Sireene Khader, cell and molecular biology senior, has had her fair share of involvement at OCU.
Khader was born and raised in Oklahoma City.
“I kind of grew up around OCU my entire life. My dad is a professor in the business school,” Khader said. “The biology program is super small and kind of close knit, so that solidified my decision of where I wanted to go for college.”
Khader said her love for science came from a high school project.
“In ninth grade, I got to dissect an eye, which is so random, but I enjoyed it a whole lot,” she said. “I just liked being able to connect what I was learning from the textbook into real life. I’ve just kind of studied all varieties of science and not just focused on a particular one.”
Through the science department at OCU, Khader has traveled to Alaska, Yellowstone, the Gulf Coast and the Rio Grande Valley.
Khader said she got to meet students from other majors through her sorority and other extracurricular activities.
“When you’re in the science world, you kind of just stick with the science people and don’t really mix with dance and performance and all of the different types of majors, unless you’re in a gen ed. Alpha Phi got me to step out of my comfort zone and meet people that aren’t interested in the same thing I am,” she said.
Khader served as president of OCU’s chapter of Alpha Phi Sorority in 2019. In addition to Greek Life, Khader said she has been involved with OCU Leads, Muslim Student Association, Better Together, Student Government Association, Student Activities Council and the Honors Program. She also enjoys birding and hiking.
Khader said one of her personal favorite groups she’s participated in is TriBeta, the National Biological Honor Society.
“We just have different people who are in some kind of career path through science come in and talk to us,” she said. “That was a great experience for me because I got to network and got to be the vice president and learn how to be an influential and inspiring person in the science world.”
Khader said Dr. Anthony Stancampiano, professor of biology, has made an impact on her during her undergrad.
“He was one of my first hard professors in a science course,” she said. “I’ve gotten the opportunity to travel through different parts of the United States, so I’ve gotten to spend a lot of time with him. He’s probably been one of the most influential professors in my time at OCU.”
Stancampiano said he has had nine classes with Khader, and she is very intelligent.
“She’s feisty as hell, and I mean that in a good way. She’s always willing to do what needs to be done when other people won’t. She believes strongly in her faith and morals, and she’s not afraid to stick up for that. She backs up what she believes in, and I really respect her for that. All of those things combined make her a great leader,” he said. “Her fellow students respect her, her professors respect her and I’m going to miss her when she graduates, I know that.”
Khader said she has plans for life after graduation.
“I’m planning to take a year off and hopefully work full time in a medical office,” Khader said.
“Then I’ll apply to medical school and hopefully become a physician.”
Khader said students should learn when to say yes or no to new experiences and commitments.
“Come in with an open mind and be willing to go out of your comfort zone. Say yes to the things you would normally say no to, because I think that’s where you learn the most and gain the most friendships and experience. Be willing to say yes, but also know the time to say no.”
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