Ms. Alya Salman Alobaidi

Ms. Alya Alobaidi is a Fulbright Alumna who earned her Master of Science in Neuroscience with honors from the University of Hartford. During her graduate studies, she twice received the William and Dorothy Wallace Memorial Neuroscience Award for her academic excellence and research contributions. She completed her thesis research at the University of Connecticut Health Center, where she studied how Alzheimer’s disease disrupts the neural pathways that regulate bladder control, and also worked as a research assistant.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with honors at the University of Baghdad, after which she broadened her experience through a research internship in South Korea focusing on molecular neuroscience.

Her research has been presented at international conferences, including Yale University and Quinnipiac University, and published in peer-reviewed journals. Her work bridges neuroscience, molecular biology, and biomedical sciences, with projects ranging from nanodelivery systems for cancer therapy to studying functional impairments in Alzheimer’s disease models.

Alongside her research, Ms. Alobaidi is dedicated to teaching and mentoring. She integrates neuroscience and psychology into her pedagogy, designing laboratory experiences that foster critical thinking and curiosity. Known for encouraging her students to challenge themselves, she views education as a shared journey of resilience and growth.

As a Fulbright alumna, she has supported young Iraqi scholars through workshops and consultations on international exchange programs, reflecting her commitment to empowering the next generation and building educational bridges between Iraq and the world.

Her academic interests include neuroscience, molecular biology, science education, and the integration of psychology into teaching practice.