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?

I’ve always had a strong interest in the medical field. While some people outgrow their childhood aspirations, my passion for medicine has only grown stronger over time. In high school, I found myself especially drawn to my science classes—particularly biology, chemistry, and anatomy. These subjects fascinated me and deepened my curiosity about how the human body works, eventually guiding me toward a more focused interest in the medical field. Over time, I became especially interested in cardiology. I’ve always found the heart to be an incredible organ. Its complexity, its vital role in sustaining life, and the intricate systems that support it. What truly drew me in, though, was learning that heart disease is the leading cause of death globally and that it disproportionately affects certain communities. This disparity can stem from various factors, including limited access to quality healthcare, socioeconomic inequalities, and historical barriers. What struck me most was how closely this issue impacts my own community—South Asians, who are statistically at a higher risk for heart disease. Understanding this connection made my interest in cardiology more personal and meaningful. It’s not just about studying a fascinating organ; it’s about addressing real-world health challenges that affect people I care about. This realization has solidified my desire to pursue a specialization in cardiology and use my future role in medicine to make a difference in underserved communities.

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

For me, and I think many students would agree, chemistry has been one of the most challenging subjects. When I took my first college-level chemistry course last semester, I found it significantly more difficult than high school chemistry or even my biology classes. The pace, depth, and expectations were a big adjustment, and at first, I struggled to find effective study strategies that worked for me in this new academic environment. However, rather than becoming discouraged, I chose to face the challenge head-on. One of the most important steps I took was consistently communicating with my professors. After almost every lecture, I would approach them to ask questions and seek clarification on anything I didn’t fully understand. I also reached out via email and visited during office hours to ask for study tips or go over exam questions in detail. This proactive approach helped me fill in gaps in my understanding before they became larger issues which is a key part of preventing the "snowball effect" of falling behind. In addition to working closely with my professors, I also made a point to use all the academic resources available to me. I consulted with my academic advisor to evaluate my study habits and make sure I was still on the right path. These conversations helped me reflect on how I approach challenges and encouraged me to reframe my mindset when necessary. Whether it was improving how I studied, organizing my time better, or simply staying confident in my abilities, I was committed to learning and growing from the experience. Ultimately, this experience taught me that setbacks and difficulties don’t define you but it’s how you respond to them that matters. By leaning on support systems, staying curious, and being open to change, I was able to overcome a difficult subject and come out of it stronger and more prepared for future challenges.

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

During high school and continuing into college, I’ve had the opportunity to work as a receptionist at an urgent care clinic. What initially started as a way to gain volunteer hours and potentially shadow a physician quickly turned into a meaningful and eye-opening experience that affirmed my interest in the medical field. Because the clinic is relatively small, the environment felt very personable and supportive, allowing me to build strong relationships with both staff and patients. Working there has given me a solid foundation in the healthcare system. I’ve been able

to observe the daily responsibilities of medical professionals, gain insight into patient care, and witness how clinical decisions are made. It also gave me early exposure to the fast-paced nature of urgent care, where every day is different and requires strong communication, efficiency, and empathy. What made this role especially valuable was how much I learned outside of the clinical side. Since I was involved in administrative tasks, I became familiar with medical insurance processes, including verifying coverage, determining in-network and out-of-network benefits, handling patient billing, and communicating with insurance companies. I learned to navigate insurance terminology and understand the financial aspects of care—knowledge that often gets overlooked in clinical training but is essential, especially for anyone interested in managing or owning a private practice in the future. Overall, this experience has been incredibly rewarding. It not only strengthened my desire to pursue a career in medicine but also gave me a more holistic understanding of the healthcare system from patient interaction and clinical care to insurance logistics and the business side of medicine. It’s helped shape both my short-term academic goals and my long-term professional aspirations.

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

I think my response ties closely to what I shared earlier. Like many STEM majors and Pre-Med students, I often grapple with feelings of self-doubt or imposter syndrome: wondering whether I’m smart enough, doing enough, or keeping up with everyone around me. It’s a common mindset in such a competitive field, and it can be mentally exhausting if not addressed. To manage these feelings, I’ve learned to use positive affirmations and self-reminders. I tell myself that as long as I’m meeting the goals I’ve set then I am, in fact, doing enough. I’ve realized that progress doesn’t always look the same for everyone, and that comparing myself to others only takes away from my own journey. I also make a conscious effort to maintain a healthy balance. While I’m ambitious and driven, I’ve come to understand the importance of not overworking myself. Burnout is very real, especially in pre-med culture, and I believe being well-rounded means prioritizing both academic and personal well-being. Taking breaks, pursuing hobbies, spending time with loved ones; all of that is just as important as checking off boxes on a resume. Ultimately, I’ve found that self-compassion and intentional balance help me stay grounded and motivated. It’s not about being perfect but it’s about being consistent, resilient, and kind to myself throughout the process.

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

One course that really emphasized collaboration and teamwork for me was biology lab. Unlike chemistry lab, where I typically worked with just one partner, biology lab often required working in larger groups of three to four students. This dynamic created a different kind of learning environment that challenged us to communicate effectively, delegate responsibilities, and hold

each other accountable. A great example of this was our pathogen poster project, which served as our final assignment last semester. My group of four worked closely together throughout the process. We divided the poster into sections based on each person’s strengths, but we didn’t stop there. We made it a priority to cross-reference each other’s research and sources to ensure the content was cohesive, accurate, and well-integrated. This extra step helped us produce a unified presentation rather than just four disconnected parts. What made our group especially successful was the level of engagement and ownership we all took. We made sure everyone understood the overall content and not just their individual sections which allowed us to confidently answer questions from our professor that extended beyond what was printed on the poster. In the end, we received a high grade on the project, but more importantly, it was a rewarding experience that taught me the value of true collaboration, shared accountability, and scientific communication.

