Salma Hakam is a senior majoring in nutrition sciences within the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. She strives to improve heath equity and resource access for Middle Eastern immigrants and refugees.

Q: How did you discover your specific field of study?

A: Four years ago, when I was first applying to college, our country was still at the height of COVID-19. Universities weren’t scheduling tours, so most of my college-seeking was done through a computer screen. Although I was interested in working in health care, I knew I did not want to major in a science like biology or chemistry.

Fatefully enough, the first time I realized public health was a field, and one I could venture into, was when I was researching UNC and its programs. After googling “what is public health” and seeing Anthony Fauci plastered on the search page I was intrigued: a public health official is the one helping lead our country through a pandemic? Suffice it to say my attention was drawn.

My goal has always been to work in health to help the marginalized, less fortunate, and most vulnerable. From there, Gillings was my beacon of light and step one to attaining that dream.

Q: Academics are problem-solvers. Describe a research challenge you’ve faced and how you overcame it.

A: Much of the work I do and research I am interested in is driven by my personal identity: an Arab, Muslim woman. Eager to begin my research journey, my excitement faltered as I scoured the research projects housed by Gillings and found no PIs that matched my identities. Even when broadening my search to PIs of other racial and ethnic groups, results were few and far between. This was disheartening.

I sat in on Gillings’ research listening sessions, had meetings with our Office of Inclusive Excellence, and now sit on task forces aimed at improving inclusivity and equity at Gillings, including through faculty representation and research offices. As the former vice president of UNC’s Arab Student Organization and current director of public health for the nonprofit Middle East Refugee Aid, I have planned various research panel events for current students and youth to hear from individuals in our community who have had similar experiences and can provide mentorship. One day, I hope to be the PI, professor, or professional that another young academic seeks out for representation, comfort, or even just a feeling of acceptance.

Q: Describe your research in five words.

A: Prioritize people. Empower, educate, elevate.

الأولوية للناس. التمكين، التعليم، الارتقاء

Q: Who or what inspires you? Why?

A: My parents. I hope I am half the parent, professional, and individual that each of them is. My parents are Egyptian immigrants who came to the U.S. to pursue their master’s and doctorate degrees. I can’t fathom the courage it took to leave their families and the country they called home for 20-plus years. They created the comfortable and easy life I am privileged to live, and it would be ignorant to assume they did so without hardship and challenges.

I am also inspired by the people of the Middle East, who are often displaced and their homelands destroyed. I have the privilege of education, shelter, and water — essentials that should be universal rights. My brothers and sisters, with much less than I, continue to persevere and care for one another. How can I not be inspired to do at least the same for them?

Q: If you could pursue any other career, what would it be and why?

A: A second-grade teacher. I fondly look back at my elementary school stint and would love to teach our youth while they still love learning. Shout-out to my second-grade teacher Mrs. Hammer-Atkins. That was when I developed my love for math and racing through multiplication tables, and reading, noting that year as the first time I read “big-girl” chapter books. There is something so fulfilling and hopeful about watching kids learn and engage as they discover the world.