Sami Muslmani: 2022 UBRP Endowment Scholar

July 12, 2022
Picture of Sami Muslmani standing in front of his laboratory bench

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a downstream cellular response which can negatively influence pre-existing heart conditions.

As a member of Dr. Marvin Slepian’s Cardiology Laboratory in the Sarver Heart Center, UBRP Endowment Scholar Sami Muslmani is working on illuminating the impact and influence of mechanical circulatory support devices on COVID-19-associated cytokine function.  Sami is entering his senior year at the University of Arizona, majoring in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science and Biochemistry with a minor in Spanish.  His current research focuses on structure and antibody or receptor binding, and he is excited that data collection is beginning to wrap up as the group transitions into manuscript drafting.

Sami appreciates how UBRP supplements success in the laboratory with additional skills.  He has presented his work at two UBRP Conferences thus far and is currently serving as a workshop leader for new UBRP students.  “I feel as though UBRP has found the perfect balance between conducting research and educational development.  I constantly pick up skills at new seminars, learn about new research, and collaborate with fellow undergraduate colleagues. Traveling with colleagues and learning about their research experiences has been excellent, as I attend many classes with them and have limited opportunities to interact there.  Above all, I find it really amazing that UBRP has allowed me to continue research throughout my sophomore and junior years.  The culmination of my experiences has confirmed research as the correct career path for me.”

With interests in neuroscience, biochemistry, and infectious diseases, Sami is currently applying to MD/Ph.D. programs across the country, eager to see the impact of research on positive clinical changes which can affect patients directly. “I am excited to move into a new project and environment and build upon all the tools that UBRP has provided me throughout the program.”