Hello! My name is Ala, and I'm a first-generation immigrant and university student. I moved to the United States when I was eight years old, having spent my early years in a rural village in Iran. I have a strong passion for microbiology and epidemiological research, particularly when it comes to studying minority populations. My long-term goal is to pursue an MD/PhD and build a career as a physician-scientist. I’ve always been deeply committed to research, and I believe that addressing population health means not only treating symptoms but also tackling the root causes of disease—something I aspire to achieve in my future work. In my free time, I love cooking and gardening, especially competitive gardening. A fun fact about me is that I grow various types of tomatoes and regularly participate in local competitions for the “best tomatoes.”
I’m interested in epidemiology research particularly those that look into the social determinants of health and genetic factors in relation to their experiences. I hope that my research is able to better represent minority populations.
