When it comes to accessible health care, future dentist Batoul brings our attention to the importance of oral care in ways you may not have thought of before.

One way to unlock research opportunities 

“I am beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to be involved in research in Dr. Abramyan's lab on campus. I remember coming to the University of Michigan-Dearborn eager to be involved in research, but unsure of how to become involved with the various projects on campus. At first, I was overwhelmed with the variety of interesting projects. 

“However, it was not until my sophomore year that I decided to attend a research panel in the Kochoff Hall of the University Center. In fact, I was informed of this panel via Talent Gateway. At that event, I was able to speak to students and faculty who were involved in research on campus and I distinctly remember how Dr. Abramyan's work stood out to me the most. I decided to go for it and talk to him, and ask questions about his research, which led to a conversation for a potential research position in his lab that I still am active in until today beyond graduation.”

Organizations that are making a difference

“Being involved in a variety of student organizations on campus has allowed me to become involved in my community and assist those in need. In Fresh Start, we worked with impoverished families to help them get on their feet. We provided financial support, assistance with attaining jobs, enrolled children in school, obtained car insurance, provided mental support, and assisted with language barriers. 

“In the Pre-Professional Health Society (PPHS), we organized a World Oral Health Day collaboration with Fresh Start. We have done this for two years in a row, and we collected donations of oral hygiene products to create kits for those in need at the Huda Clinic in Detroit. 

“My eyes were opened to my community as I am an active member of the Amity Foundation which is a community organization that assists those in need, from backpack drives to Ramadan food meal deliveries. I joined the Amity Foundation after high school, where my eyes were opened up to the significant issues present in the Dearborn community that I was not aware of. There was a need for change and assistance in my neighborhoods." 

The importance of accessible oral health care

“In the future, I hope to become a dentist. My goal is to ensure that those that I serve will feel advocated and empowered to go out and seek better oral health outcomes. Stemming from my work in Dr. Abramyan’s research lab on campus, and under his guidance, I realized my true passion for oral and maxillofacial surgery, transforming and empowering those who have the cleft lip and palate. This common birth defect affects children, affecting their smile, their breathing, and their confidence. My goal is to limit the barriers that prevent an individual from achieving their optimal oral health. Moreover, I would like to help individuals better improve their access to oral healthcare within my community.”