Student Testimonial - Munira Aldossari

1. How did you find out about our PhD research topics?

Through search of the university website, looking into the profiles of the academics and their research interests then matching my own interest of research with that of the academic.

2. Why did you decide to enroll in your current PhD?

I wanted to improve my research skills and strengthen my position as a professional and scientist through completion of PhD which I believe as a higher training.

3. What do you think about your research (research content, teaching staff, university support etc)?

I believe that my PhD research area is novel and important. It can help to solve some mystery of vision science by exploring the memory effects of ambiguous stimuli and the mechanisms of perceptual memory. I consider the opportunity to work with my supervisor Dr. Alan Freeman is a great privilege for me. I highly appreciate his understanding and support. I find the interactions with the teaching staff are pleasant and useful. In general, the learning and teaching environment of the university is wonderful.

4. What is/was most challenging about studies?

To determine the research focus and being persistent to that was the most challenging.

5. What is/was most enjoyable? What was a particular highlight?

The friendly and multicultural environment of the university is most enjoyable. The diversity in training and skill development opportunities is a major highlight.

6. How do you think this research PhD has/will benefit you?

I plan to become an academic at a tertiary institute/university in my own country the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I wish that after completion of the PhD I will develop sufficient skills in supervising students who can receive PhD like me.

7. What advice would you give people who are considering studying a PhD at the University of Sydney?

If you can get in, go for it, it may be a life time opportunity for you.

8. Tell us a little about yourself:
What were you doing before you began your PhD at the Sydney Medical School?

I was a scientist at the Military Hospital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and undertook some community research projects. I was also a community health educator and trainer. However, immediately before enrolling at the Sydney Medical School I completed MSc degree from the Queensland University of Technology. I published 3 peer reviewed journal articles based on my MSc research findings.

9. What is your current job? What does this involve?

I continue to hold a senior position at the Military Hospital in KSA. However, because I am sponsored by the Ministry of Higher Education of KSA to complete my higher studies at the Sydney Medical School, at this stage I am fully committed to my study and research.

10. What do you hope to do in the future?

Work as an academic and scientist. I am looking forward to train others to become high level professionals and researchers. I hope I can publish some important articles based on the findings of my PhD research.