Abir Sayed named Outstanding Biology Student
HFC and the Village Herb Associates of Dearborn named HFC student Abir Sayed as the Outstanding Biology Student, awarding her a certificate of achievement and a stipend.
Sayed and fellow HFC student Iman Soubra are the two recipients of this award for 2026. HFC biology instructor Dr. Jennifer Warren nominated Sayed.
“I had just left the theater with my family, where we saw The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” she said. “I opened my phone to check my messages and saw an email from Dr. Warren. I didn’t even know I was nominated. I was really surprised! That was a very special moment for me and for my family. Being named the Outstanding Biology Student is a huge honor. This wasn’t an easy semester, so it means so much to me that my hard work is being acknowledged in this way.”
Education doesn’t stop after graduation
A native of Lebanon, Sayed is the eldest of six and speaks fluent Arabic. She immigrated to the United States in 2001 and moved to Michigan in 2014. She lives in Dearborn Heights with Hassan, her husband of 25 years this August. The couple has four children: 22, 19, 11, and 7.
Sayed completed high school overseas. She began her education at Queensborough Community College in Queens, NY. Transferring to Wayne State University, she earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and minored in nutrition. She enrolled at HFC during the 2025-26 academic year to complete additional courses. This fall, she will apply to physician assistant (PA) programs across Metro Detroit.
“I have always been interested in the medical field, which naturally led me to major in biology as it is the foundation for understanding the human body,” explained Sayed. “My interest first sparked in high school, where I became fascinated by how the body works, from individual cells to entire organ systems, and how everything is connected. As I continued taking biology courses, that curiosity grew stronger and pushed me to learn at a deeper level. My broader interest in health also led me to pursue a minor in nutrition, because I see both fields as closely connected in understanding and improving patient care. I also enjoy hands-on learning in lab settings, especially working with cell cultures and observing how they grow and function in real time.”
Sayed’s career goal is to become a PA. She works as a phlebotomy technician as Garden City Hospital and also volunteers at Zaman International in Inkster and the American Red Cross.
“My goal is to become a PA, and I see myself as a lifelong learner who will continue growing in the medical field even after achieving that goal,” she said. “I truly enjoy learning, and I believe education does not stop after graduation. It is something that I will carry with me throughout my career.”
Deeper questions for real understanding
Sayed enrolled at HFC because of the supportive learning environment. She cited Warren and HFC biology instructors Michael Palaski and Dr. Jolie Stepaniak as being major influences on her.
“One of the advantages of HFC is that the classes are smaller, which gives you the opportunity to build strong connections with your professors and peers,” she said. =“This past semester, I took two of my most challenging courses – Anatomy and Physiology I and II – and I was able to perform my best in both classes due to the guidance, support, and genuine care of my professors, Dr. Warren and Mr. Palaski. HFC professors truly want to see you succeed.”
Warren enjoyed having Sayed in her class.
"Abir's curiosity doesn't stop at the textbook. She asks deeper questions, seeks real understanding, and inspires those around her to do the same,” said Warren. “She is absolutely amazing and it was an honor being her teacher and being able to nominate her for such a wonderful award.”