Sedra Mourad plans to study neuroscience, AI, and emerging technologies
Sedra Mourad’s article, “AI at HFC,” for The Mirror News evolved into a presentation at the LAND Conference earlier this year.
“I am very interested in the intersection between artificial intelligence and healthcare systems in the future. Because AI is shaping nearly every aspect of our lives, I saw education as an appropriate starting point. I also noticed a gap between perception and reality regarding AI usage on campus. I wanted to contribute to a thoughtful academic conversation and provide clear, research-based insights for students and faculty,” explained Mourad.
HFC English instructor Dr. Peter Kim, who is faculty advisor for HFC’s student-run newspaper, The Mirror News, saw this project evolve from the beginning. Kim served as Mourad's faculty mentor for the LAND Conference. This marked Mourad’s first time presenting at an academic conference.
“With Dr. Kim’s guidance, I conducted faculty interviews, student surveys, and independent research examining AI integration at the College,” said Mourad. “The project was selected by the LAND Committee, and I had the honor of being the first presenter. It was a meaningful and transformative experience that allowed me to engage with passionate students from different disciplines. LAND created a space for creativity, innovation, and reflection. It motivated me to continue pursuing research and future presentations, and it reinforced my desire to remain active in scholarly work.”
Ideal place to begin her journey in American education
Born and raised in Lebanon, Mourad immigrated to the U.S. in 2024 and settled in Dearborn. She is the eldest of four children. She noted that her siblings will follow in her footsteps to attend HFC, which makes her proud.
“HFC was the closest college to my home,” she said. “What truly shaped my experience here is the Henry Ford II Honors Program. Being part of the honors community has helped me grow academically, professionally, and personally. It challenged me to think critically, communicate confidently, and engage deeply with ideas. The supportive faculty, the accessible environment, and the strong academic foundation – especially in the sciences – made HFC the ideal place to begin my journey in the American education system.”
Mourad, who speaks fluent Arabic and proficient French, completed high school overseas. She will earn her associate degree in biology at HFC, graduating in late 2026. She has already completed the requirements for the Michigan Transfer Agreement. After graduation, she will transfer to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she will major in neuroscience. Her goal is to attend medical school.
“I have never envisioned myself pursuing any career other than medicine,” she said. “Beyond my deep love for science, medicine aligns with my personality. I am naturally curious, resilient, and committed to lifelong learning. I value responsibility and leadership, and I am drawn to roles where I can serve others while contributing meaningfully to complex decision-making. My cross-cultural experiences have broadened my perspective and strengthened my adaptability, all of which are essential qualities in healthcare.”
Campus life and activities at HFC
Besides The Mirror News, LAND, and the Honors Program, Mourad is also involved with Transfer Bridges to Michigan, the Pre-Health Club, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) (Alpha Xi Mu), and the Learning Lab.
“I am deeply involved in campus life. I serve as vice president of PTK, where I am helping lead our efforts toward achieving Five Star Chapter status,” she said. “In the Learning Lab, I tutor biology, chemistry, mathematics, Arabic, and French. I truly love the Learning Lab team. It is a supportive and collaborative environment, and tutoring has strengthened both my leadership and communication skills.”
Chardin Claybourne, faculty advisor for PTK and the Honors Program, is proud of Mourad and her accomplishments.
“Sedra has been a wonderful addition to the Honors Program and PTK,” he said. “I especially appreciate her leadership. She stepped up when our PTK chapter president resigned and has brought forth a treasure trove of ideas and enthusiasm. She’s also been a valued member of the Honors Program Activities Building Community (ABC) Committee and has helped restore a sense of purposeful engagement among her peers. I’m glad to know she’ll be at HFC for a little while longer, as her presence and contributions have made for a wonderful experience.”
HFC has provided a strong academic foundation, particularly in biology and the sciences, for Mourad. That will serve her well when she transfers to U-M.
“TB2M has provided additional mentorship and guidance throughout the transfer process,” she said. “The rigor of the coursework and the dedication of faculty have prepared me well for the transition to a research-intensive university. Most importantly, everyone here genuinely wants students to succeed. There is constant encouragement and visible support from professors, advisors, and staff. That environment has built my confidence and prepared me for the next stage of my education.”
The sense of community has made attending HFC a pleasure.
“Dr. Kim has been especially impactful. As my Honors Program mentor, he created a classroom environment that was intellectually rigorous, engaging, and encouraging. His mentorship has played a major role in my academic development,” said Mourad. “As a student in the Honors Program, I have built close relationships with peers and professors. Faculty members are approachable and genuinely passionate about education. The smaller class sizes foster meaningful engagement and mentorship. For me, HFC has been the foundation of my academic journey in the U.S. In just one year, I have found belonging, growth, and opportunity.”
Aspires to become a physician-scientist
Outside HFC, Mourad is active in the American Physician Scientists Association. On a monthly basis, she meets with a mentor who has an M.D. and a Ph.D. and who guides her academic and research development.
“My goal is to become a physician-scientist, someone who practices medicine while also contributing to research and innovation,” said Mourad. “I hope to explore the intersection of neuroscience and emerging technologies, including AI, and contribute meaningfully to both patient care and scientific advancement.”
She continued: “I am particularly fascinated by the human brain and the complexity of neuroscience. The brain defines identity, memory, behavior, and consciousness, and understanding. To me, it feels like understanding who we are at our core. I would like to challenge myself in a demanding and intellectually rigorous field, and neuroscience-related specialties strongly interest me. As I continue my education, I look forward to exploring this interest further.”
Mourad also serves as a writer at AIIM Research, an initiative of the Eleos Impact Association recognized by the Association of American Medical Colleges . As part of the Neurology Department team, she focuses on the intersection of medicine and AI, summarizing research articles and exploring their implications in healthcare. She also completed an internship with Arab Women United, a non-profit organization in Dearborn devoted to empowering Arab women through culturally responsive support, inclusive education, and intentional community-building. She remains engaged in community initiatives.
“I have been impressed with Sedra since I had her as a student last fall in the Honors Colloquium on Detroit History and Culture,” said Kim. “She demonstrates keen intellect and a knack for consolidating and synthesizing information quickly and accurately. She possesses excellent research and written communication skills and is a very personable, sociable, enthusiastic, giving, and empathetic individual. She continues to write for the newspaper, and her stories always demonstrate depth and breadth. I am excited to see the next project she pursues."