HELLO, I'M
Reem Abdelghany
Microbiology and Cell Sciences Pre-Med Student.
Reem Abdelghany
Pursuing a BS in Microbiology and Cell Sciences with a Bioinformatics Minor at the University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
(386)341-6195
About
MY BACKGROUND
Hello! I'm Reem, I am passionate about pursuing a career in medicine, with a strong focus on cancer research and emergency medicine. My experiences have fueled my interest in the critical role of prehospital care in patient outcomes, and I am dedicated to advancing my skills and knowledge in these areas to make a meaningful impact in the field of healthcare.
Education
Aug 2021 - Present
Aug 2017- Jun 2021
Spruce Creek High School (Port Orange, FL)
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4.7/4.0 GPA
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International Baccalaureate Program
University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)
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3.93 Cumulative Undergraduate GPA
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University Honors Program
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University Scholars Program
Research
Knockdown of C17ORF58 on PTCL-NOS Lymphomas and Other Hematological Malignancies
Primary Investigator: Dr. Rene Opavsky
University of Florida Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
Affiliation: August 2022 - Present
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Research Focus
This research focuses on understanding the genetic drivers of Nodal Peripheral T-cell Lymphomas "not otherwise specified" (PTCL-NOS), the most common type of T-cell lymphoma (TCL), which are notoriously resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Through RNA sequencing data from PTCL-NOS patient tumor samples, 400 genes were identified as over-expressed compared to normal samples. Subsequent shRNA knockdown experiments in the PTCL-NOS cell line T8ML-1 highlighted several potential target genes, including TRIP13 and C17ORF58, whose downregulation induced cell death. Notably, C17ORF58 emerged as a promising candidate due to its selective impact on malignant cells without affecting normal cell proliferation. Future research will involve characterizing C17ORF58 through western blots and RNA-sequencing analysis to understand its functional role and assess its potential as a therapeutic target for hematological cancers, including cancers other than PTCL-NOS with the ultimate goal of developing novel treatments for these aggressive malignancies.
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Abstract Outlining Research Project
Project Responsibilities
Conduct RNA-Sequencing differential analysis of variable cell samples.
Conduct the isolation of Plasmid DNA, transfection of HEK293T cells to grow Vector Lentivirus, and transduce target cells, monitoring their response over time.
Global Borders and Belonging: A Virtual Investigation Research Overview
"In this virtual exchange course, students at UF, the University of Groningen (Netherlands), and Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) will collectively investigate connections between notions of borders, discrimination, belonging, and health. Through ethnographic and participatory action research methods, students will conduct interviews with community members in three countries and collectively compile global health data, media, and personal reflection and discussion. Through a collaborative play-building process guided by the course instructors, students will organize and transform their research into an ethnographic documentary play. This play will function as a vehicle for research dissemination and will be shared globally through a live-streamed reading. Students interested in health, public health, health disparities, global identities, cultural exchange, and applied (arts-based) research methods are encouraged to participate in this unique and novel opportunity. Previous theatre experience is welcome but not necessary."
Final Animation Based Entirely on Interviews and Reviewed Literature
Final Portfolio Outlining Personal Role in Research
Extracurricular Experiences
Gator Emergency Medical Response Unit
As a member of the Gator Emergency Medical Response Unit (GEMRU), I've had the pleasure of practicing as an EMT, educating my community as an instructor, and expanding on my leadership experiences as Director of Support Services and Field Training Officer.
Lead EMT and Field Training Officer: As a lead EMT, I oversee a weekly shift, responding to medical emergencies on campus, providing critical care and support to individuals in need, and administering appropriate medical interventions and treatments according to our protocols and guidelines. I additionally provide medical standby at a variety of university sponsored events, including sporting and student organization events, among others. As a Field Training Officer, I train new leads and oversee Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement initiatives and research projects to ensure our unit is running as effectively and efficiently as possible, at the highest standard.
CPR and Stop the Bleed Instructor: As a community health instructor for AHA CPR and Stop the Bleed courses, I host classes for the campus community, including students, faculty, staff, and UF Police Department Officers. Teaching these classes have facilitated, not only facilitated personal confidence in public speaking, but has provided me with purpose in educating my community through my knowledge and skill base.
Director of Support Services: As the GEMRU Director of Support Services for the 2024-2025 school year, my role encompasses administrative responsibilities, recruitment and onboarding of new members, within-unit training, equipment management, and maintenance of accreditation standards. In this position, I take pride in taking a part in the unit's growth through me and my co-directors' initiatives over the course of the year. In this year, we were able to purchase a vehicle for the unit, establish long-lasting relationships with local EMS and campus stakeholders, as well as earning Silver Accreditation from the National Collegiate EMS Foundation, and beginning the process for applying for Gold.
