Student Highlight: Akila Chalapathi

Akila Chalapathi, a fourth-year student at the University of Utah and a Bennion Scholar for three years, is collaborating with the International Refugee Committee (IRC) and Dr. James Bekker from the School of Dentistry for her Capstone project.

Her project focuses on improving oral health among refugees resettling in Salt Lake City by creating resources on dental home care, diet impacts on oral health, and local dental clinics. Recognizing language, cultural differences, and transportation barriers, Akila is also working to translate these resources into Arabic, French, Pashto, and Swahili with support from university and high school students.

Through this initiative, Akila addresses refugees' unique oral health challenges, empowering them with the tools and knowledge to improve their well-being in their new community.