You might have seen me around UPO. I did not make it through the departmental Science Slam selection the first time I tried. The second time, I won at the departmental level… but did not win in the finals. Besides those setbacks, you might have even seen my photo alongside the cover image of the journal Bone (it was one of the figures from an article we published there). And yes, perhaps you caught my (slightly terrifying) presentation in Italian at PhD Day 2024 in Vercelli.
But do you really know me?
I would argue no. In such a diverse university community, connections often remain superficial. So, here is more about me and my story, from my perspective.
I come from Aley, a small city in Lebanon, and I am originally from Qrayeh, a small village. I graduated from the American University of Science and Technology (AUST) in Beirut, Lebanon, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences. This specialized, intensive four-year program focused on performing and, crucially, analyzing clinical tests. I then pursued a master’s degree in Bio-analytical Toxicology, which led me to research environmental pollutants and toxic metals in breast milk.
Immediately after graduation, I worked for almost three years at a startup designing digital health solutions, where I translated complex medical information into user-friendly content. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and my planned PhD in Melbourne, Australia, fell through due to bureaucratic hurdles. This felt like a significant setback. Yet, I continued my search for research opportunities abroad and eventually secured a position at UPO.
What am I doing at UPO? For nearly four years, I have been working on cell cultures, biological assays, bone tissue engineering, biomaterials, and bioreactors—a whole new universe! I am part of the Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Evaluation (INNOVATION) Laboratory, under the guidance of Professor Lia Rimondini and Professor Andrea Cochis. Our research group is diverse, with members from various nationalities and professional backgrounds. We have biotechnologists, microbiologists, bioengineers… and me.
These past four years have been an intensive journey of learning, growth, and unexpected discoveries. One of the biggest challenges was overcoming my initial lack of experience with these specific lab techniques. I spent countless hours reading, practicing, and asking questions. On a personal level, I learned Italian, navigated the bureaucracy (a hurdle in itself!), discovered Italian cuisine and now cook Italian dishes (with apologies to traditional Italians, as I do not always follow the recipes!), made friends, became a volunteer, and even found a husband!
Living in Italy has allowed me to experience the challenges of being a “stranger,” which has made me realize the deep importance of belonging. Explaining Lebanon, the Druze faith, my own beliefs, and dispelling misconceptions about Lebanese women has become a regular occurrence. This constant interaction reinforces the importance of cultural exchange and understanding. I have to admit, the pull of home is strong. I miss Lebanese food, especially my mom’s cooking. Yes, I know pizza, pasta, and “tutto il resto”, but nothing beats the taste of home. I miss my family, the time spent with my cousins and friends, and my cultural connections.
However, challenges are crucial for personal growth. They have pushed me to grow. I have learned that approaching any endeavor with commitment and joy is the surest way to reap its rewards. I have also learned that even when life leads us down unexpected paths, our ability to adapt, engage, and integrate determines the richness of our experience. As I continue my journey here, carrying a piece of Lebanon within me, I look forward to what the future holds.
Farah