked bread fills our home.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Our family enjoys discovering local bakeries. One of our favorite neighborhood places is a small family-run shop in Sierra Madre, Calif., called Poppy Seed Bakery Cafe. It is such a treat to have one of their multigrain loaves of bread when it’s fresh out of the oven. They make so many different pastries, including their almond croissants, which are a rare treat I will indulge in!
What inspires you?
Several things inspire me. Personally, I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially hiking in our local mountains. I enjoy sitting with my wife in our backyard, watching our girls playing while sipping a glass of Pinot Noir. I really take pleasure in reading and try to read nightly before I go to bed. I am currently reading a book written by Guy Raz, called How I Built This, which details the stories behind how businesses like FUBU and Airbnb got started.
Posted 2/5/2021
Michael Madden
Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry
Where is your favorite place to travel?
My parents were sun worshipers. My brother and I were always playing around in the sun, surf and sand. As a husband and father, vacations naturally gravitated to a tropical location. The Caribbean became our family vacation destination. For 21 years, Club Med called the Maddens “gracious members,” and we made the most of it.
What’s your favorite food to cook?
I like to cook. My mother did not. My dad refused to cook. As a result, my brother took on dinner entrees, and I took over desserts. Cakes, pies, brownies and cookies — take your pick. My son did not get the calling, but my daughter did, and she cooks up a storm.
What’s a fun fact about you?
Although I consider myself a die-hard Trojan, I actually started out as a ucla (yes, all in lower case ) bruin. I swam on the men’s swim team for three years, and that turned into the best summer job ever — an L.A. County Ocean Lifeguard (helped pay for dental school!)
Posted 1/29/2021
Natalie Tung
Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Traveling is among some of my favorite activities to do beside volunteering, reading, and spending time with my 2 boys. I have been very fortunate to be able to travel widely but my most favorite place is still Europe for its many classically beautiful cities!
What is your favorite food to cook?
Funny thing is that I actually don’t cook; I’m blessed to have my stay-at-home husband do most of the cooking. But for sure I love to eat! During this COVID pandemic, we have started a garden in the backyard with all kinds of vegetables.
What inspires you?
There is a Japanese concept called ikigai, which means a reason for being. Teaching and mentoring the next generation of doctors inspires me as I believe in giving back to the world the 3 Ts: Time, Talent and Treasure. One way I give back is through volunteering, and it was during one of these trips to a local soup kitchen in Orange County where I met NFL Hall of Famer, Tony Gonzalez, who was also there volunteering!
Posted 1/22/2021
James Tom
Clinical Associate Professor
Where is one place you absolutely have to travel to in your lifetime, and why?
I have to find some way to travel to Australia to sample the lamingtons, vegemite, meat pies and then watch a race at Mt. Panorama.
If you were only able to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Dim sum is the slam dunk here. Not only for the ever-changing variety, but for the fact that we can all gather around the table and fight for the check in traditional Asian custom.
What is a fun fact about you that people may not know about?
I was raised in an auto repair garage in San Francisco and was destined to take over my father’s business. I still have his toolbox and much of the equipment at home. Oh, and Matthew McConaughey once lived next to me for about a week. I have proof.
What inspires you?
Creativity from others really inspires me to get to work on my own projects. Whether it’s writing, photography, YouTube videos, metalwork or some creative expression of something that someone has shaped to fit their own creative vision, I see it all as energy to find my own outlet. Right now, I’m in awe of the folks who weld, and it drives me to pick up the torch everyday after work, no matter for how long or short of a time, and melt metal myself.
What is the last movie you saw?
I saw John Wick 3 on a plane trip. What a great movie! Then I saw Richard Jewell on the same flight … not quite as fun, but it was intriguing because I’ve run into people like that.
Introduce us to your family.
My wife of 21 years, Jenny, then my 16-year-old lacrosse phenom, Jake, followed by the second-coming of Anthony Bourdain, Cameron, who is 10 years old and would impress you with his use of duck fat in his cooking.
What is one thing you couldn’t live without every day?
Jumping into my car after downing a cup of truck-driver strength coffee and almost blowing the motor before I shift into second gear. Somebody has to be that guy.
What are your hobbies outside of the dental school?
I’ve got to finish up a car project I’ve been working on for an embarrassingly long amount of time.
How would you spend the perfect weekend?
Engaged in any of the aforementioned activities with any of the aforementioned family members along with anybody willing to join in on the fun.
Who is one person who has made an impact on your life, and how?
I think one would expect to say my dad, but his DNA is just part of me. One of the biggest individuals in my life was my Uncle Fred Mauro, my only Italian uncle from Philly, who was a World War II vet that jumped out of planes over Europe and lived to tell the tale. He took me up the Pacific Coast one summer and really displayed for me how it was to enjoy random conversations with people and value people you meet in life no matter where you are. I miss that guy.
If you could have dinner with three people (living or dead), who would it be, and why?
Hands down, Adam Richman (the original host of Man vs. Food on the Food Network), because he was a lacrosse goalie, and I’d never worry about leaving food on the table. I’ve been to the pho place in Maryland that he made famous. It was legit. Second, Anthony Bourdain since we would eat darn near everything, make fun of my choices, drink to excess and then find some way to make it sound so justifiably entertaining. And finally, I’d like to have dim sum with my pops who passed away in 2014. So much to tell him, and he’d be floored to know our old shop on Hyde Street is now converted into these multi-million condos with a pretentious wine bar where the gas pumps used to be.
In times of great uncertainty, how do you stay grounded?
I go out to the garage and work on stuff. I get to go to work. I get to write. I get to see others working on things. It reminds me that I’m lucky to be in a place to still be involved with dental anesthesiology, be with family and still enjoy working with my hands when others can’t or are severely limited.
What’s the best piece of advice you were ever given?
I do a lot of outcome analysis in my work, and even in life, things don’t go as we expect. I read a book and was fortunate to hear a Canadian astronaut lecture at my children’s elementary school about life lessons he learned from his time in the International Space Station. He said, “There’s no situation so bad that it can’t be made worse.” Lord knows I’ve found that out the hard way, and I study these occurrences all the time. It may seem like its the worst thing that may be happening right now, but don’t give up on trying to make it better. And certainly don’t make it worse.
Posted 1/15/2021