Mohammad Turaani has discovered “exactly what I want to do for the rest of my life”

HFC student Mohammad Turaani’s fascination with the biological complexity of creation inspired him to pursue a career as a physician.

One stop on Turaani’s journey to achieving this lifelong aspiration is participating in the Entomology Research and Outreach Fellowship through the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture & Natural Resources over the course of this summer.

The purpose of the EROF is to offer a full scientific research experience to undergraduate students with opportunities to work with world-class researchers. Through personalized mentorship and career development opportunities, the EROF encourages students to pursue a career in STEM fields, and gives valuable experience for virtually any career path. Students from historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Turaani learned about the EROF when HFC biology instructor Brad Hauch emailed him about it. As soon as he saw Hauch’s email, Turaani applied immediately. He went through the interview process and was one of the fellows selected.

An amazing experience

“My experience has been amazing so far, although the daily commute to East Lansing from Dearborn is somewhat tiring,” said Turaani. “I am feeling blessed to be part of such a great fellowship. I have had the opportunity to see academic research up close. This fellowship has been very educational as I have learned a lot about pests, pesticides, Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD), the process of coming up with the techniques used to collect data, and having the opportunity to work with an amazing group of people in a friendly environment.”

Turaani has been assigned to work with MSU entomology professors Dr. Larry Gut and Dr. Juan (“Joanne”) Huang, assisting them with their research into SWD.

“My duties include going into the field to collect the SWD traps, examining the data collected from the traps under a dissecting scope, identifying any SWDs collected and their gender, counting all other Drosophilidae collected, transferring the flies to the colony we have in the lab, and helping Dr. Huang with any new ideas and setting up new traps,” he said.

Turaani continued: “This experience has changed me by giving me a better understanding of scientific research and by exploring different fields of biology. It has also reassured me that pursuing a career in the scientific field is exactly what I want to do for the rest of my life. This fellowship has given me an in-depth, closer look at what careers in the scientific field look like. It’s also helped me enhance my mindset by acquiring a structured process of thinking.”

“Reputation, affordability, and positive feedback”

A Palestinian Jordanian, Turaani is the second of five and the eldest son. He attended high school overseas before immigrating to the United States in 2019 and enrolling at HFC.

“What made me choose HFC is its reputation, affordability, and the positive feedback I have received from numerous people who attended HFC, especially my cousin, Hazem Turaani,” he said.

The president of the Muslim Student Association and a member of the Henry Ford II Honors Program, Turaani is majoring in biology at HFC. He plans to graduate in 2022 from HFC and transfer to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He is also considering MSU and Wayne State University. Turaani will finish his bachelor’s degree in biology at one of the three universities and then attend medical school.

Receiving cooperation and support

“One thing I really like about HFC is how friendly students and instructors from all departments are – even in a virtual environment during the coronavirus pandemic. I received plenty of cooperation and support from (math professor/MSA advisor) Dr. Kamal Shenaq, as well as Cassandra Fluker, Mandy Earl, and Michele Featherston in the Student Activities Office (SAO). All of them made my online experience at HFC memorable.”

Hauch is proud of Turaani.

“Mohammad impressed me in the biology lab with his diligence throughout the semester,” said Hauch. “I'm thrilled to see that his initiative has led him to take a direct role in ongoing research. The skillset gained through this entomology fellowship will be such a valuable asset for a future member of the scientific community. It makes me proud to see my students thrive through opportunities like this.”

Added Turaani: “This fellowship will hopefully open doors of opportunity for me to find positions in academic and scientific workplaces and will help me get my foot in the door and do what I love throughout my journey to become a surgeon.”