‘Don’t rush to figure it all out, focus on your journey’ – Abidur Rahman's advice to first-year students

Abidur Rahman visiting Pragser Wildsee Lake in Italy where, as an undergraduate, he completed an internship at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.

Though he's a recent grad, Abidur Rahman (BSc 2024 TRIN) has already interned at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Trieste, Italy, contributed to improving access to endometriosis care with a biotech startup, and mentored countless students.

Rahman says his U of T studies provided him with countless opportunities to thrive. “The amount of research opportunities, internships and collaborations you have access to is unparalleled,” says Rahman, who specialized in molecular genetics. “You don’t get the same magnitude of possibilities at other universities.”

Last year, Rahman was selected as one of only 10 students globally for a prestigious research fellowship at the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences in Germany. He’s now studying for his master of science in genetic counselling, back at U of T.

Rahman reflected on his U of T journey and shared his insights for current and future students.

What drew you to molecular genetics?

When I came to U of T, I was planning to major in neuroscience and psychology. It wasn’t until my second year when I took a course with Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream Naomi Levy-Strumpf that I became fascinated with the complexity of genetics and how it can be used to tell the stories of entire generations.

You volunteered a lot with Trinity College. What were the most rewarding aspects of these experiences?

My family moved from Bangladesh when I was a teenager. Being being a first-generation immigrant, I felt lost when I started university. That’s why I wanted to give back. As a community advisor, I connected students with resources and clubs, like the Trinity College Multicultural Society, and created social programming that addressed mental health. U of T has so many opportunities; it can also be like a maze. My goal was to help students find their way, just like my mentors helped me.

Can you tell us about your research fellowship at the Max Planck Institute?

I spent last summer in Göttingen, Germany, working on bioengineered heart muscle cells. My project focused on observing them in low-oxygen conditions, simulating what happens during a stroke. This research has the potential for real-world applications, like developing treatments for heart disease. The work makes you feel as though you’re on the cusp of something that could help thousands of patients, and that’s what excited me the most.

What is your focus now that you have graduated?

I’m pursuing my master of science in genetic counselling, which is a clinical and professional program focusing on patient counselling and calculating genetic risks. My research project will examine how racialized families perceive the clinical utility of genetic testing. Most studies are based on individuals of European ancestry and that affects how well genetic testing works for people from other backgrounds. I’m still exploring my future career path, but I can envision myself working in healthcare. During my undergraduate studies, I also had the opportunity to collaborate with several biotech startups, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Additionally, Toronto offers a wealth of opportunities in both fields, making it an exciting place to build a career.

What advice would you give to your first-year self?

Don’t be in a rush to figure everything out. In my first semester, I was so focused on the future, but university isn’t just an academic endeavour, it’s also about personal growth and professional development. Take the time to enjoy your courses and build relationships with your professors. My other critical piece of advice is to never compare yourself to others because as the saying goes, comparison is the thief of joy. I remember feeling behind because I was still relatively new to Canada, and I didn’t have the same high school experience as some of my peers. Stay focused on your journey and don’t stress about what other people are doing.

Originally published by Faculty of Arts & Science