Zahra Alghoul, who graduated from the Biomedical Enterprise master’s course in autumn 2020 at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, already has a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry and a position teaching chemistry courses in college, but she wanted to learn more about the business of science.

By LaTina Emerson

Zahra Alghoul had already achieved a great academic achievement – her Ph.D. in analytical chemistry – but she was still curious about the business side of science.

When offered an apprenticeship at Georgia State University, Alghoul packed her bags and moved more than 2,000 miles from California, where she taught chemistry at another university. After learning about the Georgia State Student Assistance program, she enrolled in the Biomedical Enterprise Masters degree at the Institute for Biomedical Sciences because she liked the structure and curriculum of the program.

Time management was essential to balancing her class and a full-time position as a chemistry professor and course coordinator for the degrees and laboratories for the State of Georgia Health Sciences Studies.

“I was able to graduate while I was a full-time professor in the chemistry department,” says Alghoul. “I’m organized and have good time management. I’ve developed these skills over the years and learned to split up the tasks during a busy day while finding a few hours for myself. The key to this is planning. You really have to plan your week in advance. “

Alghoul comes from Beirut in Lebanon and is the oldest of her siblings and comes from a science-loving family. The first in her family to travel to do a PhD, she inspired her siblings to study science. There are now three Ph.D. Keepers in their family.

As an analytical chemist, Alghoul specializes in chemical separations, one of the most important and time consuming jobs in chemistry involving isolating, separating, and purifying chemical compounds.

She chose the Biomedical Enterprise program because it is interdisciplinary and has a unique blend of several academic disciplines.

“The coursework spans three disciplines: Regulatory Affairs, Biomedical Sciences, and Entrepreneurship,” said Alghoul. “Most degrees focus on one discipline. The program was unique in this regard. “

For her electives, Alghoul completed targeted research in Dr. Didier Merlin at the Institute for Biomedical Sciences. She synthesized metabolites of an anti-inflammatory drug candidate and tested their possible use in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

“DR. Merlin’s lab is doing novel work in the development of targeted therapeutics,” said Alghoul. “This research area is at the intersection of chemistry and medicine. My research project allowed me to apply my chemical separation skills while adding new drug design skills , test and delivery. “

Interested in becoming an entrepreneur someday, Alghoul also learned valuable business lessons such as the process of turning an idea into a startup.

“Most of the entrepreneurs I have met through my courses have said that they entered the field when they felt it was the right time for their idea,” said Alghoul. “It’s a process that starts with an idea, but there are several other factors that contribute to a successful start-up. You are wondering whether now is the right time for this idea, whether you can make an effort and have a good support system? “

She completed a patent law course that taught students how to apply for a patent to protect an idea. She also learned about various sources of funding and business expenses, such as: B. Employee payroll, renting or buying a property, manufacturing and marketing.

“I learned the steps to founding a startup company through my studies,” said Alghoul. “One day I will put it into practice.”