UW School of Dentistry students Jolyn Fessenden (‘28) and Priyanka Prajapati (‘26) have each been named to the 2026 cohort of the UW’s Husky 100, the university announced.
The Husky 100 annually recognizes 100 undergraduate and graduate students from the UW Bothell, Seattle and Tacoma campuses who are making the most of their time at UW. Students are evaluated on the basis of applying what they learn to make a difference on campus and in their communities, as well as their capacity for leadership and commitment to an inclusive community.
Jolyn grew up in Port Orchard, WA. She attended Central Washington University for undergrad, where she received her degree in Biology with a specialization in Biomedical Science and a minor in Chemistry. While at CWU, she worked as a dental assistant in a rural community clinic, which solidified her interest in dentistry.
“I was able to observe a wide range of cases and see how resourceful and adaptable my supervising dentist had to be in order to meet the needs of patients with limited access to specialty care,” said Jolyn. “Watching him use a broad skill set to diagnose, treat, and problem-solve in real time was incredibly inspiring, especially in an environment where referral options were often limited.
“That experience left a strong impression on me and reinforced my desire to develop a similarly broad skill set so I can effectively serve patients, particularly in communities where access to care is limited.”
Priyanka grew up in India. While completing her dental training there, she witnessed firsthand the consequences of a lack of access to dental care. “When I first began training to be a dentist, dental care, for me, was associated with patients getting out of pain,” said Priyanka. “Treatment was much more reactive, not preventive.”
Upon completing her training, Priyanka decided that she would further her education and do so around the globe. She ventured out of India to Canada, where she completed McGill University’s Master of Dental Sciences program, specializing in clinical and population health. After that she applied to the UWIDDS program and got in contact with the Director of the DeRouen Center for Global Oral Health, Dr. Ana Lucia Seminario, to begin working with her on global oral health research initiatives.
Over the past year, Priyanka’s research projects have led to numerous awards, recognitions and presentations around the world.
“Being selected as a Husky 100 is a reflection of the opportunities I’ve had at UW and the support of mentors, faculty, and colleagues who have guided me along the way,” said Priyanka. “Through my experiences in clinic, outreach, interprofessional collaboration, and research over the past two years, I’ve come to better appreciate the impact we can have when we expand care both within and beyond the dental clinic. It has deepened my interest in improving access to oral healthcare. This recognition feels like a meaningful milestone in my professional journey.”
Jolyn echoed Priyanka’s sentiment. “Being selected as part of the Husky 100 is such a meaningful recognition of both my academic journey and my commitment to making a positive impact beyond the classroom,” said Jolyn. “To me, it represents more than just achievement; it reflects intentional involvement, growth, and the effort to contribute to my community while balancing the demands of a rigorous program.”
Jolyn has balanced her academic studies with leadership, service, and wellness initiatives. Being selected to Husky 100 has reassured her that growth happens in a variety of ways, through taking on challenges and finding ways to support others along the way.
Over her two years at the UWSOD, she’s volunteered with Union Gospel Mission, Floss Boss and the Dental Academy. She’s also heavily involved in clubs and organizations within the school, like the American Association for Women Dentists and American Student Dental Association.
“Being engaged in activities outside of the classroom reflects the idea that you get out of UW what you put into it,” said Jolyn. “You can only gain so much education and experience in lectures and labs; the more you push yourself to get involved, seek out new experiences, and build your network, the more you grow.” While she has yet to eclipse the halfway mark of dental school, still undecided whether residency, specialty, or academia is the next step for her, Jolyn knows that she wants to put her skills to use for communities in need to make meaningful impacts.
After she graduates, Priyanka plans to begin practicing in a clinical setting, as well as staying involved in efforts that advance oral health equity.
“If I’m going to continue doing what I’m passionate about — and that is to make a difference in people’s lives in terms of their oral health and overall health, and mostly in communities where there’s limited access — when I get recognized like this, I feel like it means I was doing something good for someone,” said Priyanka.
In her free time, Priyanka enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling and trying new cuisines.
Jolyn enjoys shopping, traveling, running, hiking with her dogs or having a night out with her friends.