Your Next Degree: Health Professions
Wed 4/8 • 5PM PDT
Zoom
Considering a career in healthcare as an alum? This webinar will explore graduate pathways in dental, physician assistant, nursing, and optometry programs. Admissions representatives from UCLA and other UC schools will share insights into the application process, admissions expectations, and how prospective students can prepare to apply successfully.
Whether you are early in your exploration or beginning to plan your application, this session will provide valuable guidance and an opportunity to ask questions directly with admissions professionals.
### **The panel of speakers includes:**
* * *
**Mark Covin**
_Director of Recruitment, Outreach & Admissions at UCLA School of Nursing_
Mark Covin is the Director of Recruitment, Outreach, and Admissions at the UCLA School of Nursing, where he leads efforts to connect prospective students with educational opportunities in healthcare. With over 17 years at UCLA, he brings deep institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to expanding access and supporting student pathways into nursing and related fields. He oversees strategic outreach, admissions processes, and recruitment initiatives to build a diverse and talented student body. Covin holds an EdD in Educational Leadership from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and an MPA from California State University, Northridge. He is passionate about education as a tool for opportunity and advancement, particularly within underserved communities.
* * *
****Sophie Freitas, M.Ed.****
_Optometry Program Coordinator, Admissions & Student Affairs, UC Berkeley_
Sophie Freitas (she/her/hers) is a student affairs and higher education professional dedicated to creating inclusive, student-centered environments that promote access, belonging, and holistic student success. She currently serves as the Coordinator for the Optometry Coordinator the Admissions & Student Affairs Office (ASAO), where she supports current students and prospective applicants. She is passionate about helping students feel seen, supported, and empowered as they navigate their educational journeys.
Sophie earned her Master’s in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from the University of Southern California and her Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies with a minor in Education from UC Santa Cruz. Her experience spans academic advising, admissions, residential life, and youth development. Prior to joining the School of Optometry, she supported a wide range of student populations including ESL learners, GED students, and formerly incarcerated individuals through roles in advising and outreach.
* * *
**Edmond Hewlett '76, D.D.S. '80**
_Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Professor Emeritus at UCLA School of Dentistry_
Dr. Hewlett is a native of South-Central Los Angeles and he attended UCLA for undergraduate and dental school. He received his D.D.S. degree from the UCLA School of Dentistry in 1980, completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Illinois, Chicago in 1982, and completed an Advanced Prosthodontics residency at UCLA in 2003. A member of the UCLA School of Dentistry faculty for more than 40 years, Dr. Hewlett is currently a Professor Emeritus and Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the school. His research interests include restorative dental materials and dental school curricula around cultural competency. His bibliography includes numerous scholarly articles and abstracts in peer-reviewed journals and three book chapters. Dr. Hewlett is a Fellow in the American and International Colleges of Dentistry, and serves as a consultant to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, ad-hoc reviewer for several journals, and a National Spokesperson for the American Dental Association. He has presented over 300 invited lectures and courses on restorative dentistry both nationally and internationally. Dr. Hewlett has leadership roles in climate/culture/inclusivity initiatives at the School of Dentistry, UCLA campus-wide, and University of California systemwide levels. Prior to retiring from his full time faculty position in July 2025, Dr. Hewlett maintained a private practice in general dentistry and prosthodontics at the UCLA Faculty Group Dental Practice for 38 years.
* * *
**Krisztina Kecskei**
_Assistant Director, Undergrad Career Education & Development (Pre-Health) at UCLA Career Center_
Krisztina joined the UCLA Career Center as a Career Counselor in 2011. In her role as Assistant Director of Undergraduate Education & Development (Pre-Health Initiatives), provides career counseling to life science, physical science and engineering majors, as well as to students planning to build a career in medicine and healthcare. She also serves as the liaison to the Veteran Resources Center and is responsible for all pre-med/pre-health programming at the Career Center.
* * *
**Jose Perez**
_Recruiter, Graduate Health Professions Programs at Western University_
Jose Perez is a recruiter for the College of Graduate Nursing at Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU), specializing in nursing program recruitment. He assists prospective students with admissions for graduate-level health professions, including doctoral nursing programs.
* * *
