University: University of Texas at Austin
Hometown: Austin, TX
NIH Research Project:
RpoS Regulation by Small Non-Coding RNAs
Mentor: Susan Gottesman, Ph.D.
Laboratory of Molecular Biology
National Cancer Institute
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I was born and raised in Algeria. Being raised in a scientific and medical environment-both of my parents were physicians in Algeria-I soon became fascinated by the human body and its complex structure and functioning. When my family and I relocated to the United States due to political turmoil, it was a chance of a lifetime for me to look for opportunities that would enhance my scientific interests.
I am currently a senior at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a degree in human biology with a concentration in immunity and pathogenesis. My first research experience was under the mentorship of Dr. Steve Leslie and Patricia Levin who were both extremely instrumental in my basic science research career. We studied the effect of prenatal exposure to ethanol, or Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and how it affects the NMDA receptor, which is involved in learning and memory.
This is my first summer as a UGSP Scholar, and I feel very fortunate and thankful to be part of this program. I am currently working with Dr. Susan Gottesman in the Molecular Biology Section of the National Cancer Institute. My research involves studying small regulatory RNAs and how their mechanisms affect control circuits in the Escherichia coli bacteria.
Coming to the NIH has allowed me to see the endless available opportunities in science. It has also solidified my decision to combine clinical medicine and basic research with a goal to better understand diseases that afflict children. |
