Faculty Profile for Dr. Omneya Mohamed Nassar

Biography Section

Biography and Education

I was born in San Jose, CA and moved to Austin, TX when I was 3 years old. I attended a public elementary school called Linder Elementary school. Because I excelled in my studies, I was accepted to the magnet program at Sarah Lively middle school (formerly known as Fulmore middle school) and later attended the Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA) for my high school education. LASA was rigorous and appropriately prepared me for college to where I could pursue any degree I desired. My teachers like Mr. Bertucci, Madame Brockington, Mr. Journeay, Mr. Fennel, Mrs. Busch, Mr. Stormberg, Mrs. Aguayo, and Mr. Risinger made me believe in myself and gave me the confidence to pursue college. After graduating from LASA in 2009, I attended St. Edward's University, where I fell in love with chemistry. In an attempt to become a physician, I decided to pursue a bachelors of science degree in biochemistry. However, my curiosity to discover and explore medicine pulled me towards research. My research experience, professors and classes showed me that scientific research was the true path for me. I am forever indebted to my professors Dr. Kopecki, Dr. Lawrence, Dr. Altmiller, Dr. Healy, Dr. Lewis, Dr. Quinn, Dr. Goering, Dr. Baynham, Dr. Wharry, Dr. Kopec: they influenced my decision to follow my true-calling and pursue scientific research. They also gave me the confidence, knowledge, and skills I need to succeed in STEM. Because of them, I became talented and skilled enough to be accepted into the Pharmacology and Toxicology PhD program at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas where I would meet the one of the most influential people in my life: my PI Dr. Pettitt.

I remember rotating in Dr. Pettitt's lab for the first time. He was very caring and supportive, but he also encouraged me to be the independent scientist I dreamed of becoming. Even though there were many encouraging and supportive PIs with healthy labs I could work in, it was Dr. Pettitt's philosophical and unconventional approach to science that attracted me to his lab. I saw him as my first role model and the scientist I wanted to become. He believed in me and my capabilities to take my research as far as I wanted. He never said no to my unconventional ideas, but would encourage me to think about the logistics and pursuits of my ideas to make them plausible. He also emphasized repeatedly the importance of the philosophy behind science and maintaining the integrity of one's data: manipulating results to satisfy one's hypothesis defies the purpose of science and something that should be taken seriously. The scientific research I pursued for my dissertation was also fascinating. I made some interesting findings modeling ligand-binding to glutamate dehydrogenase using free-energy computational techniques and published two first author papers.

The combination of my K-12, college, and graduate school education made me an unconventional thinker but relatable and sociable individual. My current position as a chemistry lecturer is sharpening my scientific and interpersonal skills while maintaining a good mental health. Bill and Ben have been instrumental in building a path to my dream career; their guidance have been motivational and integral to my success. My collaboration with Duke has led us to go above and beyond our roles as lecturers and allowed us to provide students with extensive resources to succeed. MJ was also instrumental in my success as a lecturer. She has provided astute insight, invaluable resources and as well as her time to assist me with any problems I may have.