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Meet Aya Saeid

INDS Spring 2026 Graduate Highlight Series

B.A.: Psychological and Cultural Foundations of Healthcare (Arab world focus)

Degree Mentors:

Aya standing outside looking up in the sky at the snow falling with hands up like, trying to catch the snow in the palm of their hands

Major/ Minors: 

Why did you choose to major in INDS?

I chose to major in INDS because it allowed me to combine my interests in psychology, cultural elements, and healthcare all in one degree. I wanted something that was not limited to just one field so I could better understand patients from different cultural backgrounds. I believe that there is more to healthcare than science (it is not the full story). This major helped me focus on how culture and psychology affect healthcare, especially for Arab communities, which is important to me and focuses on healing beyond science. It also gave me the flexibility to design a path that matches my goal of becoming a doctor who can build strong and trusting relationships with patients for the best possible medical care.

What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?

After graduation, I plan to go to medical school and become a surgeon. My areas of interest are cardiology and neurology, as well as stroke research that combines both of my interest fields. I see my INDS degree helping me communicate better with patients and understand their cultural and psychological needs. As a prospective physician, I want to use what I learned to reduce misunderstandings in healthcare and improve how providers treat patients from different backgrounds, especially Arab patients. My goal is to not only treat patients medically but also make them feel understood, respected, and comfortable so they feel heard and supported.

Aya standing next to a group of women with a multi-colored backdrop behind them smiling

Were you involved in any clubs or organizations? Did you hold any leadership positions? URCAD? URA? Off-campus internships? On-campus research experiences?

Aya in a polka dot dress and small black purse looking at A detailed miniature room diorama housed in a decorative wooden chest with metal rivets.

Awards, Certifications, Scholarships, etc. that you have received in your time at UMBC: 

  • Merit Scholarship
  • President's List (1 year)
  • Dean's List
  • Member| Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) Academic Honor Society

Any thing you would like to share about your time at UMBC or in the INDS program:

Having focus in both Biological Sciences and INDS degrees has been an amazing opportunity. Although it came with many challenges and hard work, it feels very special for all the support that I received from all my mentors, INDS faculty, and staff. I also appreciated the chance to work on my capstone project, where I focused on Arab communities and cultural competence in healthcare. This experience helped me think more deeply about real problems and how to create something that is not always an undergrad level, such as developing a training outline that can improve how providers interact with patients.

Being involved on campus as a part of the Student Government Association (SGA) has been a unique time where I get to advocate for the student body for their voices to be heard. Being a part of INDS, SGA, and currently being a tutor helped me grow both academically and personally and made me more confident in the path I want to take.

Aya standing with a group of students smiling inside of a classroom

For More information on Aya's INDS journey please click here!

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Posted: April 27, 2026, 9:40 AM

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Aya smiling outdoors in a red hijab and red and white lace top.