Focus On Students With Daniah Al-Waili

Daniah Al-Waili is a graduate student at the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy.  Al-Waili is in her second year at the college and is slated to graduate with a master's degree in pharmaceutical sciences in December 2015.

Tell us about your background:

My name is Daniah Al-Waili. I was born and raised in Karbala, Iraq. I got my bachelor of science degree in pharmacy from the University of Baghdad. After graduation, I worked as a clinical pharmacist in the department of internal medicine at hometown hospital for about a year and then I worked as a research assistant in the department of pharmaceutical chemistry at the University of Karbala. I was rewarded the Higher Committee for Education Development in Iraq (HCED Iraq) scholarship for extraordinary graduates to study for a master’s degree in the United States.

Why did you choose UC for grad school?

When I was awarded the scholarship, I was required to select three to five universities to apply to. I made my selection based on the location of the university as well as the research criteria available in the university. I wanted to study in an urban university but not in a very big city like New York or Chicago. Cincinnati was just the right city for me. Add to that the research base of UC.

What is your research focus? What made you interested in it?

My research focus is on cell signaling pathways in the blood-brain barrier and gene therapy for treatment and /or prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. I was always fascinated by the blood-brain barrier and its incredible ability to selectively regulate the passage of molecules to the precious brain. In my undergraduate studies, I learned about the challenges of brain drug delivery so I wanted to work more on understanding this barrier and investigating possible ways to make the drug delivery more feasible.

What do you take away from the experience?

Graduate studies carry enough challenges for everyone. Getting a graduate degree in a foreign country half a planet away from your natives is double the challenge. But what I learned from all the difficulties whether in school or everyday life is "what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”.

What do you do in your spare time?

I have a lot of hobbies and I make time for every one of them even if that meas skipping sleep once or twice a week. I like cooking and gardening the most and I try to do that almost every day. I also like crocheting and watching movies, especially on the first day they are released. Going out and spending time with friends is always fun too.