2024 Golberg Scholarship Winners Announced

Congratulations to Charles E. Schmidt College of Science students Sadine Al-Farauki and Seymour Haque who have been named the 2024 recipients of the Golberg Scholarship. The scholarship provides additional support for pre-health track students who plan to pursue careers in the medical and health professions.

Al-Farauki, 20, has always been fascinated with biology and has a love for chemistry. She chose to attend Florida Atlantic because of its well-known dedication to science. Currently, she is a member of Professor of Biological Sciences, James Hartmann’s, Ph.D., laboratory where she is conducting research on endometriosis. It is the primary cause of infertility in women and is characterized by painful menstruation. At this time, endometriosis does not have any known cause or cure.

“I am passionate about further advancing the quality and understanding of women’s health,” shared Al- Farauki. “I believe that this topic is under-researched, and I am happy to dedicate my time to it and hopefully make some breakthroughs in the field.”

With Hartmann as their mentor, Al- Farauki and her team presented their research findings on the same subject at FAU’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry (OURI) Symposium earlier this spring. The group was awarded a research grant to further their project.

Al-Farauki is a member of the Schmidt College of Science’s prestigious Soar-in-4 program. She currently serves on the executive board of the International Medical Outreach chapter at Florida Atlantic as the director of marketing and the Pre-Student Osteopathic Medicine organization as the director of outreach. Following her anticipated graduation in August, Al-Farauki plans to apply to medical school and fulfill her dream of becoming a physician and providing quality care to patients.

Seymour Haque, 19, is pursuing a double-major in biological sciences and chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry. As an alumnus of FAU High School, Haque wanted to continue his education in the supportive community he was already a part of.

Under the direction of Deguo Du, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Haque is investigating the mechanisms of amyloid formation and its implications in the development of various diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. The team also studies certain therapies that can be effective in inhibiting amyloid formation.

“Dr. Du pushed me to strive for great things and always supported me with my research projects,” stated Haque. “I couldn’t have accomplished so much without his help.”

Haque is also an active student outside of the lab. He was selected to participate in the third annual “Florida Undergraduate Research Posters” at the capitol event in Tallahassee, organized by the Florida Undergraduate Research Association in February. In addition, he placed second at the 2024 OURI Symposium in the Oral/Performing Arts Basic Sciences category for his project, “Attenuating Oxysterol-Mitigated Aβ-Peptide Aggregation with Cationic Arginine Rich Mimetic Peptides.”

He has also been involved in various clubs during his time at Florida Atlantic. Haque formerly served as the secretary of the Blood Pressure Screening Association, and he is a member of FAU’s Fencing Club.

Haque also anticipates graduating from Florida Atlantic in August. He plans on pursuing a M.D.-Ph.D. program to deepen his understanding of medicine and the intricate mechanisms that play a role in neurological disease progression.

“I aspire to become a physician scientist,” expressed Haque. “The combination of providing care to patients within a community, combined with designing new therapies for diseases that are currently not curable, is very appealing to me.”

The Golberg Scholarship was formed thanks to the generous contributions of Marla and Marvin Golberg, longtime Boca Raton residents who have been involved in government, education, and dental professional communities across South Florida. The Golberg Scholarship supports students who need assistance by providing them the financial opportunity to earn their degree and successfully achieve their goals.

For more information on Schmidt College of Science scholarships, visit science.fau.edu/scholarships.