A captivating research talk and career guidance session took place on Thursday, June 15th providing valuable insights into the fascinating realm of epigenetic histone acetylation. The session, titled “Epigenetic Histone Acetylation in the Hippocampus of DFP-based Rat Models for Gulf War Illness” was attended by faculty of the College of Pharmacy and Thumaby Research Institute of Precision Medicine, final-year PharmD students, Masters in Drug Discovery & Development students as well as Biomedical Sciences students.
The speaker was Dalia Al Saeedy, a proud GMU graduate and a Ph.D. student and Teaching Assistant at the School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), USA. Dalia is not only an exemplary academic but also an alumna of both the Master of Science in Drug Discovery and Development (MDD) program and the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) Program.
Having obtained her PharmD degree in 2020, Dalia embarked on a path of scientific exploration and research, enrolling in the MDD program to further enhance her knowledge and skills in the area of drug discovery and development. The MDD program played a pivotal role in shaping Dalia’s journey, enabling her to excel academically and gain invaluable experience through coursework and faculty interactions.
Dalia’s exceptional performance in the MDD program earned her a prestigious full scholarship at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she currently pursues a Ph.D. in pharmacogenomics. Guided by her Major Advisor, Dr. MacClay, Dalia continues to demonstrate unwavering dedication to her research, teaching, and career development endeavors.
The research talk delved into the intricate world of epigenetic histone acetylation, focusing specifically on its impact on the hippocampus of DFP-based rat models for Gulf War Illness. Dalia captivated the audience with her in-depth knowledge and insightful findings, shedding light on this complex area of study. Attendees were captivated by the potential implications of her research for pharmacotherapy and personalized medicine.
Following the research talk, Dalia took on the role of career counselor, sharing her inspiring journey as an MDD alumna and current Ph.D. student. She emphasized the importance of passion, dedication, and mentorship in achieving academic and professional success. Her personal experience served as a beacon of motivation for the aspiring pharmacy and MDD students in attendance.
The session concluded with a lively Q&A session, during which students posed thought-provoking questions, further enriching the intellectual discourse. The event left student attendees with a greater sense of direction for their academic and career aspirations.
Dalia Al Saeedy’s research talk and career counseling session showcased the remarkable potential within the fields of pharmacy, drug discovery, and development. It served as a reminder of the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and a testament to the transformative power of mentorship in shaping the next generation of scientific pioneers.