Born and raised in San Luis Obispo, California, Stephen grew up working as a machinist and cabinet maker. These professions instilled in him a deep love for problem solving and precision craftsmanship. As he sought higher education by studying biology at Brigham Young University and dentistry at the University of the Pacific, he fell in love with the dental profession and in particular the field of orthodontics.
Growing up, he had always been self-conscious of his crooked smile but had never had braces. During his undergraduate studies, he was fortunate enough to get orthodontic treatment, an experience that changed his life. I loved the relationship my orthodontist had with his patients, and how his profession was able to change lives. His orthodontic treatment changed his life, and he hopes to be able to do the same for others at UCSF.
