1.    Tell us a little bit about yourself and your experience at SFU.  What year did you complete your studies?  What programs/concentrations did you complete?

My name is Kareem Abdel Meguid, and I graduated with a BSc. in Biology with a concentration in Cells, Molecules, and Physiology (CMP) at Simon Fraser University. Having gone through this program in four years was a highly rewarding yet challenging experience. The highlights of the 4 years I’ve spent at SFU were the connections I made with various faculty members, students, and mentors that have helped me develop into the person I am today.

2.    What kind of work/study are you currently pursuing and what led to your interest in this field?

I’m currently pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC). My interest in pharmacy was sparked by the toxicology classes I took during my undergraduate career at SFU. More specifically I was amazed as to how certain molecules found in nature had the ability to affect physiological processes to either cure or exacerbate human diseases. As such, pursuing a degree in pharmacy suited my interests in human medicine.

3.   What skills/knowledge did you develop through your program at SFU and how did this help prepare you for your current profession/studies?   

The biological sciences program at SFU has developed my critical thinking skills in areas of scientific research. It has also given me the knowledge necessary to both comprehend and conduct research projects being published in reputable scientific journals. Moreover, the first two years of the program gave me a concrete understanding of the fundamentals within the fields of biology, physics, and chemistry. These skills combined were vital to my current academic journey as a pharmacy student.

4.) Were you involved in any co-curricular (e.g. co-op, exchange, research placements) and/or volunteer activities while at SFU and if so, how did these contribute to your student experience and/or career path?

Having had the chance to work in Dr. Kennedy’s lab as a research student, I got to personally experience what it’s like to be part of a team within a research environment. The project I helped out with focused on studying the effects of toxic industrial substances and their effect on marine life within the lower mainland. Such research was aimed at improving public environmental policies.

5.) What did you enjoy most about your SFU experience?

One of the most memorable experiences as an undergraduate student was getting to spend a weekend in the Bamfield Marine Sciences Research Centre located on the outer west coast of Vancouver Island. As biological sciences students we got to collect marine specimens on boats, observe a bioluminescent beach (search it up on google you’ll be amazed), and enjoy the evening playing board games together within our rooms.

6.)  What advice do you have for future students in the Biological Sciences program at SFU?

As cliché as it sounds, your university experience will be what you make out of it. Opportunities will not come to you if you do not go looking for them. Be proactive, talk to professors, and express your interest in their research. Most professors will have openings for students who are willing to put in the work. Lastly, university life can be tough, therefore maintaining a healthy diet and working out really does go a long way in terms of boosting your performance as a student.