From Namibia to Kean: Dineo Phatela Pursues Her Dream of Dentistry

When Dineo Phatela crossed the stage today at Kean University’s 2026 commencement ceremony, it marked the culmination of a journey that began thousands of miles away in Namibia and was shaped by years of perseverance and determination.

Phatela graduated summa cum laude with a degree in biology/cellular and molecular biology and will take the next step toward her lifelong goal of becoming a dentist this fall at the University of North Carolina’s Adams School of Dentistry, which is consistently ranked among the top dental schools globally and in the U.S.

When her original plans to attend dental school in Namibia changed, Phatela began exploring opportunities abroad, a search that eventually led her to Kean University. After discovering the university online, she traveled with her family to New Jersey to tour the campus and quickly felt it was the right place to continue her education. 

“I was amazed by how beautiful the campus was,” Phatela said. “If I was going to travel to a different continent, I wanted to make sure I would receive a quality education.”

Moving to the United States brought new challenges. Phatela had to adapt to a different academic system, navigate unfamiliar public transportation and adjust to living far from her family. Determined to build a sense of community, she quickly became involved across campus while balancing a demanding academic schedule.

During her time at Kean, Phatela volunteered with Operation Smile, Atria Senior Living and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. She also served as a resident assistant and lab assistant in the Department of Biological Sciences, where she tutored fellow students.

“Being able to volunteer and help other students at Kean gave me a sense of purpose,” Phatela said.

Her commitment to healthcare extended beyond volunteer work and into undergraduate research connected to oral health. 

Under the mentorship of lecturer Sasmita Mishra, Ph.D., Phatela studied how green tea processing affects natural compounds associated with fighting harmful oral bacteria.

Presented at Kean Research Days, the project found that different tea processing methods altered the levels of beneficial compounds, though higher concentrations did not always produce stronger antibacterial effects.

“It has been an honor to serve as Dineo’s professor and mentor,” Mishra said. “From the moment she expressed interest in working on a project, it was clear that her determination and strong work ethic would guide her success. Her career path already reflects that commitment and drive.”

For Phatela, dentistry represents more than a career goal. She hopes to eventually help address healthcare shortages in Namibia.

“I come from a country that is medically under-resourced,” Phatela said. “The need for more healthcare specialists in Namibia is critical.”

Commencement held special meaning for Phatela as her family traveled from Namibia to celebrate alongside her.

“Having my family see me graduate is one of the biggest miracles,” Phatela said. “To graduate from Kean with honors and know dental school is waiting for me is incredibly rewarding.”