Zahra Alhumaidi, Class of 2016

Graduated from the University of Salford with a First-Class Honours Degree in Biomedicine and received industry recognition from The Institute of Biomedical Science for her accredited programme of study with the prestigious Biomedical Science President Award 2020. During her studies, Zahra was awarded a Physiological Society Vacation Scholarship, was an active member on the Biomedicine Outreach Committee, established the Salford Biomedicine Society, and held the position as a Greater Manchester Ambassador leading on school outreach sessions promoting STEM careers. She is now embarking on a research role as a Biomedical Scientist.

“My time at BWS was memorable. I learnt more than what could be learnt on paper. I will always be grateful to Mrs Minta and my form tutor, Mr Lochery, for all their support with my personal statement, university application and for giving me the opportunity to fundraise for various charities including Macmillan Coffee Morning, PEAS project and Water Aids. Promoting these charity events in school assemblies definitely contributed to improving my interpersonal skills.

My passion for science communication began in 2015 when, with the help of my science teachers and friends Rebecca Warren and Lauren Sturman, I started a small Biology Club which led engaging Biology Week activities for pupils throughout the school, from Kindergarten through to Seniors. Sessions included an interactive Biology quiz, Bushtucker Trial (tasting learning about insects), animal drug testing debate, healthy wake-up & shake-up session for early clubbers, and petting zoo session at school where the younger children learnt about mammals, reptiles and birds. My achievements were celebrated at Bridgewater’s annual Prize Giving ceremony, where I was awarded the Endress & Hauser Cup for Science.

At university I co-founded a BioMed Society and further volunteered at a number of public engagement events including the Manchester Science Festival and the Alzheimer’s Research UK North West Dementia Public Engagement Event, which has not only enhanced my interpersonal, organisational and management skills by sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm with the community, but has given me the opportunity to promote STEM in a creative and fun way.

To give back to the school community, I volunteered on a number of open days after finishing my studies at Bridgewater. When studying at university, I volunteered to teach a number of interactive science-based sessions that ranged from ‘Baffled by Brain’ session to ‘A-level Biology and Chemistry revision’ sessions that tackled difficult science concepts and provided self-care packs and tips to deal with stress. ‘Baffled by Brains’ taught Year 4 children about their amazing brains and how learning from mistakes and tackling challenges, actually helps our brains to build new connections, making our brains stronger. I planned this session because I love the physiology and function of the human brain. I also wanted to continue raising dementia awareness and correcting the common misconceptions associated with dementia, such as that it is a normal part of ageing.”