First-generation immigrant from Sudan discovered passion for dentistry while at ASU
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2024 graduates.
Leena Osman, an undergraduate in the public health program at the College of Health Solutions, immigrated to the U.S. as a child with her parents from Sudan. Now as a young adult visiting Sudan, Osman saw the cracks in both governments’ health care systems.
“Visiting Sudan as I grew up exposed me to the health care crisis that is ongoing there,” Osman said. “I translated these observations to starting volunteer work for the local underserved populations in Phoenix.”
Through her internship and volunteer work with the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Empowerment, or RICE, Osman developed her knowledge of the medical field. By volunteering with the organization's pop-up dental clinic, known as Arizona Healthcare Outreach Center, Osmen discovered her passion for dentistry.
“I have always wanted to work in health care, but I like the artistic side of dentistry that yields tangible impacts on the patient,” said Osman. “I love the intimate patient-provider relationship and the immediate impact dentistry brings to oral health.”
Question: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
Answer: I researched majors in the broader health care scene before applying to colleges, knowing that I wanted to work in the health care field. Public health seemed like the perfect balance between advocacy, sociology and medicine that I found myself drawn to.
Q: Why did you choose ASU?
A: The opportunities at ASU seemed endless, from research to internships to support for independent projects.
Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
A: During my final internship with the College of Health Solutions, I learned about the efforts made by volunteer organizations in the Greater Phoenix area to empower refugee and immigrant communities. This surprised me as the organizations under a coalition called RICE included everything possible, from classes teaching English, opportunities to join the workforce and affordable health care.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
A: Dr. Marisa Domino, the professor who led the Health Policy Lab at CHiR (Center for Health Information and Research) that I was a part of, taught me the importance of curiosity within the realm of research and how interests in certain topics drive the passion needed to conduct meaningful research.
Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?
A: The Multicultural Center at the Student Pavillion was my favorite spot on campus.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: Take your time in figuring out what you want to do.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: Hopefully dental school and researching dental health policy.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: The water contamination crisis in Flint, Michigan, because it has been too long and $40 million may be enough.
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