An international student who is a descendant of the Saudi Royal Family says it is a dream come true to be awarded a doctorate in Forensic Genetics at the University of Lancashire.
Dinah Aloraer, 44, from Saudi Arabia, has graduated with a PhD after previously being awarded a MPhil. She now plans to continue contributing to the advancement of forensic science in her home country, having applied for a position at the Forensic Genetics Laboratory within the Saudi Interior Ministry.
Before joining the University of Lancashire, Dinah completed a BSc in Clinical Laboratory Sciences at King Saud University in Riyadh. She then spent eight years working as a demonstrator while pursuing her postgraduate studies in Preston.
Her passion for science began in childhood and deepened during her undergraduate studies, where she was introduced to the forensic and criminal aspects of science. This curiosity led her to the University of Lancashire, drawn by the expertise of Dr William Goodwin, a leading figure in forensic genetics.
Reflecting on her achievement, Dinah said: “This is more than a degree - it’s a dream fulfilled. I’ve always wanted to be a scientist, and the chance to work with and learn from Dr William Goodwin at the University gave me the opportunity to explore my passion for forensic genetics. I hope I’ve made my family proud.”
This is more than a degree - it’s a dream fulfilled. I’ve always wanted to be a scientist, and the chance to work with and learn from Dr William Goodwin at the University gave me the opportunity to explore my passion for forensic genetics– PhD graduate Dinah Aloraer
Dinah’s academic journey is remarkable not only for her dedication to science but also for her distinguished family background. She has strong ties to the Saudi Royal Family - her grandmother was the wife of King Saud, and her mother and two uncles are also related to the royal lineage.
Dinah added: “I have learned so much during my eight years at the University. I’m a lab geek! I love spending time working on analysing samples and being curious about the outcome.
“I would like to thank the forensic genetics group at the University, from staff to students, and the Graduate Research Office for all their support throughout my years here. I fell in love with everything here and Preston will always be a piece of me.”
Dinah joined more than 2,100 graduates who took to the graduation stage at the University’s Sir Tom Finney Centre this week.