From singing Carmen Ohio to being on the 2023 Homecoming Court, Sara Alsammerai enjoys all opportunities The Ohio State University has to offer.
“Before attending the university, I found myself drawn to the various organizations, newfound research, and the plethora of opportunities available. As an undergraduate student, I have quickly come to recognize the opportunities presented to me at Ohio State have fulfilled my goal of pursuing a medical degree in the future,” says Alsammerai, a Biological Sciences Scholar.
Alsammerai has made many connections with her peers and staff through the Scholars program. With her future goal of earning a medical degree and going on to become a pediatric oncologist, the biology major’s passion for cancer research is shown through her role as a student research assistant at the James Cancer Treatment and Research Center. She has carried this role on for two years, primarily focusing on breast cancer research.
"At such a grand research-based institute as Ohio State, being involved in new scientific findings has become the highlight of most of my days as an undergraduate.”
Alsammerai has made the university feel small through various campus connections like participating in BuckeyeThon and holding lead roles on her Scholars Program board.
Along with other students, Alsammerai has made many connections with professors and staff. She recognizes Dr. Bartoszek-Loza, her General Chemistry II professor and Melissa Bradford, her advisor and Biological Sciences Scholars Program Manager, for being able to answer various questions. They have inspired her to become a great communicator who is friendly and handles things efficiently.
Alsammerai’s most memorable opportunities include traveling to England and Scotland through her Second Year Transformation Experience Program (STEP) fellowship, as well as another trip through Dr. Bird and Dr. Cogan’s Scientific Roots in Europe class. She was able to visit the home of Charles Darwin.
Alsammerai says Ohio State has a friendly and welcoming presence and the people at the university can always pick you back up when you get knocked down. She keeps a positive attitude and strives to be open to making new connections, especially through her passions and goals.
“I grew to be more open-minded in meeting individuals from various backgrounds and hopeful futures, despite us having many similar majors. My Scholars group has played a large role in my college experience. Many of my friends are also in Scholars groups, and together we see the passion in each of us growing from our opportunities through H&S.”
Alsammerai is also a part of the history and tradition as she participates on Homecoming Court. Through this position, she has been able to support a meaningful cause and raise funds for BuckeyeThon.
Her minor in chemistry and interest in nonprofit management are shown through her involvement in BuckeyeThon. She looked up to her leaders, who inspired her to inspire others as they did. This past year Alsammerai served on the executive board and helped motivate future leaders to continue with the organization. She was able to learn about herself and others through their shared passion of creating awareness of pediatric cancer and blood disorders.
With plans to graduate in the spring, Alsammerai’s passions lead her to her goal of earning her medical degree. They have also kept the university’s traditions alive through her involvement and leadership, helping her future, as well at the university’s.