Meet the Mentor: Claire Murphy

Email: cortenzo@bu.edu

Gender Identity & Pronouns: Female (she, her, hers)

C3 Affinity Groups: Non-Traditional Student & Disability

Race: White

Languages: English

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

Education: BS & AS in Dental Hygiene West Liberty University 2016; current student in the MS in Oral Health Sciences program at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

Industry Interest: Dental, Dental Anesthesia, Bleeding Disorders, Dental & Bleeding Disorder Education & Advocacy

Personal Facts & Hobbies:

In 2012 I graduated from high school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and started my undergraduate education at West Liberty University in Wheeling, West Virginia. During this time, I was fortunate to be a member of the Dance Team, Tobacco Coalition, Ski Club, and the Sarah Whitaker Glass School of Dental Hygiene SADHA chapter. After graduating in 2016, I started working as a Dental Hygienist in the Pittsburgh area. Over the last 9 years, I have gained experience in general dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics, and pediatric dentistry. When COVID hit in 2020, I re-evaluated my long-term career goals. I decided I wanted to pursue a doctoral degree in dentistry. I tried navigating my dental school application on my own, but without guidance, I was unsuccessful in gaining admission.

Enrolling in BU’s MS in Oral Health Sciences program was the saving grace I needed to get back on track. I am so excited to be a part of the GMS community and help others find their path in graduate education and beyond. My personal situation gives me a unique perspective. I live with multiple chronic illnesses including Von Willebrand Disease Type I, a bleeding disorder. Moving away from my support system and pursuing higher education can be scary, but the experience becomes more challenging when establishing care with new specialists in a new city. However, with essential resources in place, I can pursue the same opportunities as my peers. 

Outside of healthcare, I enjoy the simple things. Some of my favorites are walking, makeup, dogs, and food. My love language is quality time, so I am all about spending my free-time with family and friends. I do not know much about Boston yet, but we can explore and learn together! Reach out with any questions or concerns you have and I’d be glad to help.