Dr. RayJ L. Jackson
Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas
Education:
AB with honors in Literary Arts, Brown University, 2021
DDS, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, 2025
Favorite rainy-day activity?
A rainy day gives me more of an excuse for reading. When I was a kid, I’d sit in the garage with my dad sometimes while we watched and listened to the rain. So, the sound and sight bring me a bit of calm. Having a good book really rounds out that entire experience for me.
Favorite things about the Seattle area?
I love a place that always has something to do. Seattle is busy and bustling in a way that’s broad and accessible. Whether it’s sports, art, food, hiking, or the overall social scene of Seattle, there’s always an event to enjoy your time with.
Favorite comfort show or movie?
There are so many shows, and even movies, I rewatch for a pick-me-up. I’ll land on “The Great
British Baking Show” or “Insecure” for my shows, and the amount of times I’ve rewatched the movies “Coach Carter” or “Rent” makes it almost impossible to pick between them.
Morning person or night owl?
A night owl! I’m utilizing my mornings more in residency; however, even with that shift, I’m still a night owl at heart.
Mountains or beach?
I would say mountains. Though I love water, I do not necessarily love sand. There are sandless beaches, but if I’m standing on rocks, I’d prefer them to be on a mountain. Mountains with water near or through them are the true winners.
Personal Interests:
Reading, writing, art (poetry, theater, music, film, photography), pick-up basketball, and college basketball, traveling, community sustainability, and watching too much television.
Dr. Tommy Nelson
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
Education:
BS in Microbiology, Brigham Young University, 2020
DMD, University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, 2025
Favorite rainy-day activity?
My sons and I try to play outside every day, even when it’s raining! The rain is a lot easier to
deal with than the Connecticut snow, so we have that going for us. When we have to be inside,
we are usually either watching Toy Story, building Lego sets, or wrestling WWE-style.
Favorite things about the Seattle area?
Right now… Cal Raleigh and the Seattle Mariners. But truly, everything. I grew up here, and I
am so grateful to return home for residency training. I love the rain, the people, the sports teams,
the different seasons, the food, the nature … everything! I hope to live here forever.
Favorite comfort show or movie?
Dumb and Dumber. Please don’t judge me.
Morning person or night owl?
Morning person. Sometimes I’m a night owl when I’m awake with one of our kids, but not by
choice :-).
Mountains or beach?
Mountains!
Personal Interests:
Reading, hiking, golf, pick-up basketball, travel, and college football.
Dr. Brandon R. Zadeh
Hometown: Plano, Texas
Education:
AS in Liberal Sciences, Dallas College, 2018
BA in Psychology, University of North Texas, 2021
BS in Biology, Minor in Chemistry, University of North Texas, 2021
MPH, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 2025
DMD, Community Health Certificate, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, 2025
Favorite rainy-day activity?
Rain has always been my favorite weather, so I am very much looking forward to the rainy
season. I really enjoy going to a coffee shop, driving around, or just looking out my windows
while it rains. I find the rain to be inspiring and so relaxing. I love it!
Favorite things about the Seattle area?
The views. The water. The landscape. It does not get better than this! I love all of the natural
beauty of the Seattle area, and I am so excited to explore more! Every time I step outside, I feel
like there is something new to discover, whether it is a trail, a hidden viewpoint, or a new coffee
shop (I really like coffee).
Favorite comfort show or movie?
I would say that my answer to this question changes quite frequently, but the last show that I
really enjoyed was Severance. My outie cannot wait for the next season, which only certain
individuals will understand!
Morning person or night owl?
I thrive at night! Though my love for coffee fuels my mornings, I feel most energized, inspired,
and ready to tackle the world at night. I have loved the nighttime my whole life, and I cannot
wait for all the nighttimes to come.
Mountains or beach?
I love both, but if I had to choose, nothing compares to snow-capped mountains. Growing up in
Dallas-Fort Worth, I did not have immediate access to either, so having both here in the Pacific
Northwest feels like a dream. I could spend hours at the beach, but there is something about
looking up at the mountains that feels unmatched.
Personal Interests:
Hiking, traveling, language learning, home renovations, new technology, and coffee shops.
Dr. Tess Onuegbu
Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica
Education:
BA in Neuroscience & Behavior, Columbia University, 2020
DDS, University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry, 2025
Favorite rainy-day activity?
Lighting a candle, reading a book, or watching a movie near a window where I can occasionally
pause and look outside. I could also spend hours on my couch talking with my mom and sisters
on the phone. I love a cozy rainy day, and I am looking forward to having more of them!
Favorite things about the Seattle area?
I’m still mesmerized by how gorgeous the scenery is. Growing up in Jamaica, I was never too far
from a beautiful view, and while the terrain and weather may be different, the mountains and
water here have a beauty that makes me feel at home. They’re the perfect backdrop for runs and
walks outside, and I’ve been appreciating them a lot lately.
Favorite comfort show or movie?
Gilmore Girls! Embarrassed at how many times I’ve rewatched it.
Morning person or night owl?
Night owl. My husband is a morning person, so for the sake of our marriage, I’m trying to
transition… so far, without success.
Mountains or beach?
Beach!! The ocean has a special place in my heart. Growing up, my family and I were constantly
at the beach, and nothing brings me joy like going for a swim and just wading in the water at
sunset. I have, however, realized the Caribbean Sea is much warmer and nicer to wade in than
the Pacific. Regardless, I just love being by the water.
Personal Interests:
Baking, gardening, running, the occasional mild hike, embroidery, reading, and watching TV.
Dr. Jinnie Kim
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Education:
BA in Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 2019
DDS, University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry, 2025
Favorite rainy-day activity?
Anything cozy indoors! I love curling up with a blanket and a good book or movie. I’ve also
been experimenting with my espresso machine – mastering the milk frother so I can make hot
lattes to drink while listening to the rain. And if I’m heading out, a museum day is my choice of
rainy day outing.
Favorite things about the Seattle area?
I live in Ballard, so I’ve been having a lot of fun exploring the neighborhood’s cafés and
restaurants – Seattle’s food scene has so much to offer. Coming from Los Angeles, I’m also really
excited to experience all four seasons, especially seeing the leaves change in the fall. And I’ve
loved taking advantage of the greenery here with long walks and hikes with my dog.
Favorite comfort show or movie?
Friends or any Studio Ghibli movie.
Morning person or night owl?
Definitely a night owl! If I don’t have to be up early the next morning, I’ll always stay up late.
Slow weekend mornings when I can sleep in and start the day with coffee and brunch are my
favorite.
Mountains or beach?
Beach for sure! I grew up going to Southern California beaches, so the salty ocean air and warm sand always take me back to childhood.
Personal Interests:
Traveling, reading, trying new cafes and restaurants, watching TV shows, hiking with my dog,
board games, and pilates.
