MMedSci Diagnostic Oral Pathology

“I first chose to study at The University of Sheffield when I was looking for a Masters course in Diagnostic Oral Pathology”, explains Areeg, who studied a postgraduate taught course in Oral Pathology before progressing onto her PhD programme. “Not only is University of Sheffield a reputable university, with renowned and internationally recognised academic staff and in particular oral pathologists, but it was the only Masters course taught in the UK in this particular speciality.”

Born in Libya and raised in Virginia, USA, Areeg always had an inner calling for research and a passion for pursuing new avenues in the field of dentistry, which led her to apply for a competitive postgraduate scholarship, offered by The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Libya. After a successful application, Areeg accepted her place on her Masters course, where she conducted lab-based research for the first time.

“During my Masters I had the opportunity to learn about diseases on a cellular level, a field that bridges between science and medicine, which I wasn't exposed to in detail during my undergraduate course in Dental Surgery. Not only was able to examine specimens sent from far countries for consultation, but was also trained to perfect a range of lab techniques that further assisted in diagnostics.”

Areeg was offered an extension on my scholarship, and a position in The University of Sheffield to continue with the same project focusing on oral and maxillofacial pathology, and further expand the project as PhD research. Areeg adds, “After hard work, and long hours in lab, within several months of starting my PhD, I was successful in publishing my findings in the British Journal of Cancer. I am now currently a final year PhD student and have accepted a staff position as a Post-doctorate Research Associate at the School of Clinical Dentistry.”

Areeg plans to remain in academia, as well as taking on further speciality training to practice as a dentist in the UK.