The Student-Trainee Chapter (STC) is a new initiative designed to bring together students and trainees from across all disciplines and stages of education who share a passion for cleft and craniofacial care. Whether you’re a master’s student, PhD candidate, medical student, resident, dental student, or pursuing a cleft/craniofacial fellowship, the STC welcomes you to sign up. Please note that the STC is available for ACPA student or early career members only.

Goals of the STC:

  • Increase Exposure: Introduce students and trainees to the cleft/craniofacial field and the various subspecialties involved, expanding their knowledge and fostering a passion for the field.
  • Broaden Engagement: Encourage students and trainees to actively participate in ACPA’s offerings and opportunities.
  • Peer Networking and Interdisciplinary Relationships: Facilitate relationships between peers across disciplines, allowing for collaboration, mentorship, and support.
  • Career Development: Provide resources, guidance, and connections to help students and trainees navigate their career paths in the cleft and craniofacial field.

2026 – 2027 STC Council:

President – Jeremie Piña, PhD
Jeremie Piña most recently completed a second doctorate program – Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry while working full-time as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. There, he studied translational applications of next-generation sequencing and spatial omics for both cleft palate and temporomandibular joint disorders. Now, he is a resident in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, while completing his third (and final) doctorate degree, a Doctor of Medicine (MD) at Emory University School of Medicine. Jeremie aims to fully unite his scientific and clinical training as a maxillofacial surgeon-engineer with a focus on craniofacial anomalies to better translate novel treatments from bench-to-bedside. He looks forward to leading the STC Council and expanding the Chapter’s educational opportunities.

Vice President – Lucas Perez Rivera, BS
Lucas Perez Rivera is a fourth-year medical student at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He is applying to plastic and reconstructive surgery residency and his research focuses on cleft surgery and craniofacial orthodontics. He is passionate about supporting the cleft and craniofacial community and enhancing surgical education through innovation and multidisciplinary initiatives.

Education Chair – Michelle Weingarten
Michelle Weingarten is a fourth-year dental student at Touro College of Dental Medicine and holds a Master of Public Health from New York Medical College. She serves as President of the Student Government Association, President of the Orthodontics Club, and President of the Student Research Society. Michelle plans to pursue a career in orthodontics with a focus on cleft and craniofacial care. Her interests include orthognathic surgery, interdisciplinary treatment, research, and improving outcomes for patients with craniofacial differences. As Education Chair, she looks forward to expanding educational opportunities and fostering mentorship among students and trainees interested in craniofacial care.

Secretary – Elena Quinonez Del Cid, BS
Elena Quinonez Del Cid is a fourth-year medical student at UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine and holds a Bachelors in biology, as well as economics, from the University of Miami. She plans to pursue a career in clinical medicine with a focus on otolaryngology, audiology, and cleft and craniofacial care. Elena finds cochlear implants—and their ability to alter how patients interact with the world around them—fascinating. She chose to work with the UNC CI Clinical Research team because she wants to be a part of the meaningful work being done on behalf of patients living with hearing loss. She looks forward to promoting mentorship among students and trainees in cleft and craniofacial care.

Past President – Lucas Harrison, MD
Lucas Harrison is a fifth-year plastic surgery resident at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He plans to apply for a craniofacial fellowship and pursue a career in academic surgery, taking care of children with cleft and craniofacial conditions. He is actively involved in ACPA and clinical craniofacial research. He looks forward to continuing to developing the STC, which will provide opportunities for students, and expanding the membership.

National Advisor – Howard Wang – ACPA Membership Committee Member