Determined to leave her mark in the community, Nabiha Khan, 鈥�20, is working toward a degree in biochemistry at 缅北禁地 while being actively involved in undergraduate research, campus traditions, and student organizations.
鈥淚 never realized the importance and value of having female co-workers and mentors until I came to Meredith,鈥� said Nabiha. 鈥淚 never realized how empowering an all-women鈥檚 environment can be and how strong I really am when I鈥檓 in this environment.鈥�
Nabiha dove into undergraduate research the summer after her freshman year and it has become an important part of her Meredith experience. She was greatly influenced by her mentors Paul Winterhoff, director of undergraduate research, and John Mecham, retired professor of biological sciences, who encouraged her to reach beyond her comfort zone and explore different research opportunities.
With the support of her faculty, Nabiha has had the opportunity to present at multiple conferences both regionally and internationally, including at Harvard University.
鈥淢eredith taught me that I am strong and independent, but I should never be afraid to ask for help when I need it because I know I can always turn to my mentors for advice and direction,鈥� said Nabiha.
Intrigued by the idea of working in medicine, Nabiha鈥檚 pre-health advisor Karthik Aghoram, professor of biological sciences, encouraged her to apply for a summer pre-med program at UNC. Nabiha spent the following summer as a part of the UNC Medical Education Development (MED) program. 鈥淒r. Aghoram is constantly pushing me to apply to programs like UNC MED. It was a life-changing opportunity for me,鈥� said Nabiha.
When she isn鈥檛 focused on her research, Nabiha is a proud member of Tri-Beta and the Meredith Health Professions Society (MHPS). Finding herself enriched by her membership in these organizations, Nabiha saw the need for a Refugee and Immigrant Club and put that idea into action with some of her friends during her freshman year.
鈥淲e felt the need for a Refugee and Immigrant Club to give that community a space on campus,鈥� said Nabiha. 鈥淭hat has been something that really had an impact on my first two years at Meredith.鈥�
Nabiha stumbled upon her enthusiasm for teaching while working as a teaching assistant for the biology and chemistry departments. This prompted her to consider pursuing an MD/Ph.D. program after graduating to combine her love of teaching with her passion for research.
鈥淭hrough this experience I learned that I want to do medicine as well as get a Ph.D. and that this is something I am perfectly capable of doing,鈥� said Nabiha.
Nabiha plans on practicing medicine in the emergency or pediatric field while continuing to further her education. During her time at Meredith, Nabiha has grown in her confidence while discovering new passions and drive.
鈥淐oming to Meredith was the greatest decision I ever made,鈥� said Nabiha. 鈥淏eing in an all-women鈥檚 environment is the most empowering feeling because everybody here genuinely wants to lift up others. Had I not come to Meredith, I don鈥檛 think I would have accomplished half of what I have done so far and I don鈥檛 think I would be nearly as strong and determined.鈥�
By Brianna Bean, 鈥�19
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