"UTPB gave me the opportunity to stay close to home while still chasing my dreams."
Ever since she was a little girl, Heather Graham dreamed of becoming a dentist. When it came time to choose a college, she knew she wanted a university that would help her turn that dream into reality.
Heather earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from UTPB in 2022 and her Master of Science in Biology in 2025. Throughout her time as a student, she also worked as a dental assistant in Odessa, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field she hoped to enter.
“Working in dentistry while pursuing my education gave me the opportunity to see first-hand how meaningful the profession can be and continued to reinforce that dentistry was the career I wanted to pursue,” Heather said.
Today, Heather is attending the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine. As she continues her journey toward becoming a dentist, she credits UTPB with helping prepare her for the next step.
“UTPB gave me the opportunity to stay close to home while still chasing my dreams. I was able to remain close to my family, friends, and community, and work while completing my education,” Heather said. “The Master of Science in Biology program was especially beneficial to me and contributed tremendously to both my personal and professional growth. It challenged me academically, strengthened my confidence as a student, and helped prepare me for the rigor of Dental school.”
Outside the classroom, Heather was actively involved on campus. She founded the Pre-Health Professionals Society, an academic-focused student organization, and was an active member of Theta Eta Sorority.
“Being involved on campus gave me opportunities to develop leadership skills, build relationships with other students and become more involved in the UTPB community,” said Heather.
Heather also dedicated time to serving others through volunteer work with organizations including Meals on Wheels, Mission Messiah, and Rays of Hope Children’s Grief Center.
Looking ahead, Heather plans to return to Odessa after graduating from dental school in 2030. She hopes to fulfill her longtime goal of becoming a dentist while serving the community that helped shape her journey. She also plans to stay connected to UTPB and support future students, just as her professors and pre-health advisors, Dr. Spence and Dr. Henderson, supported her.
“I would love to serve as a resource for students interested in pursuing dentistry,” she said. “I know how valuable mentorship and guidance can be during the pre-dental journey, and I hope to provide that same support to prospective dental students at UTPB.”
Heather earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from UTPB in 2022 and her Master of Science in Biology in 2025. Throughout her time as a student, she also worked as a dental assistant in Odessa, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field she hoped to enter.
“Working in dentistry while pursuing my education gave me the opportunity to see first-hand how meaningful the profession can be and continued to reinforce that dentistry was the career I wanted to pursue,” Heather said.
Today, Heather is attending the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine. As she continues her journey toward becoming a dentist, she credits UTPB with helping prepare her for the next step. “UTPB gave me the opportunity to stay close to home while still chasing my dreams. I was able to remain close to my family, friends, and community, and work while completing my education,” Heather said. “The Master of Science in Biology program was especially beneficial to me and contributed tremendously to both my personal and professional growth. It challenged me academically, strengthened my confidence as a student, and helped prepare me for the rigor of Dental school.”
Outside the classroom, Heather was actively involved on campus. She founded the Pre-Health Professionals Society, an academic-focused student organization, and was an active member of Theta Eta Sorority.
“Being involved on campus gave me opportunities to develop leadership skills, build relationships with other students and become more involved in the UTPB community,” said Heather.
Heather also dedicated time to serving others through volunteer work with organizations including Meals on Wheels, Mission Messiah, and Rays of Hope Children’s Grief Center.
Looking ahead, Heather plans to return to Odessa after graduating from dental school in 2030. She hopes to fulfill her longtime goal of becoming a dentist while serving the community that helped shape her journey. She also plans to stay connected to UTPB and support future students, just as her professors and pre-health advisors, Dr. Spence and Dr. Henderson, supported her.
“I would love to serve as a resource for students interested in pursuing dentistry,” she said. “I know how valuable mentorship and guidance can be during the pre-dental journey, and I hope to provide that same support to prospective dental students at UTPB.”
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Heather in her graduation photos.x of y -
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Heather with her family after her UTPB graduation ceremony.x of y -
Heather after receiving her Dental white coat following her white coat ceremony at Texas Tech.x of y
