“Outstanding Biology Student” is an aspiring optometrist

Earlier this year, HFC and the Village Herb Associates of Dearborn presented Henry Ford Early College alumna Katia Nasser with the Outstanding Biology Student Award.

HFC biology instructor Magidah Alaudi nominated Nasser for this award. Nasser will apply the funding to her tuition at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

“I’m honored to have been chosen as the Outstanding Biology Student,” said Nasser. “Professor Alaudi constantly pushed me to succeed and motivated me to work hard. Her belief gave me the confidence to challenge myself and aim higher. Her encouragement, combined with her thoughtful lab assignments, helped me develop strong critical thinking and laboratory skills that I will carry with me. She taught me the importance of being a detail-oriented, resilient critical thinker who always asks ‘why’. I am grateful for her kindness and the lasting impact she had on my academic journey.”

Inspired by her family

A lifelong Dearborn resident, Nasser is the youngest of four. All of her older siblings are in the healthcare field:

• Her brother Husein is a pharmacist.
• Her sister Zeinab is a nurse.
• Her sister Deana is in dental school.

“I look up to all of my siblings and admire the dedication they’ve shown,” she said.

Nasser her own path to success through the Early College.

“The HFEC gave me a unique opportunity to begin my college education while still in high school,” she said. “It allowed me to maximize my college credits and significantly shorten my undergraduate years. This gives me a head start in pursuing my goal of becoming an optometrist.”

She graduated in 2025 from HFEC and HFC, earning her associate degree in science with a concentration in biology. She is majoring in biology at UM-Dearborn. Once she earns her bachelor’s degree, she plans to enroll in the University of Detroit Mercy School of Optometry.

“My parents have always been my greatest inspiration, encouraging me to work hard toward my goals,” said Nasser. “They constantly remind me that success isn’t just about achievement but about finding happiness in what I do. Their endless support has given me the strength to follow my passion for healthcare and build a future doing something I enjoy.”

Improving people’s vision, and lives, through optometry

Biology has always fascinated Nasser.

“It explains how life functions on every level from cells to entire systems,” she said. “I was especially drawn to how the human body works and how small changes at the cellular level can affect a person’s overall health. One of the things I love most about biology is how it challenges me to think critically and outside the box. I enjoy starting with a single concept and building connections that reveal a bigger picture of how living systems work. Biology isn't just about memorizing facts, it's about understanding relationships, patterns, and processes that are all linked together. This curiosity turned into a passion, and I knew that biology would be the perfect foundation for my future in healthcare. The more I learned, the more I realized biology isn’t just about facts but about understanding life on a deeper level.”

She spoke about her desire to become an optometrist.

“My interest in optometry began with a fascination for the human body, particularly the eyes and their crucial role in shaping our perception and overall quality of life,” explained Nasser. “I am intrigued by the way the eyes interact with light through processes like refraction. I am excited about the opportunity to help people see clearly and enhance their daily lives through better vision care. I want to help people improve their overall quality of life and show them a clearer perspective, literally and figuratively!”

HFC prepares students for higher degrees

Nasser credits HFC for preparing her for her advanced coursework.

“The professors at HFC are incredibly welcoming and approachable. They offer flexible office hours and go out of their way to ensure students have the resources we need to succeed. That has built a strong foundation for my future studies,” she explained.

HFC psychology instructor Alison Buchanan taught Nasser in two of her online psychology courses.

“Katia is an amazing student, and I’m super excited for her to continue her academic career at UM-Dearborn. She has this aura of pleasantness about her – she’s thoughtful and so determined,” said Buchanan.

Nasser benefitted from the College’s close-knit environment and diverse community.

“The environment is incredibly welcoming,” she said. “I’ve had the opportunity to build strong relationships with my professors and peers, while feeling comfortable asking questions. Everyone wants to see you succeed, and the support you receive makes a huge difference in your educational journey. It’s the perfect environment to grow and prepare for bigger academic challenges ahead.”

Nasser continued: “I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of the HFEC and the HFC community. The experience has not only given me a head start in my academic journey but also shaped my mindset, work ethic, and sense of purpose. I’m excited for what’s ahead.”