STUDENT FEATURES: Sara Alhasnawi ’23

Meet Sara Alhasnawi ’23

SCIENTIST, ADVOCATE FUTURE PHYSICIAN

Sara Alhasnawi ’23 spent this past summer researching neuropharmacology at the University of Minnesota within the Life Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Program (LSSURP). Each time the biochemistry and Spanish major from Sioux Falls analyzes experiment results, she’s one step closer to her dream of becoming a physician scientist.

The research, which has an “independent feel” provides her with the foundation to potentially propel her into a graduate program, and eventually, a doctorate program.

“I can’t even tell you how valuable that’s going to be for me after I graduate,” Alhasnawi said. “To get this research opportunity, Augie is what set me up for it.”

Such a prestigious internship didn’t come effortlessly. Alhasnawi spent previous summers at Augustana researching and forming connections.

“If it weren’t for the professors in the chemistry department, I don’t think I would have known about it,” Alhasnawi said. “It’s all thanks to them that I am really aware of these career opportunities.”

During Summer 2021, she performed anti-cancer research under Dr. Jared Mays, former professor of chemistry. With Mays as her advisor, professor and research supervisor, Alhasnawi felt welcome to bring up any question or request to him, who freely returned letters of recommendation and advice.

The close relationships she is able to have with professors is Alhasnawi’s favorite part about AU.

“I’m really glad that our chemistry professors are just very open to helping students,” Alhasnawi said. “They’re always looking out for us, from Dr. (Jetty) Duffy-Matzner making us cookies and passing them out while we’re in the study rooms to Dr. Mays always coming by to ask how we’re doing and Dr. (Barrett) Eichler doing the same.”

The student scientist has also been a teacher’s assistant (TA) for chemistry labs since her first year, which allows her to connect with younger students and share her expertise in the lab. The future doctor isn’t leaving the lab anytime soon, either. She hopes to both continue research and practice medicine.

Alhasnawi has goals that stretch beyond a career in the clinic and laboratory. As 2022-23 Augustana Student Association (ASA) president, she’s advocating for increased engagement in campus activities and more diverse community connections.

Her student government journey started when she became

the Asian Student Organization (ASO) senator for ASA her sophomore year. During this time, she discovered her passion for social justice, community building and facilitating cultural exchange.

“It’s something so special about Augie,” Alhasnawi said. “I can’t even stress how welcoming it feels to see organizations like that on campus. It makes Augie feel more like home when you have that community building aspect to it.”

Alhasnawi’s first on-campus leadership position was serving as co-president of Better Together, AU’s interfaith group. Advised by Rev. Ann Rosendale ‘04, campus pastor, the group recognizes Augustana’s roots in Lutheran traditions while making sure there’s space for everyone to feel at home on campus. Her two years in this position allowed for both self-exploration as a Muslim woman and learning that students with different religions can still have the same goals, which allowed them to work together to help refugees and low-income mothers.

As a future doctor with the ability to help people of all backgrounds and faiths, this experience will help her better connect with patients.

“There’s so much connection that you can build through just going to an event on campus or participating as an officer in one of the organizations on campus,” Alhasnawi said. “It builds a lot of communication and leadership skills. It’s a transferable skill to whichever career you end up in. Other than that, it’s a stress relief outside of academics.”

Students are automatically considered for this award based on their enrollment application. GPA or ACT scores (whichever is higher) determine a student’s yearly academic scholarship.

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Amounts apply to those enrolling in Fall 2023