W.I.S.E. Wednesday: Insights from Undergraduate Samaa Khan

Samaa Khan is an incoming sophomore and Biological Science Scholars student at The Ohio State University studying Health Sciences and following the Pre-Medical track. Samaa shares her insights on her academic and professional journey as she deep dives into her inspiration for S.T.E.M, the challenges she has faced, new scientific developments, and more.

Interview Transcript:

Question #1: Can you introduce yourself, your major, and STEM related involvement on and off campus?

“Hi, my name is Samaa Khan, and I recently completed my freshman year of college. I am now an incoming second-year student majoring in Health Sciences and following the Pre-Medical track. My academic and extracurricular experiences so far have been deeply rooted in my passion for science and service. I am currently a member of the Biological Sciences Scholars Program, a community that emphasizes academic excellence, leadership, and service within the field of biology. Through this program, I’ve had the opportunity to engage in various volunteer activities that give back to the local community, allowing me to develop both personally and professionally. In addition to community service, the program regularly hosts events featuring

guest speakers from diverse STEM-related fields. These talks have been incredibly insightful, offering valuable guidance on research, internships, and career opportunities available to undergraduates like myself. Outside of the Scholars Program, I am also actively involved in Scientific Thinkers, a campus organization dedicated to fostering STEM education among young students. As a member, I visit local elementary schools to lead fun, hands-on science experiments that help introduce children to scientific concepts in an engaging and age-appropriate way. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their curiosity spark and to help make science both fun and understandable. These experiences have not only strengthened my interest in the medical field but have also helped me develop important communication, leadership, and teaching skills that I know will serve me well throughout my academic and professional journey.”

Question #2: What inspired you to pursue a STEM major?

Question #3: How do you handle failure or setbacks in STEM-related work?

Question #4: Has there been a STEM-related project you have worked on that made you feel rewarded? If so, could you describe it?

Question #5: Can you explain a challenging task you worked on, and how you overcame the obstacles?

Question #6: Can you share a time when teamwork played a crucial role in a STEM-related project?

Question #7: Are there any scientific tools you want to learn about? If so, what and why?

Question #8: Do you stay up to date with advancements in STEM? If so, how?

Question #9: What is a common misconception people have about your STEM major?

Question #10: Where do you see yourself in the next five to ten years in your STEM journey?

Question #11: What is a piece of advice you would give someone who is struggling on whether or not to go into STEM?

Question #12: What is the biggest lesson you have learned as a STEM major?