Image: Alaa Ahmed is named the 2019 recipient of the Saeeda Peermahomed Award Alaa Ahmed, a fifth year Ph.D. student in microbiology, is this year’s Saeeda Peermahomed Award recipient. The award is given annually by International Student Life to recognize outstanding international students. Alaa initially came to UGA in 2014 after working in research and development at Rhein-Minapharm Biogenetics in his home country of Egypt. His academic achievements include serving as a research assistant within Dr. Ellen Neidle’s microbiology lab where he studies the evolution of enzymes involved in bacterial degradation of lignin-derived aromatics and contributes to scholarly publications. As an active member of the University and Athens communities, Alaa has volunteered with several initiatives at UGA and the Clark County School District, including serving as a judge and mentor for various STEM related school science projects. Currently, Alaa serves as a science writer for Athens Science Observer. On campus, Alaa served as chairperson of the International Student Advisory Board during the 2017-2018 academic year and received International Student Life’s Outstanding Graduate Student award in 2018, recognizing his leadership in and commitment to the international student community. Most recently, he joined the staff of the Red & Black, UGA’s independent student newspaper, producing stories that highlight the international community and international programming. Justin Jeffery, director of International Student Life, said that Alaa is well-deserving of this year’s award. “His involvement on campus and within the Athens community shows a true passion for helping others and improving the experience for all international students at UGA” said Jeffery. Alaa said that winning the award is a special moment for him. “It not only acknowledges the academic achievements of international students like myself, but also our unique contributions to cross-cultural exchange at UGA,” said Alaa. The award is made possible by the Peermahomed Family and is given in memory of Saeeda Peermahomed. Saeeda was a University of Georgia student from India who was studying to obtain a master’s degree in journalism when she was killed in a tragic automobile accident in North Georgia in 1979. Saeeda was an outstanding international student who was active in international student organizations and promoted cross-cultural exchange. This award is given in Saeeda's memory to honor the goals of inter-cultural exchange for which she stood. Each year, all currently enrolled UGA international students are eligible to apply as long as they have a current GPA of 3.5 or better. Application details are made available in early February each year at isl.uga.edu. International Student Life is one of the 19 departments within the Division of Student Affairs, and focuses its work on supporting UGA’s 2,700+ international students while also creating unique and educational opportunities for all UGA students to build skills related to intercultural competencies and cross-cultural understanding.