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

Yes, I recently began exploring potential research labs that align with my interests, and during that process, I came across several labs focused on nanotechnology. At first, I didn’t think much of it—when I heard the term “nanotechnology,” I immediately pictured tiny computer chips or circuits, and I wasn’t particularly drawn to that. However, as I started digging deeper, I realized that the field is far more diverse and creative than I had imagined. One aspect that really caught my attention was the use of insects in nanotech experiments, particularly in labs both on and off campus. I learned that some researchers are using parts of insects to conduct extremely precise micro-procedures. It was fascinating to see how natural biological structures could be repurposed as tools for advanced scientific applications. The idea of leveraging nature to inform and enhance human technology really intrigued me, and it opened up a completely new way of thinking about research. What I found especially compelling was how these kinds of innovations bridge biology and technology in a way that feels both futuristic and grounded in nature. It challenged my initial assumptions and made me excited about the interdisciplinary possibilities in science, especially in fields like nanotechnology, where biology, engineering, and medicine often intersect.

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

Honestly, I don’t stay as up to date on current STEM news as I would like to, simply because I’ve been busy balancing school, work, and extracurricular commitments. I rarely have time to sit down and watch the news regularly. That said, I do make an effort to stay informed, especially because I understand how important it is to be aware of developments in the STEM world—particularly as someone on the Pre-Med track. When I do catch up on current events, I tend to focus on major public health issues and breakthroughs in medicine. For example, I’ve followed updates on COVID-19 vaccine developments, the reemergence of preventable diseases like measles, and other significant topics that directly affect patient care and public health. Even when I don’t have time to dive deep, I try to stay engaged with headlines or brief articles from reliable sources, so I remain aware of what’s happening in the field. Moving forward, I definitely want to be more intentional about staying current with scientific news by not just staying informed, but to better understand how ongoing developments may shape the future of healthcare.

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

I originally entered college planning to major in Biology, but before classes even began, I made the decision to switch to Health Sciences. At the time, I thought it might be a bit more manageable since to me it seemed like a program that still aligned with my Pre-Med goals but offered a broader perspective on healthcare and patient outcomes. However, I quickly realized that there’s a common misconception that Health Sciences isn’t as rigorous or doesn’t “count” as much as a traditional STEM major like Biology or Chemistry when it comes to preparing for medical school. Because of this, I sometimes felt uncertain about my choice. It felt like being a Pre-Med student came with an unspoken pressure to seek validation—whether from family, friends, classmates, or even professors. There’s this idea that if you’re not taking the most “conventional” or “challenging” major, your path is somehow less legitimate. At times, that pressure made me question whether I should have stayed with Biology. But over time, I’ve come to appreciate the unique strengths of my Health Sciences major. It offers a more holistic view of healthcare, integrating the science of the human body with public health, healthcare systems, and patient-centered care. It’s helped me understand medicine from multiple angles, not just through the lens of hard science, but also through the real-world challenges patients face every day. Now, I no longer feel the need to compare my path to others. What matters most is that I’m passionate, prepared, and purposeful in what I’m doing and Health Sciences has given me exactly that.

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

In the near future, I hope to be thriving in medical school, continuing to build on the foundation of knowledge and skills I’ve acquired thus far. I’m particularly excited about entering my third year of medical school, when students begin their clinical rotations. This is a pivotal time for future doctors, as it provides the hands-on experience needed to explore various specialties and determine where your true passions lie. As I mentioned earlier, I am very interested in pursuing cardiology, and I hope that by the time I reach my rotations, I’ll have the opportunity to further explore this field. That said, I also recognize that medical school is a journey of discovery, and I remain open to the possibility that my interests might evolve as I experience different specialties firsthand. Whether I stick with cardiology or develop a passion for another area of medicine, I am confident that I will have the knowledge and experience to make an informed decision by the end of medical school. Ultimately, my goal is to have a clear vision of my future career, ready to take the next steps into residency with a strong sense of direction and purpose.

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

My advice would be to imagine yourself in a future career within the STEM field, whether that’s in medicine, research, or any other related position, and truly assess whether it’s something you’re passionate about. College is challenging, and everything you do will require dedication, time, and effort, so it’s important to pursue a path that resonates deeply with you. If you’re going to commit yourself to this journey, make sure it’s something you can fully invest in. You don’t want to look back later and feel like you weren’t all in. That being said, it’s also okay if you change your mind along the way. Our interests and goals evolve, and it’s a part of the growth process. The key is to stay confident in your ability to adapt and find your way, even if it’s different from what you initially envisioned. Trust that your experiences are valuable in shaping who you are and what you ultimately want to do.

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

In college, especially in STEM fields, you encounter a wide range of personalities. Some of those personalities can be challenging, and it’s not uncommon to meet people who may come across as mean or distant. While it might seem controversial to say, I believe that it’s crucial to remember that, as undergraduates, we are all still in the process of growing into adulthood. We are navigating academic, personal, and social pressures, and that can sometimes bring out the worst in people. But despite the stress and challenges, I think it’s incredibly important to practice kindness and understanding toward everyone we encounter. The workload and expectations that Pre-Med students and STEM majors face can be overwhelming at times. With all the studying, research, projects, and exams, it’s easy for stress to build up, and it’s understandable that students might occasionally feel bitter or frustrated. However, I’ve come to realize that emotional intelligence is just as important as academic intelligence (IQ). It’s easy to focus solely on grades and accomplishments, but how we interact with others and handle emotions plays a critical role in both our personal growth and professional success. At the end of the day, academic intelligence may help you excel in your studies, but how you treat others will shape the kind of person and professional you become. So, I believe that cultivating emotional intelligence, learning to manage stress in healthy ways, and being kind to others is just as vital as academic achievement.