Biology student receives national award for immunology research

Male and female immune systems respond differently to the same virus. That's a simplified way of describing the research sophomore biology student Hadiya Farrahmand is doing at MSU Moorhead.

Hadiya presented a poster on this topic at the November 2024 Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS). At the closing ceremony, Hadiya's poster received an award, chosen among over 6,500 undergraduate, graduate and medical students from across the U.S. and more than 20 countries.

BS in Biology

The poster presented findings on how sex and genetic background influence immune responses in mice exposed to Aspergillus fumigatus. Conference judges appreciated the clarity of her team's design, the rigor of their analysis, and the implications of their findings for personalized medicine. Working alongside fellow Dragons Jayden Taylor and Tapash Dahal, Hadiya says the achievement attests to the "importance of teamwork and persistence in research."

Inspired by Bioscience Research and Holistic Healthcare

Hadiya was born in Afghanistan and later moved to Fargo, N.D., where she graduated from high school. The strong biology program and research opportunities drew her to MSUM, where she appreciates the supportive community and STEM-specific resources.

"My experiences at MSUM have been transformative," she says. "I'm incredibly grateful to Dr. Sumali Pandey for her mentorship, who guided our team and encouraged us to ask meaningful scientific questions. The project has deepened my understanding of immune responses and highlighted the importance of collaboration and critical thinking."

Hadiya is also vice president of the Microbiology Club, a position that further prepares her for a career in medicine or biomedical research.

Hadiya has always been fascinated with biology and the immune system, and her ophthalmologist father inspired her further with the life-changing care he provided to marginalized populations. "I became passionate about understanding diseases on a cellular level and finding ways to help others," she says.

Hadiya's research looks at the immune responses in mice exposed to an opportunistic fungus, which poses significant risks to immunocompromised individuals. Jayden, Tapash, and Hadiya analyzed how sex and genetic background influence immune cell counts and mucus production in response to fungal exposure.

Focusing on medical and cellular biology, Hadiya's pre-medicine studies also incorporate psychology. "I chose this minor because understanding mental health is crucial for providing holistic patient care," she says. "Many physical health issues intertwine with psychological well-being, and I want to address both in my future practice."

Hadiya thinks back on her home country when considering her motivation to doctor holistically to marginalized populations. She believes education is an integral part of supporting them in addition to access to proper healthcare.

Advocating for Afghan Women

In 2022, a photo of hers was featured in the New York Times. Showing Hadiya wearing a burqa, arm raised in reflection of the Statue of the Liberty in the background, Hadiya says the photo "is the voice of millions of Afghan women who have lost their basic human rights, the right to education, and ability to work under the Taliban government." She says the international community has forgotten these women.

Fueled by her research at MSUM, her desire to raise awareness about Afghan women's lack of access to education has fused with her desire to provide well-researched health care.

"These experiences have reinforced my commitment to developing innovative and equitable healthcare solutions for underserved communities," Hadiya says.