2025 PhD Yearbook

“After completing my degree in Biomedical Sciences, I pursued a Master’s in Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics, where I discovered a passion for data science and research. After my Master’s, I joined Ulster as a Research Associate in 2019 and worked on several projects, primarily focusing on how digital tools can support mental health and wellbeing. Through these research projects I was fortunate to publish a lot of papers which meant I could pursue my goal of completing a PhD by Published Work. My current research focuses on improving the lives and long-term outcomes of those living with Down Syndrome in Northern Ireland - work that continues to inspire me every day.”

“I’ll never forget my first week as a researcher at Ulster University, feeling like a complete imposter and totally out of my depth. I’m genuinely proud of myself for seeing it through and for the confidence and personal growth I’ve gained”

Part-time lecturer and full-time mum, passionate about media theory and graphic design. Completed an MSc in Educational Multimedia (2015) at Queen’s University and a BA (Hons) in Interactive Media Arts (2014) at Ulster University, Coleraine. Continued that passion by teaching in Further and Higher Education for five years and plans to keep inspiring learners after graduation.

“Life is about to get even more intense than you think - but you’re stronger than you know. Be kind to yourself, ask for help, and trust that every small step forward counts”

Proudest Moment

My proudest moment was completing my PhD after years of determination, resilience, and personal challenges. It marked the culmination of a long academic journey from Syria to Germany, then Birmingham, and finally Northern Ireland, where I completed my work under exceptionally difficult circumstances.

Favourite Memory

My favourite memory was witnessing my first major experimental results emerging clearly in the laboratory. After months of preparation—and despite relocating with my family following my son’s car accident, seeing the data take shape was deeply uplifting and unforgettable.

An Unforgettable Moment at Ulster

I will never forget the day I first arrived in Northern Ireland after moving from Birmingham. Professor Paul McCarron and Dr Mohamed Elnaem welcomed me with remarkable kindness and immediate support, enabling me to restart my experiments despite the stress and disruption I was experiencing. Their encouragement, along with Professor Ziad Al-Ani’s early motivation to pursue high-quality publications, shaped the direction of my research career.

Support Throughout the PhD

I could not have completed the journey without the unwavering support of my supervisors, Professor Paul McCarron, Professor Ziad Al-Ani, Dr Mohamed Elnaem and Dr Deborah Lowry, and the continued encouragement of my family, especially during the difficult transition following my son’s accident.

A Meaningful Achievement

One of the most meaningful moments was writing my first paper with Dr Mohamed Elnaem. When it was published and recognised, it felt like everything had blossomed at once, validating the effort, sacrifice and long nights invested in the project.

Advice to My Past Self

I would tell myself: be patient, trust yourself and understand that every challenge will become part of your strength. Every setback builds resilience; every experiment teaches you something; and every moment of support from your supervisors helps you become the researcher you aspired to be.

Short Professional Biography

I hold a DDS degree from Damascus University (Syria) and an MSc in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry from the University of Duisburg-Essen (Germany). I recently completed my PhD at Ulster University, where my research focused on regenerative dentistry and dental biomaterials.

My thesis, Evaluation of the Mechanical, Histological and Biological Properties of Generations of Concentrated Growth Factor: In Vitro and Ex Vivo Study, investigated the mechanical performance, structural characteristics, cellular content, growth factor release, antibacterial properties and degradation behaviour of albumin with and without silver nanoparticles combined with CGF membranes.

"I recently completed my PhD in Computing at Ulster University. My research, supervised by Dr. Ian McChesney, Dr. Peter Nicholl, and Dr. Joseph Rafferty, focused on “An Approach for Curating and Sharing Open Datasets in Human Activity Recognition.” This work aimed to enhance the accessibility and reproducibility of data-driven research in pervasive computing. My academic journey began with a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Software Engineering from KFUPM. Throughout my doctoral studies, I have been fortunate to contribute to AI and data science projects tackling real-world industrial challenges, an experience that has shaped both my research and professional direction.

My proudest moment was submitting my thesis on open datasets in human activity recognition, knowing it could encourage open science. I’ll always remember the encouragement from my supervisors, the Doctoral College, the School of Computing, and the wider Ulster community. Their support alongside my family helped me overcome every challenge. Securing a Data Scientist role at the AICC is a proud next step. If I could advise my past self, I’d say: “Trust the journey, you're building more than a PhD.”

My proudest moment was when I was selected as a finalist in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition in 2024. Presenting years of complex research on diabetes and pregnancy in just three minutes to a broad audience was both a challenge and a deeply rewarding experience. It reminded me of the power of clear science communication.

My favourite memory was the moment I successfully defended my PhD thesis. It was the culmination of years of dedication, setbacks, breakthroughs, and growth both personal and professional.

I’ll never forget the sense of purpose I felt while leading Volhart Health Care Pvt. Ltd. and launching Cincumolife™. It was my first step in translating scientific knowledge into a real-world healthcare solution, and it taught me the value of innovation and resilience.

I couldn’t have got through this without the unwavering support of my supervisor, Professor Peter Flatt, my lab colleagues, and my family. Their encouragement, guidance, and belief in me kept me going through the toughest phases of my PhD.

If I could speak to myself at the start of my PhD, the best piece of advice I would give myself would be: “Trust the process. Research is not a straight path embrace the failures, celebrate the small wins, and never lose sight of why you started.