Putting knowledge into action are ideals of engaged scholarship that Emory University senior Zain Ahmed lives each day. Ahmed pushes himself to the limit for the greater good, whether it’s in the lab working on intensive organ transplant research, developing programs for an international nonprofit, or tutoring local high school students.
His achievements earned him Emory’s highest student honor, the Marion Luther Brittain Award, presented each year at Emory’s commencement to a graduate who has demonstrated exemplary service to both the university and the greater community without expectation of recognition. Candidates are required to demonstrate a strong character, meritorious service and sense of integrity. Ahmed will receive the award during commencement exercises.
“I was very surprised and humbled to receive such a great honor especially since many students at Emory are doing some impressive work to better the university, the surrounding Atlanta community and even the world,” Ahmed says. “In every thing I’ve done, my main goal was always to engage other like-minded students at Emory. What motivates me is my desire to take on multiple challenges, especially undertakings that might be deemed too difficult.”
<snip>
Ahmed founded Global Health, Education, Empowerment and Development ( HEED ) in 2006. The non-profit engages students from universities around the nation to work with local organizations and communities in developing nations to address issues related to health, education and economic development. The group’s first major initiative will be to collaborate with a local non-profit in Guatemala to build a health clinic, school and implement a micro-credit initiative. Student are headed to Calhuitz, Guatemala, this summer to begin building facilities. Ahmed will donate the $5,000 that comes with the Brittain Award to the effort.
He will stay at Emory next year and continue his research full-time under Dr. Kirk at the Emory Transplant Center and travel to Guatemala throughout the year to implement HEED’s various initiatives. He also plans to apply to joint programs in medicine, research and public health next year to earn a medical degree and a doctorate.
“I plan on working with Global HEED for the rest of my life and hope to expand to other developing nations, such as Pakistan and India,” he says.
<snip>
The eldest son of Shahid and Nargis Ahmed of Wethersfield, Conn., Ahmed dedicates the Brittain Award and his success to his parents, who immigrated to the United States from Karachi, Pakistan.
“They have sacrificed a lot for me and have instilled many of the values and principles that I constantly strive to follow and uphold,” Ahmed says. “They have always encouraged me to help others, work hard, never quit, be a kindhearted person and always challenge myself while encouraging me to pursue my own interests and desires. My work ethic stems directly from my parents. They are my role models and… I owe them everything.”
Ismailimail 