What inspired you to pursue your current field of study/research?
My undergraduate degree in pharmacy and drug delivery systems inspired me to pursue this field and gave me the eagerness to dive deeper into the discipline. During my studies, I gained foundational experience with small molecules, including active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and various chemical compounds. However, this exposure sparked a curiosity to expand beyond traditional small-molecule pharmaceuticals and explore the biotechnological aspects of research.
What ultimately drew me to this current path was the potential of nucleic acid therapeutics. The prospect of developing nucleic acids as treatments like RNAs enclosed in lipid nanoparticles (LNP) fascinated me and motivated me to make the transition into this field. I wanted to combine my pharmacy background with a deeper understanding of biotechnology to contribute meaningfully to this emerging and transformative area of medicine.
Have you participated in any co-op or study abroad programs? How was that experience?
Yes, I participated in Northeastern University’s co-op program, which was an invaluable opportunity. The program provided me with the chance to gain real industry experience and learn directly from experienced professionals in the field, something you simply cannot replicate in a classroom setting.
What really prepared me for the co-op, both academically and professionally, was the nanotechnology capstone course I took during my academic journey. That course equipped me with a solid skillset and hands-on experience that made me a competitive candidate. Through that capstone and related coursework, I developed proficiency in several analytical and characterization techniques that proved crucial: HPLC, DLS and Zeta potential, Cellular uptake studies and Imaging techniques including MRI, Confocal Microscopy, SEM and TEM.
These technical skills were instrumental in my co-op interviews. They demonstrated that I had practical laboratory experience and could contribute meaningfully from day one. The combination of theoretical knowledge from my capstone and the technical competencies I had developed made the transition into industry much smoother and helped me stand out as a candidate.
What kind of extracurricular activities are you involved in?
I had the opportunity to present my research work twice at Northeastern University’s RISE poster presentation. RISE is a prominent platform at the university where students showcase their research to faculty, industry professionals, and the broader academic community. Presenting twice on that stage was incredibly valuable. It provided me with a high-visibility platform to communicate my research findings clearly and concisely to a diverse audience skill that’s essential in both academia and industry. Each presentation taught me something new about how to effectively distill complex scientific concepts into accessible explanations.
Beyond the obvious confidence boost, this experience helped me develop critical communication and presentation skills that I know I’ll rely on throughout my career. Standing in front of experienced researchers and professionals, defending my work and responding to technical questions, reinforced the importance of being able to articulate not just what I did, but why it matters. It also gave me valuable networking opportunities and feedback from experts in my field, which has shaped how I approach my research and professional development.
Have you had any professors or mentors who really made an impact on you?
Throughout my academic journey, particularly from January 2025 to April 2026, I would highlight Dr. Ahmed Atef as someone who made a significant impact on my development. While he was technically my professor for the capstone course, he meant as much more than he was a true mentor. The capstone course he taught was instrumental in shaping my academic and professional trajectory.
Beyond just delivering course content, Dr. Ahmed provided consistent guidance, thoughtful feedback, and encouragement that helped me navigate complex challenges and deepen my understanding of the field. His mentorship extended beyond the classroom he invested time in my growth, challenged me to think critically, and helped me develop the skills and confidence I needed to succeed in both my co-op and my broader career pursuits. I’m genuinely grateful for his support and the relationship we’ve built.
Having mentors like Dr. Ahmed who are invested in their students’ success and willing to go beyond their formal role makes a tremendous difference in shaping not just your technical knowledge, but your professional identity and approach to problem-solving.
Where do you see your field of study/research taking you?
I aspire to work as a scientist in formulation or analytical development at a pharmaceutical or biotech company. My goal is to develop and optimize drug delivery systems, particularly nucleic acid therapeutics, while contributing to meaningful therapeutic advances.
What kind of impact do you hope to make after you leave Northeastern?
After graduating from Northeastern, I aim to make impact in two areas. First, I plan to publish research and review articles based on my capstone work on nucleic acid delivery systems and Nano formulation development, contributing to the advancement of the field.
Second, I’m committed to mentoring new students and early-career researchers, sharing knowledge and guidance as others did for me.
What advice would you give students interested in pursuing a degree in science?
I would give two key pieces of advice to students pursuing a degree in science. First, prioritize hands-on laboratory experience early in your academic journey. Working directly with lab instruments builds practical confidence that theoretical knowledge alone cannot provide. This experience differentiates you in interviews and makes you immediately productive in industry roles.
Second, for those interested in R&D careers, I strongly recommend pursuing a nanotechnology or nanomedicine capstone course. It’s a comprehensive package that integrates both formulation and analytical development, giving you exposure to the full drug development pipeline. This type of capstone course has proven invaluable for my own career trajectory.
