Meet Hamid Abuwarda: Bridging the Gap Between Medicine and Machine Learning
Hamid presents his research findings at SFN 2023 in Washington, D.C.
Meet Hamid Abuwarda, a dedicated 4th-year MD/PhD student playing a vital role in Dr. Carolyn Fredericks lab at Yale University. Hamid's journey into the world of neuroscience and machine learning is as intriguing as the research he conducts.
Academic Background
Hamid began his academic journey by completing a Bachelor's degree in biology at UC Irvine. Prior to attending Yale, he immersed himself in wet lab work in a neural stem cell lab, exploring the impact of mechanical forces on neural development. Hamid's passion for experimental work paved the way for his transition into the era of big data.
Research Interests
Hamid's primary interest lies in leveraging machine learning techniques to enhance medical practices, particularly in the field of neurology. He sees machine learning as a powerful tool when used effectively. One of his ongoing projects involves unraveling the changes in brain activity in individuals who do not exhibit symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, aiming to understand the early stages of the condition.
Collaborations
In the collaborative spirit of our lab, Hamid works closely with Dr. Todd Constable, a prominent figure in machine learning in neuroscience, specifically focusing on functional MRI.
Achievements and Awards
Hamid's dedication and contributions to research earned him the YCCI Predoctoral Multidisciplinary Award this summer, providing crucial support for his work.
Professional Development
Always eager to expand his knowledge, Hamid actively participates in conferences and events. He will be presenting a poster at the Society for Neuroscience in 2023, and looks forward to engaging with the community at HAI in January and AAIC in July.
Favorite Tools/Techniques
Hamid's research is enriched by the use of connectome-based predictive modeling, a technique that allows him to identify brain connections correlated with disease outcomes, such as the progression of pathology or cognitive decline.
Future Goals
With aspirations of becoming an academic physician in neurology, Hamid aims to contribute significantly to the understanding of Alzheimer's Disease while broadening his scope to other neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Outside Interests
Beyond the lab, Hamid finds joy in cooking, baking, lifting, climbing, and biking.
Fun Facts
Hamid has 207 bones in his body, as a result of a broken wrist bone never fused back together.
Words of Wisdom
Hamid's advice to aspiring researchers is simple yet profound: find the balance to enjoy the work you do.
Hamid Abuwarda's journey is a testament to the interdisciplinary nature of modern research. His work not only advances our understanding of neurological diseases but also exemplifies the importance of collaboration and a well-rounded approach to scientific inquiry. As we continue our exploration at the intersection of medicine and machine learning, Hamid's contributions serve as an inspiration for aspiring researchers and a reminder to find joy in the pursuit of knowledge.