Alpha Epsilon Delta: Pre-Health Honors Society
As a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED), I've been able to serve not only my organization, as a director, but also my Gainesville Community through a variety of service initiatives.
Health Outreach for Progress and Equity (HOPE) Division Electee: As an electee for the HOPE division, my service was primarily targeted at working with underserved populations in the Gainesville Community. This included working on projects with Habitat for Humanity, Nursing Homes throughout Gainesville, and many others.
Environmental Alliance (EA) Division Electee: As an electee for the EA division as well, I also participated in a plethora of service projects targeted at maintaining and promoting conservation of the environment and how that impacts health in the community. I worked on projects with The Repurpose Project, Nature Cleanups, and participated in education campaigns like Composting Workshops, among others.
Professional Development Director: As Professional Development Director, I worked to empower and support AED members in achieving their career goals by providing accessible and inclusive professional development opportunities that foster growth, enhance skills, and build valuable networks. I hosted events such as Speaker Panels, Professional Workshops, and Networking Socials, among many others.
Impact Gainesville (IG) Director: As IG Director, I work both within the organization and with the Gainesville community to raise funds for our Philanthropy, the Florida Diabetes Camp. This included hosting events, alongside our Philanthropy Chair, such as Give Back Days, 5ks, and a variety of other community focused fundraising events.
Kids Count Inc
Tutor: As a tutor for Kids Count, a non-profit organization that serves children in underserved areas of Gainesville, I played an integral role in helping students achieve academic success. In this role, I worked one-on-one with students in subjects such as math, reading, and writing, helping them to build their skills and gain confidence in their abilities.
In addition to providing academic support, I also served as a mentor and role model for the students I worked with. I worked hard to create a positive and encouraging environment, building relationships with each student and helping them to see their own potential.
UFHealth Shands
During my time as a volunteer at the hospital, I had the opportunity to serve in various roles and provide support to patients and families in need.
Nurses Improving Care for Health-systems Elders (NICHE) Volunteer: One of my most rewarding experiences was volunteering with the NICHE program, where I worked with the geriatric population in the hospital. As a volunteer, I provided emotional support and companionship to patients, helping to ease their anxieties and provide a comforting presence during their hospital stay.
Ronald McDonald Family Room Volunteer: I also volunteered in the Ronald McDonald Family room, which provides a home-away-from-home for families with children who are receiving medical treatment at the hospital. In this role, I had the opportunity to emotionally support children and their families, hosting them in the room and helping to create a warm and welcoming environment during what can be a very challenging time.
Coursework
Second Year:
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GEA3600 - Geography of Africa
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STA2023 - Intro to Statistics 1
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CHM2210 - Organic Chemistry
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ENC1102 - Argument & Persuasion
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EXP3604 - Cognitive Psychology
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HUM4930 - Research & Creativity
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TAMCB3023 - Principles of Microbiology
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MCB3023L - Microbiology Lab
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CHM2211 - Organic Chemistry 2CHM2211L - Organic Chemistry Lab
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MCB4203 - Bacterial Pathogens
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MCB4503 - General Virology
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SYG2000 - Princples of Sociology
Third Year:
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BSC4434C - Intro Bioinformatics
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MCB4304 - Genetics of Microorg
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PHY2053 - Physics 1
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PHY2053L - Lab for Phy 2053
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BMS4905 - Med Sci Senior Res
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HSC3537 - Hlth & Med Terminolgy
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PCB3134 - Eukaryotic Cell Stru
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PHY2054 - Physics 2
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PHY2054L - Lab for Phy 2054
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First Year:
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BSC2010 - Integ Prin Biol 1 Honors
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BSC2010L - Integ Prin Biol 1 Lab
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CHM2045 - General Chemistry
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CHM2045L - General Chemistry Lab
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HUM2930 - Research & Creativity
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IDH2930 - ExplMedStream
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IDS1161 - What Is the Good Life
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PSY2012 - General Psychology
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BSC2011 - Integra Princ Biol 2
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BSC2011L - Integ Prin Biol 2 Lab
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BSC2891 - Python Prog for Biol
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CHM2046 - Gen Chem & Qual Analysis
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CHM2046L - Gen Chem & Qual Analysis Lab
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HUM4930 - Applied Theatre Research
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IDS2935 - Feeding the Planet​