Homecoming 2008: The Road to the Swamp

Homecoming 2008 Student ProfilesHomecoming 2008 Student Profiles

This year’s UF Homecoming theme is The Road to the Swamp. As part of our Homecoming celebration we’re going to share information about members of our D.M.D. program – for instance, what was their own road to the swamp? Debuting the new profile is Class of 2011’s Jere Gillan.

Jere Gillan, Class of 2011
Hometown: Orlando
Undergrad degree in: Biology
Undergrad degree earned at the University of Central Florida, Orlando Jere Gillan, Class of 2011

Why did you decide to become a dentist?
To change people’s lives.

Why did you come to the University of Florida for dental school?
Besides the fact that UF is a great school, I came for the tradition and for the legacy. I wouldn’t get that from any other dental school in Florida.

What were you doing before coming to D.M.D. school?
I was in the Air Force for 11 years. Seven active duty and the rest was Reserve time. I was very involved in both Operation(s) Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. I was an Aircraft Loadmaster and have been to Afghanistan and Iraq countless times, and was actually mortared on the Airfield in Baghdad.

What are your plans after graduation?
I would like to move back to Orlando and also finish my career in the Air Force Reserves as a dentist.

What’s your most favorite part of dental school?
I really have loved the operative courses thus far.

Least favorite part?
Biomaterials, however Dr. Soderholm is an excellent professor.

What talent do you wish you possessed?
Better hand-eye coordination

If you could live anywhere on earth, where would it be?
Dubai. I went there in 2005, and that place is amazing.

Favorite movie?
Empire of the Sun

Favorite book?
A Brave New World

Something no one knows about you?
My life is an open book, but I will share something not many know. I saved a kid from drowning when I was 8.