“Mushroor is a very dedicated, hard-working, and incredibly bright undergraduate researcher who has made tremendous contributions to our lab environment and productivity. He often comes in early and stays late and is driven by strong intellectual curiosity to uncover mechanisms of health and disease.”-Banu Gumusoglu, assistant professor

Hometown: Dubuque, Iowa

Faculty mentor/advisor: Banu Gumusoglu, assistant professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carver College of Medicine

What is your degree program and anticipated graduation date? BS in Biology, Spring 2024

Please describe your research: In my research I look at prenatal and gestational impacts of using Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI), a class of antidepressant medications, using a wide variety of techniques.

In simple terms, why does this research matter? I believe this research matters for many reasons. If the impacts of SSRI use can be understood, there can be further ways to prevent risk and look for future therapeutic targets in humans regarding preeclampsia.  This, all in all, would help a lot of people both physically and mentally.

How soon after starting at the University of Iowa were you able to participate in research? Very soon, can start as soon as you enter, but I started my sophomore year of college.

How has being involved in research made you more successful at the University of Iowa? Being involved in research helped me in many ways. One way it has helped me is by furthering my knowledge in medicine. A second way it helped me is by preparing for upper-level undergraduate courses. A final way it has made me more successful is through the multiple opportunities it has given for me to collaborate and share information with like-minded individuals.

What are your career goals and/or plans after graduation? Partake in more research and then go to med school.

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