Dr Mohammed Al-baadani’s research journey has taken him from his homeland in Yemen via China to a Brian and Ann Dooley Early Career Research Fellowship in Melbourne.
When Dr Mohammed Al-baadani finished high school in 2004, he initially dreamed of becoming an engineer. But life in his home country of Yemen was difficult and university was unaffordable.
Instead, Dr Al-baadani followed in the footsteps of his older brother, Fahd, and learned to become a dental technician. “Fahd wanted to become a dentist but he married and had children and so had a lot of responsibilities. He couldn’t afford to study, but he always told me that he regretted not being able to achieve his dream and he pushed me to make sure I followed my dream,” says Dr Al-baadani.
That pursuit brought Dr Al-baadani to Melbourne Dental School, where he has become an expert in biomaterials and regenerative medicine. He is supported by a Brian and Ann Dooley Early Career Research Fellowship that recognises outstanding researchers contributing to the future of oral health and dentistry. This is enabling him to research advancements in dental biomaterials and how they can be used effectively in dental treatments such as root canals and composite fillings.
“I completed dental school in Yemen and became a dentist but it was hard to find work, so I went to China to do my masters degree and PhD. After that, I wanted to come to Australia to pursue my research and I began emailing universities here looking for post-doc opportunities,” says Dr Al-baadani.
His persistence paid off when Melbourne Dental School Director of Research, Professor Stuart Dashper (PhD 1991), offered Dr Al-baadani a place at MDS in October 2023.
Because of the Fellowship, I am in the best possible place to build my career. It brings so many opportunities says Dr Al-baadani.
“It gives me a platform to put forward my ideas, to demonstrate what I have done so far and to know where I am going in the future. It opens the door for me to talk with major companies in Australia about how we can advance dental materials and translate laboratory research to a clinical setting to improve outcomes for patients. It has given me time and resources to realise my ideas and dreams.
I deeply appreciate this pivotal support, which not only aids my research but also fuels my determination to shape the future of oral health research and academia.
While conducting his research, Dr Albaadani is also completing Australian Dental Council exams that will enable him to practise as a dentist. The financial support of the ECR Fellowship ensures he can allocate time to prepare for that rigorous examination process.
“My older brother is still in Yemen and he is very proud of what I have done. He calls me ‘the professor’ although I am not a professor!” says Dr Al-baadani. “His two children have graduated from dental school and become dentists, too, and my dream is to bring them to Australia one day so they can practise here and enjoy the kind of opportunities I have been given.”
Find out how you can support students: unimelb.edu.au/alumni/give
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