Natural Sciences: Maria Ahmed '26
Major(s) and minor(s)
B.S. in Biochemistry
Minor in Business
Pronouns
She/Her
Hometown
Rochester, NY
Areas of interest/focus in research
My research uses mass spectrometry-based proteomics to study post-translational modifications and cellular responses to oxidative stress, particularly methionine oxidation. My ultimate research goal is to apply these these findings to further our understanding of aging and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
Labs/departments/offsite locations where research was conducted
Ghaemmaghami Lab, University of Rochester Department of Biology
Michel Lab, Rochester Institute of Technology School of Chemistry and Materials Science
About me...
Hi! My name is Maria Ahmed, and I am a junior (class of 2026) majoring in biochemistry with a minor in business. I’m also a Rochester native from the town of Henrietta! Before college, I didn’t know much about research and initially pursued medicine to apply my passion for science. However, after joining a lab during my first year at RIT, I realized that research was another way to make a meaningful impact, reshaping my goals to include both medicine and scientific discovery.
I transferred to the University of Rochester for my sophomore year and have since been conducting research in Dr. Ghaemmaghami’s lab, where I use mass spectrometry-based proteomic approaches to study post-translational modifications and cellular responses to oxidative stress, particularly methionine oxidation. My ultimate goal is to become a physician-scientist, leading a lab to translate novel scientific discoveries into innovative treatments for proteopathic diseases in the future.
How has your experience as a researcher influenced your career objectives?
Going into college, I did not know what research was. I had always been fascinated by science, particularly the biochemistry underlying life, and in high school, I believed the best way to explore this passion was by becoming a physician. I saw medicine as a path where I could apply scientific knowledge to treat patients while also educating them on the fascinating mechanisms that drive health and disease. However, after joining my first research lab and continuing my work throughout college, I discovered that I not only wanted to understand science but also contribute to it by making new discoveries.
As I immersed myself in research, I became captivated by the process of uncovering unknown biological mechanisms, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases. Learning about MD/PhD programs showed me a way to integrate my passions for medicine and research. My career goal now is to become a physician-scientist, bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical applications.
Campus organizations, programs, activities, clubs, awards/distinctions
Activities and Organizations:
- American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Student Chapter – Founder & President
- University of Rochester PreDoc Program – 1st Year Scholar
- BIOL 252 (Principles of Biochemistry) TA
- Greene Center Marketing and Communications Specialist
Awards and Distinctions:
- University of Rochester REU: Chemistry in Medicine (Summer 2023)
- University of Rochester MSTP Summer Scholars Program (Summer 2024)
- Schwartz Discover Grant (Summer 2024)
- Barry Goldwater Scholarship – Campus Nominee (Spring 2025)
- Dean’s List (All Semesters)
Fun Fact: when I'm not doing research you can usually find me...
shopping at Wegmans or at home baking new recipes!
Areas where I may be particularly helpful
- Discover Grant application writing
- REU application writing
- Reaching out to professors to find research on campus
- Finding external research programs
- General personal statement writing and application tips
What advice do you have for prospective or new researchers?
Apply for anything that interests you! Even if you don't believe you will receive a scholarship or be accepted into a program, it is always worth trying. The process of working on your application is valuable practice for the future, and at the very least you will at least get practice writing about yourself and your experiences for future application. And who knows...you may end up with a bounty of opportunities that you never expected!
Email me at: mahmed18@u.rochester.edu