Karam Aldarwich

Karam Aldarwich graduated from Upper Dublin High School in 2020 where he participated in Cross Country and Track & Field year-round. His first exposure to GMercyU came from Coach Joe Dare, then-coach for GMercyU’s Cross Country and Track & Field teams, who invited Karam to visit campus.

“GMercyU was close to my hometown and had such a beautiful campus with a vital mission that interested me,” Karam said.

Educational Experience

My major was Biology, and I picked it because I had always been into science and seeing how different aspects of life work always fascinated me. I also wanted to eventually go into the healthcare system and put the art I have learned and am passionate about into reality.

As a senior, Karam reflected on his time in GMercyU’s Biology program, stating that “every professor I had stood out and impacted me to become who I am today.” He was particularly grateful for Dr. Lettini, Dr. McEliece, and Dr. Barbieri, as well as many others. He enjoyed his classes in Ecology, Genetics, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology because they allowed him to begin understanding the fundamentals of Biology.

During his senior year, Karam worked at Doylestown Hospital where he served as a Patient Care Technician in the Emergency Department. His primary responsibilities consisted of meeting patient needs and communicating with coworkers to ensure patient safety and testing was done in the appropriate manner.

“My biggest takeaway was that I could get patient hours but also get to experience the environment that I was in and adapt to those environments,” Karam said.

Undergraduate Research

Under the direction of Dr. Lettini, Karam conducted research to better understand the effects of antibiotics on biofilm development, which concluded in fall 2023. He completed his thesis on his research in spring 2024.

“I was always fascinated with how Microbiology interacts and develops over time. Microbiology gives the fundamental understanding of how living things can interact with one another based on any changes in the environment and, in the research, Dr. Lettini and I focused on the antibiotic view,” Karam said.

Karam presented his research results at the 2024 Undergraduate Research Conference and at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS).

Campus Involvement

My favorite part about GMercyU was the student life. I had so much support as a student that helped me be successful in the future. Campus life was full of vibrancy, allowing you to be who you are. It was such a positive community that helped guide every person through the world.

For most of his college career, Karam was a member of the Cross Country and Track & Field teams, but took a step back to focus on academics. He served as the Treasurer of the Student Association of the Sciences (SAS) where he controlled the club’s budget. He also served as an Orientation Leader in 2023 which improved his communication and leadership skills.

Outside of clubs and organizations, Karam also participated in several service projects. Most notably, he volunteered for a University-run Haunted House.

“I would recommend GMercyU to a student who is looking to truly focus on what they are studying and if they are looking to improve upon themselves in their field of their study. Besides class, GMercyU allows students to guide them into the future and help them succeed,” Karam said.

Post-Graduation

Karam graduated in May 2024 and hopes to work in the field of Microbiology in healthcare system.