Shifting Dreams: Dr. Alomeir’s Journey of Discovery
She had it all planned out. Nora Alomeir’s dream was to become an endodontist. But when her husband was accepted to Eastman Institute for Oral Health’s Periodontology Residency Program, she had to adjust her plans a little.
“I can apply to their AEGD program and at least practice endodontics in the U.S.,” she reasoned. During her interview, she shared her desire to pursue a master’s degree, explore research, and connect scientific discoveries with clinical care.
Her decision proved to be transformative. In 2019, Nora was accepted into the AEGD program, where she embarked on a research fellowship. Under the mentorship of Dr. Jin Xiao, she began working on a project studying dental caries and its potential link between mothers and their children. The study involved collecting saliva samples from pregnant women and later from their babies.
“I fell in love with lab work,” Nora said. “It was an amazing experience, learning both the clinical and lab aspects of the research and seeing how they correlated.”
Farewell Endodontics, Hello Science
As Nora immersed herself in her research, she realized her passion for science was growing stronger. She soon pivoted her focus and decided to pursue a master’s in Dental Science. With Dr. Xiao’s guidance, Nora developed a research protocol for her master’s project, which focused on the effects of nystatin, an antifungal medication, on lab-cultured S. mutans and Candida.
“She told me ‘This is great for now,’” Nora recalled. “But then she suggested that I could expand this project into a PhD one day.”
At first, Nora didn’t consider the idea seriously, but it planted a seed that would grow into something much bigger.
The following years were a whirlwind. Between the residency program, her master’s research, and the delays caused by the pandemic, time passed quickly. In 2022, she successfully defended her master’s thesis. By that point, Dr. Xiao had become a constant source of support, encouraging Nora to take on more opportunities.
“She asked me to present at the AADOCR conference,” Nora said. “I was nervous, but with her support, I’ve become more comfortable presenting and now find it very rewarding and enjoyable. Dr. Xiao has inspired me in so many ways. I knew then I wanted to teach and pursue my PhD.”
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“Nora is an exceptional young dentist-scientist with remarkable drive and commitment to oral health research,” said Dr. Xiao. “From the start, she expressed a strong desire to pursue higher education in translational research—an area where there is a critical national shortage of scientists in oral health and academia. She excels in her work and is also dedicated to mentoring junior peers. I have no doubt that she is a rising star in oral health translational research.”
Over the past three years, Nora has co-authored several publications and mentored both a master’s student and an undergraduate student. She’s also become part of a team led by Dr. Xiao, teaching research to Eastman Institute residents and master’s students.
Nora quickly realized that leadership in teaching isn’t easy. “It’s about recognizing that each student is unique and how tailoring my methods to meet their individual needs is critical for effective learning.
“Dr. Xiao pushes everyone around her to do their best,” Nora said. “She’s a true role model and I aspire to follow in her footsteps.”
Nora’s enthusiasm for academia has only deepened over time.
“Seeing my own growth, as well as the growth of those around me, has been truly incredible,” she said. “A PhD program comes with high expectations and a lot of hard work—but it’s definitely worth it.”
Nora credits her many supporters for her success along the way, especially from husband Dr. Nasser Assery (Perio ’22, MS ’22). “I couldn’t have done it without Nasser’s encouragement. He’s my biggest support system and the one who keeps me going!”
Nora hopes to defend her thesis in May 2026. “I didn’t know much about research when I started. It felt intimidating and distant. But once I gave it a chance, I discovered how research is full of potential, purpose, and growth.”
She encourages others to consider exploring research opportunities as well.
“Research is more than just publications,” she said. “It’s about achieving something bigger and making new discoveries. If you’re even considering a PhD, lean into your curiosity—it might change your life.”
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