Get to Know Rashida Abdul-Ganiyu
Rashida Abdul-Ganiyu is a Ph.D. candidate in the Biological Sciences MCBD program, where she also works as a teaching assistant. Her research focuses on understanding how phosphorylation affects the function and trafficking of the G protein b sub-unit during gradient sensing in budding yeast. She shares her professional journey and life experience with us.
Q. How did you decide to become a biologist?
A. Growing up, my dream career was to be a pharmacist, but I guess God had different plans for me. I gained admission to pharmacy school in my home country of Ghana but also won a full scholarship to study in Egypt. I accepted the scholarship and enrolled in Agricultural Genetics. Genetics awakened in me a passion for discovery, and I realized that I could truly benefit humankind by developing new technologies. I wanted to help the vulnerable and less privileged, something that I had hoped to do as a pharmacist but could do now as a research scientist. I am very happy about my decision.
Q. What are your proudest accomplishments?
A. After college, I started a charitable organization called Tab-bu, which means “to support” in the local dialect of my home in northern Ghana. Though Tab-bu, I raise funds to help women and children in Ghana realize their full potential and lead decent, meaningful lives. I was awarded several honors for exceptional academic achievement, humanitarian contributions and leadership, including the American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowship Grant and, from UIC, the Chancellor’s Student Service and Leadership Award, the Eugertha Bates Memorial Award, and several research travel awards. Recently, I received the Biological Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award for undergraduate teaching at UIC. I also mentor young students in the community through advocacy organizations. It feels good to serve others!
Q. What do you like to do outside of school?
A. Outside of the lab and work, I enjoy watching reality TV, and spending time with my husband here in Chicago or with my family when in Ghana. When I need a break from reading research articles, I like to refresh my mind with novels.
Q. What is it like to be a graduate student during the pandemic?
A. Even though the pandemic has slowed down my research progress and my life in general, I remain optimistic that I can complete my goals if I put in a little more time and work. I believe that every misfortune is a blessing in disguise, and that we will emerge from this crisis stronger and better for it.