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#IamASCLS Samia Abdel-Kerim

By Andrea Hickey posted 06-20-2016 16:55

  

1) Name and Hometown

My name is Samia Abdel-Kerim and my hometown is Minneapolis, MN

2) Representing which state?

Minnesota

3) How would you describe yourself as person?

I would describe myself as thoughtful, friendly, open-minded, loving mother and wife, and an active
member of my community. I take initiative to do those things that are important to me.

4) Job title / specialization

I am currently an MLT Faculty with a background as a medical laboratory science generalist.

5) What got you into the field of laboratory sciences?

I switched majors during my sophomore year in college when I had an amazing chemistry professor. It was
at that time I decided to pursue a science degree but was looking for something relevant to medicine. There
was a health science career fair where I learned about medical laboratory science. It was perfect for me!

6) What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

I conducted a research project to improve patient safety, hospital and laboratory efficiency via
interdisciplinary communication.

7) What is your favorite part about your job?

Improving the quality of healthcare!

8) What makes you diverse/unique?

I am a first generation American Muslim. My parents immigrated from Egypt in 1970.

9) What is your biggest achievement or proudest moment, both in your career and your life?

 My contributions to the community and nonprofit organizations that I have dedicated much of my free
time to. I am a very active volunteer with a young girl’s program and an event coordinator with Pearls of
Hope Community Center. At this organization, our vision is to enable young Muslim girls and boys to
reach their full potential as active, informed, responsible Muslims who wish to be contributing members of a
hopeful society that embraces diverse methods in relationships that lead them to live productive lives as men
and women of tomorrow.

I developed and coordinated an epic water park event with over 1300 swimmers. This gave our community
an opportunity they have dreamed of. This was a big hit for our organization. I could not be more proud of
an accomplishment. Many of these women have never had the opportunity to swim at a waterpark.

I ran into a member of my community and she says “thank you for all you do in the community. I notice a
difference since you developed the parent teacher organization at our children's school. I also always look
forward to the only time I have the opportunity to go swimming at the events you coordinate.” This made
all my contributions and hard work worthwhile.

10) How has ASCLS impacted you? 

My involvement with ASCLS as an undergraduate is what gave me the foundation of my leadership skills
and the “big picture” of laboratory science. It keeps me up-to-date on all laboratory and healthcare
related topics.

11) In your eyes, why should people join ASCLS?

ASCLS is a great opportunity to make a great medical laboratory network, stay up to date on all the latest
technology and issues in the laboratory and in healthcare. In addition, it is an opportunity for people to
get involved in their professional organization
.

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