Meet the College of Dentistry’s 2026 Superior Accomplishment Award Winners in Division 5
Think about the person in your department who constantly steps up to make the day better for everyone around them. They are the ones who find a more efficient way to work, bring an innovative idea to the table or simply enhance the daily quality of the workplace.
It takes a truly exceptional colleague to inspire peers and supervisors to pause their busy schedules and write compelling letters of support. At the UF College of Dentistry our greatest asset is our people — those dedicated to advancing our shared mission. Today, we are proud to celebrate nine individuals from our community who have been honored with the 2026 UF Superior Accomplishment Awards in Division 5 which includes UF’s six health colleges and other academic and research units within the UF Health Academic Center.
Nominated directly by the people who witness their impact every day, our college’s 2026 award recipients are:
Individual Employee Performance:
Clinical Service Representative II
Joslin Bradley
A "genuinely passionate" force in the Orthodontics Graduate Clinic, Joslin Bradley has transformed daily operations from the ground up. She built entirely new training manuals and systems that markedly increased clinic efficiency, all while maintaining her reputation for being "incredibly kind" to everyone who walks through the doors.
Clinical Assistant Professor
Sarah Fitzpatrick, D.D.S.
Described as "dedicated and sincere in everything she does," Sarah Fitzpatrick was nominated by UFCD residents. They praise her for having a "unique scientific insight" that broadens their own perspectives, calling her the embodiment of what an outstanding faculty member should be: kind-hearted and deeply committed.
Clinical Research Coordinator III
Renita Jenkins
For over a decade, Renita Jenkins has been the "cornerstone" of the college's clinical research, guiding others through complex regulations with patience and clarity. Her nominators define her leadership by its "quiet excellence" and integrity, noting her ability to solve potential problems with poise and precision before they ever cause a complication.
Residency Program Director & Clinical Associate Professor
Divakar Karanth | B.D.S. M.D.S., M.S., MOrth & R.C.S.
Divakar Karanth is recognized for balancing meticulous patient care with a creative approach to teaching. By using artificial intelligence and virtual reality to make abstract concepts intuitive the dental students and residents he instructs. Karanth has become what his residents call a "genuinely inspiring figure" whose influence extends far beyond his own department.
Research Administrator Manager
Christi Mason
Managing roughly 145 active contracts and grants, Christi Mason has built a deep sense of trust with faculty and staff. Her nominators call her "simply a joy to work with," specifically noting how her hands-on approach and clear explanations transform intimidating administrative hurdles into empowering experiences.
Manager, Health Care Administration
Christina Ray
Known as a "lifeline" for her clinic, Christina Ray is the type of leader who solves problems before others even know they exist. When she is working through the pressure of a crisis — like ensuring a safe return to clinic operations after a hurricane — Ray remains an effective and kind leader who is "a gem in our Gator Nation."
Rookie of the Year:
Data Scientist
Jiahang Yu
In a short time, Jiahang Yu has become the "go-to" person for complex data issues, helping to reduce research timelines and improve data integrity. Beyond her technical skills, her colleagues lean on her for her "genuine enthusiasm for helping others succeed" and her willingness to tackle any unfamiliar problem.
Sustained Excellence:
Clinical Financial COunselor
Abby Cruz
Abby Cruz is praised for her "unwavering commitment to excellence," particularly her ability to complete critical financial tasks with a smile on her face even when under pressure. When her department is short-staffed, she consistently steps in to help others while never missing a beat with her own duties.
Teaching Laboratory Specialist II
Jashmin Patel
Jashmin Patel has transformed the coordination between the student clinic and the laboratory, leading to measurable improvements in laboratory quality and academic integrity. Her sharp attention to detail in reviewing submissions has even led to significant cost savings in lab production.
