Majors
Biology, Neuroscience Psychology (Pre-Med)
Hometown
Iraq
Why you chose your major
I chose to major in biology and neuroscience psychology because they align seamlessly with my aspiration to become a physician. Biology provides a strong foundation for understanding the human body's intricate systems, while neuroscience psychology offers valuable insights into the complexities of the brain and behavior. Together, these fields deepen my understanding of how the human body and brain function, equipping me with the knowledge and skills to approach medicine holistically, addressing both physical and mental health to deliver comprehensive patient care.
Favorite and/or most impactful course
The biology classes I’ve taken have been a big part of my journey toward becoming a physician. Courses like cellular biology and genetics helped me understand how health and disease work on a molecular level. The labs gave me hands-on experience with experiments and data analysis, which are key skills for medicine and research. These classes have strengthened my commitment to healthcare.
Research or internship experience
During my freshman year, I wasn’t involved in research or internships because I didn’t know much about the opportunities available to me. In my second year, I joined Dr. Moore’s lab, which studies how complex traits evolve and help species adapt to their environments.
In the lab, we use African cichlid fish to study adaptive traits, linking changes in the genome to specific traits and behaviors. I’ve been involved in projects that examine behaviors tied to habitat differences and explore how sex chromosomes shape traits like morphology and reproduction. Working in this lab has helped me develop valuable skills, like analyzing data and understanding the genetic basis of adaptation, while expanding my knowledge of evolutionary biology. I’m also excited to start a teaching assistant internship in Fall 2025, which will give me the chance to build leadership and teaching skills.
Other involvement
At Nebraska, I’m involved in several organizations that allow me to serve and lead. In the Yazidi Club, I help raise awareness about Yazidi culture and support the community through events. As part of the TRIO program, I receive mentorship and also assist peers in navigating academic challenges. I work as an interpreter, bridging language gaps and improving access to resources for those in need. These experiences have strengthened my leadership skills and commitment to service.
Why you chose Nebraska
My family came to Nebraska as refugees, fleeing genocide in our homeland. We were forced to leave everything behind to find safety. My dad chose Nebraska because it had a large Yazidi community, providing us with familiarity and support as we started over. Since then, the community has grown, creating a stronger foundation for refugees like us to rebuild our lives.
Student Ambassadors are undergraduate students who talk to prospective students, parents, alumni, and the general public about the college.