Kalamazoo Times

Omer Idris racked up a number of undergraduate research opportunities while completing his bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences. KALAMAZOO, Mich.—It's one thing to say you want to change the world and another to go and do it. Omer Idris is just getting started. He'll graduate from Western Michigan University with a bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences and an undergraduate research resume that includes multiple promising studies on cancer-killing viruses published in prestigious medical journals.

Impressive on their own, his accomplishments are bolstered by incredible resilience; after immigrating to the United States from northeast Africa just five years ago, he faced significant challenges but remained determined to pursue his goals.

"I feel empowered," he says. "I feel an immense gratitude toward Western."

Idris' passion for medicine began early on. As a child, he was fascinated by medication and how it worked within the human body, and he was always looking for ways to make people feel better. As he got older, he devoured books in school that were related to science.

"I had an intense love of chemistry and biology," he says. That learning continued as a teenager as he translated for refugees attending medical appointments in Egypt.

During the appointments, he would hear doctors talking about various conditions and treatments then go home and read about them, becoming more enthralled in the world of medicine. One particularly impactful interaction involved a factory worker who was HIV-positive.

"I was going with her to all of her appointments and witnessing all of the health disparity. She was not able to find a job in Egypt because everyone was scared. That was really the time I passionately wanted to become a medical doctor."

Idris came to the United States intent on expanding his scientific knowledge in order to continue on the path to a career in medicine. He breezed through high school credit requirements and enrolled at Grand Rapids Community College a year later while applying to four-year institutions.

"I am so thankful for the support of my host family, Christine and Richard Johnston," he says. "They helped me so much in that phase of my life."

While he was accepted to University of Michigan, he ultimately chose to continue his academic career at Western, where he was offered a full scholarship through the Seita Scholars Program.

"I don't think I could have accomplished everything I have without this scholarship," Idris says. "I also had weekly mentorship through the Seita Scholars Program with my coach, and these were all masters-level educated people who also happened to be Western alumni, which meant I was given advice and learned through their experiences. I felt like I was well-guided and well-prepared."

Idris became a Seita Scholars mentor himself as he moved through the ranks at Western. In addition to supporting younger students, he also had opportunities to build professional skills like visiting a leadership conference in California.

"It taught me professionalism and how to be a leader but also a really good team player," says Idris. Those skills helped him lead his own research team outside of Western with colleagues from institutions across the country. Through the independent research group, he completed seven projects—many of which have been submitted to peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of Clinical Medicine.

While he relished reading and soaking up lessons in classes ranging from anatomy and cell biology to calculus, physics and even Chinese calligraphy and political philosophy, Idris really saw his career trajectory take off when he landed his first undergraduate research position through an internship posted by WMU Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine's (WMed) Department of Health Equity & Community Affairs.

"It was designed to give opportunities to students who might not otherwise have them," says Idris. "We're living in a time where health equity and diversity are under attack, but my story is testimony that programs like this do help students."

"My Western experience was really transformative," Idris says again later on reflecting upon his journey at WMU’s lab facilities under Drs Thomas Rothstein & Karim Essani- renowned researchers whose mentorship contributed immensely towards shaping Omer’s path forward into deeper scientific inquiry involving Immunology Virology respectively

It didn't take long for Idris proving himself adeptly enough within laboratory settings; culminating eventually publishing notable works regarding genetically modified TanaPox virus efficacy against certain cancers – an impressive feat especially considering being still Undergraduate then

His work received financial backing from several departments including Biological Sciences Office Research Innovation Seita Scholars Program further solidifying not only personal achievements but broader institutional support behind nurturing talents like him

Idris remains grateful throughout acknowledging contributions made along way whether via mentors peers or broader community involvement such hosting student board College Arts Sciences recognizing figures like Dean Carla Koretsky Associate Dean Stephanie Peterson whom always championed student voices causes alike providing essential guidance encouragement amidst challenging times faced during tenure here

In addition balancing rigorous academics extensive volunteer commitments spanning local global scales such Bronson Methodist Hospital certified nursing assistant roles aiding Syrian refugees Jordan translating facilitating communications between various stakeholders thus reinforcing humanitarian ethos deeply ingrained within character overall mission driven approach towards future endeavors envisioned ahead combining both healthcare philanthropy dimensions seamlessly together aiming positively impact lives touched wherever possible ultimately fulfilling dreams set forth years ago upon arriving shores America seeking better life stability rights respected protected universally cherished values embodied therein aspirations realized gradually unfolding before eyes today testament resilience perseverance unyielding spirit embodying essence true potential realized fully embraced wholeheartedly onward journey continues promising horizons beckon ever brighter beyond horizon awaited eagerly anticipated steps taken firmly resolutely assuredly onwards upwards striving greater heights achieved collectively shared humanity uplifted inspired empowered forevermore united common purpose transcending boundaries divisions forging bonds lasting legacies built foundations strong enduring timeless principles guiding light illuminating paths ventured forth courageously boldly confidently unwavering faith hope love boundless infinite possibilities explored discovered cherished celebrated joyously together forever united vision brighter tomorrow awaits us all!

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