by Tamarreo Tatum
Abubakar Sadik Mohammed, OD, a Vision Science Graduate Program doctoral student, received the Graduate Student Leader Award for founding an organization that brings emerging researchers’ work directly to Alabama state lawmakers.
"Winning the Graduate Student Leader Award is truly humbling," Mohammed said. "As president and founder of the UAB Science Policy Advocacy Network (SPAN), this recognition reflects the collective passion and impact of our efforts to connect science, advocacy and community engagement."
Mohammed, who also works as a clinician, founded SPAN after identifying a gap in opportunities for graduate trainees and postdoctoral researchers to engage with science policy and public advocacy.
"I saw the need for a space where graduate trainees and postdocs could learn about science policy, advocacy and public engagement," he said.
Among the organization’s accomplishments, Mohammed highlighted a partnership with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. Together, they organized a cancer research symposium at the Alabama State House. The event brought researchers from institutions across the state to present posters and deliver lightning talks directly to state legislators.
"It was inspiring to see scientists communicate the importance of biomedical research and its impact on patients, healthcare and communities across the state," he said.
SPAN’s faculty advisor, Peter Jones, PhD, associate professor, praised the organization’s broader significance to the university’s mission.
"This award recognizes the outstanding leadership and exceptional work of the UAB Science Policy Advocacy Network," Jones said. "Their commitment to connecting rigorous research with evidence-based policymaking exemplifies UAB's mission to serve the public good and ensure that science informs decisions that shape our communities."
Mohammed’s involvement at UAB has always been driven by a desire to extend his graduate experience beyond the laboratory. "As a and a graduate trainee, I felt it was imperative to build connections between researchers, policymakers and the broader community," he said. "It was meaningful to contribute to conversations on how research continues to improve healthcare and scientific innovation in Alabama and across the United States."
Mohammed received the honor at the UAB Student Excellence Awards, which annually recognize students across the university for academic achievement, leadership and contributions to campus and community life.