SXU Biology Pre-Health Student Earns Outstanding Project Award at Research Expo
Saint Xavier University (SXU) biology pre-health student Deya Abdulrahman has received the Outstanding Project Award for his Research Expo project, "Hypothyroidism and its effect on cardiovascular function."
"I was very surprised to receive an award because I didn't even know awards were going to be given! Dr. [Sharada] Buddha didn’t tell me because she doesn't like students to think of the Research Expo as a competition. Receiving this award has helped me to realize all research is important and has a purpose. It has inspired me to come back after graduation and continue my research, pivoting away from literature and focusing on lab research," said Abdulrahman.
Abdulrahman was inspired to research hypothyroidism to honor a close relative who'd recently passed away due to a cardiovascular dysfunction associated with hypothyroidism. He set to work with chemistry professor and mentor Sharada Buddha, Ph.D., and found the research fascinating.
"The hormones produced by the thyroid gland such as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) have an enormous effect on overall health and can affect all aspects of your metabolism, which not many people realize. Any slight alterations in your thyroid hormones can lead to drastic effects such as hypothyroidism, which is associated with cardiovascular dysfunction like arrhythmias, irregular heart contractions, stroke and heart failure. Even common comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus are associated with alterations in your thyroid gland," said Abdulrahman.
Abdulrahman, who also has a minor in chemistry, has been interested in becoming a doctor since he was a young boy. Inspired by his family doctor, Abdulbari Akhras, who gave Abdulrahman his lifelong nickname of "Dr. Dudu," Abdulrahman feels that being in the medical field is an act of service and aligns unanimously with his religious and personal values as a Muslim.
"Islam advocates the incorporation of knowledge within a just and balanced value system where anything beneficial for one's spiritual and worldly improvement is encouraged and advocated. Studying biology, biochemistry and chemistry has provided so many answers for me," said Abdulrahman.
Abdulrahman is grateful for his classes at Saint Xavier, which have helped him to gain knowledge and develop many new skills and connections.
"With all the rigor that comes with high-level biology, biochemistry and organic chemistry courses, I've become more determined and ambitious to continue my dream of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon. SXU has guided me through the application process and preparation for the MCAT, helping me out when I didn't even know where to start," said Abdulrahman.
Abdulrahman finds that research is quite different from an average college course and has helped him learn to take initiative and work on his own without relying on others for knowledge. He is grateful for the inspiration instilled in him by Dr. Buddha, which encouraged him to put in countless hours of research and has helped him in all aspects of his life. He also appreciates his other SXU mentors and carries plenty of great memories from his lab experiences.
"Being in a classroom full of students and professors ready to learn has been the most enjoyable thing about my time at SXU. You are constantly being challenged and pushed to your limits," said Abdulrahman.
Appreciative of the SXU core value of service, Abdulrahman volunteers regularly at the mosque during Ramadan and at other times of the year.
Abdulrahman will take a gap year before taking the MCAT. During his gap year, he will shadow physicians, volunteer at clinics and hospitals, and become a registered phlebotomist. He looks forward to applying to medical schools and eventually achieving his dream of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon.