{"id":3028,"date":"2026-04-19T07:44:11","date_gmt":"2026-04-19T07:44:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.ige.uobaghdad.edu.iq\/?p=3028"},"modified":"2026-04-19T07:44:11","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T07:44:11","slug":"the-first-student-to-enroll-at-the-institute-of-genetic-engineering-talks-about-her-academic-journey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.ige.uobaghdad.edu.iq\/?p=3028","title":{"rendered":"The first student to enroll at the Institute of Genetic Engineering talks about her academic journey"},"content":{"rendered":"

During her appearance on \u201cShatharat\u201d…<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2014 The first female student at the Institute of Genetic Engineering talks about her academic journey<\/span>
\u2014 What is the \u201cone word\u201d she addressed to students? And what is the secret behind her passion for literature, cooking, and volunteer work?<\/span><\/p>\n

Prepared and interviewed by:<\/strong> Asst. Lecturer Rand Qusay Majeed<\/span>
Edited by:<\/strong> Ahmed Mohammed Zmeem<\/span>
Filming:<\/strong> Ma\u2019an Rabee Abbas<\/span>
Supervised by:<\/strong> Dr. Rami Ali Taqi<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Ashwaq Basim is a person with her own unique interests. She is passionate about fields far from her scientific specialization, such as literature, art, cooking, and volunteer work. At the same time, she is a leader and an inspiration who shares her experiences beyond the laboratory through guidance, student support, and community engagement. She is a woman who faces daily challenges and balances life, ambition, rest, success, and pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, she is the guest of \u201cShatharat\u201d from the Institute of Genetic Engineering, with our colleague Assistant Lecturer Rand Qusay Majeed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u2014 How would you describe your journey?<\/strong><\/span>
The path was not straight; it was full of silent exhaustion. At every stage of my life, I learned that strength is not noise, but persistence. A PhD did not change me\u2014it revealed that I have always been capable, by God\u2019s will, of continuing and achieving my dreams.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2014 Why did you choose genetic engineering?<\/strong><\/span>
I chose genetic engineering because it gives me the opportunity to make a real difference in people\u2019s lives by understanding the precise mechanisms of genes and contributing through my research to treating genetic diseases and improving human health.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2014 How do you balance your personal life and work?<\/strong><\/span>
Balance does not mean equal division every day. Rather, it means feeling present in your life just as you are present in your work. It is a conscious balance between core skills and precise laboratory skills\u2014such as handling samples, using modern tools and techniques, scientific analysis and reasoning, interpreting results, solving technical problems, as well as accuracy, patience, scientific communication, and teamwork.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2014 What research field in biotechnology do you see as most promising?<\/strong><\/span>
Biotechnology is a bridge between scientific research and real life, and it represents a revolutionary future in medicine and agriculture.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2014 How do you evaluate the level of scientific research in Iraq compared to other countries?<\/strong><\/span>
Iraq has excellent human potential, and its scientific level benefits from talented researchers. However, it needs greater support in laboratory funding and infrastructure to reach the level of developed countries.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2014 How did the Institute of Genetic Engineering contribute to developing your skills?<\/strong><\/span>
It played a major role in refining my scientific skills. Among the most important skills I gained in the lab are handling samples, applying genetic engineering techniques, reading and interpreting results scientifically, and managing research projects.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2014 Have you received any awards or recognitions?<\/strong><\/span>
Yes, I received the award for Best Graduate Student for excellence in publishing international research, as well as many official letters of appreciation from the Prime Minister and the institute\u2019s administration. My scientific participation also helped me exchange expertise with researchers and expand my global academic network.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2014 What does it mean to be the first female student in the institute among the first cohort accepted into the Master\u2019s program in 1999?<\/strong><\/span>
Being the first graduate from the institute is more than just a title\u2014it is leadership and responsibility. Being first means paving the way for the students who come after me, creating new methods and solutions instead of relying on previous experience. In doing so, I created a small piece of history for myself and opened the door for others to continue the journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2014 What advice would you give to students?<\/strong><\/span>
Patience and discipline are the keys to academic and research excellence.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2014 Who has had the greatest influence on your life, especially academically?<\/strong><\/span>
Success is usually the result of collective support, not individual effort. First comes my family, by God\u2019s grace\u2014my father, mother, brothers, and sisters. I also cannot forget my professor, especially my supervisor Dr. Amina Neama Al-Thuwaini, who had a significant impact on my academic life, as well as my colleagues and friends who have all been a great support.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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