Hometown:  Salalah, Oman

Faculty mentor/advisor: Lisa Segre, professor, College of Nursing

What is your degree program and expected graduate date? PhD, nursing, spring 2024

Please describe your research:  Aging is a new phenomenon in Omani society. Therefore, there is a need to understand this phenomenon in Omani settings. There is a need to understand the aging population’s physical, psychological, and social needs to design proper interventions to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Oman has started some initiatives to improve the lives of older adults. However, the way is still long compared to other western countries and requires many active kinds of research to give knowledge based on local settings and environment. The goal of my research is to better understand the experience of Omani older adults in managing aging and to identify their unmet needs.

In simple terms, why does this research matter?  My work on unmet needs of Omani older adults will be a starting point for building my research program in the health of older adults in my country. This study also contributes to my long-term goal of establishing a research program concerning the promotion of aging individuals’ health and well-being in Oman.

How soon after starting at the University of Iowa were you able to participate in research? I began research in my first semester. I joined the Dr. Lisa Segre research team.

How has being involved in research made you more successful at the University of Iowa?  I received many great opportunities to engage on various projects and research activities that enhanced my skill building as a researcher. I had the opportunity to present my work at conferences, meet and form networking connections with experts in my field.

What are your career goals and/or plans after graduation? Before joining the University of Iowa, I was a nurse and a faculty member in Oman. Following graduation, I intend to return to Oman and stay in academia where I can teach and mentor students and conduct research.

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