It would be hard to find someone who has charted a more successful path from accomplished periodontin this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient for the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, Dr. Andrew Hwang.

Growing up in a family of dentists – including his parents, sister and brother-in-law – Andrew jokes that he had little choice but to follow in their footsteps, a path he would start at UC Irvine. He graduated with a bachelor of science in biology before continuing his education at UCLA for a doctorate in dental surgery, followed by a master’s in periodontology from Columbia University.

A lifelong curiosity about the intersection of healthcare and technology would lead Andrew to launch multiple technology companies designed to innovate in the healthcare field. Now retired from his periodontics practice, Andrew has shifted his interest in emerging technologies to a new focus on exploring the real-world applications of blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI).

He currently serves as general partner at Rosten Capital, a private equity fund specializing in blockchain infrastructure and AI. His work examines how emerging technologies are shaping the future of finance and driving innovations in AI development.

Andrew remains steadfast in his commitment to UC Irvine. He draws on his unique combination of healthcare and entrepreneurial acumen to help guide the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences as a member of the Dean’s Leadership Council. He enjoys mentoring students and offering encouragement and career advice.

One of the highest honors for Andrew was being asked to deliver the commencement address for the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences in 2023. He was moved by the opportunity to share his professional experiences to inspire the next generation of biology graduates.