Doctoral student researching infectious diseases named to two honor societies
Abdullahi Jamiu witnessed the devastating impact of the Ebola virus, sparking his passion for research in infectious diseases. This drive led him to Virginia Tech, and recently he was inducted into two prestigious honor societies.
Jamiu, a doctoral student and research assistant in the biomedical and veterinary sciences program within the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, has been inducted into Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society, and Omicron Delta Kappa.
He is also a recipient of a Sigma Xi Outstanding Student Research Award, receiving $1,550 to apply toward research and the opportunity to present at the most recent Sigma Xi Spring Reception and Induction Ceremony.
An internship at the University College Hospital, in Ibadan, Nigeria, amid the 2014 Ebola outbreak motivated Jamiu’s direction toward researching infectious diseases.
“I saw people incapacitated and unable to help themselves because there were no specific treatments or approved vaccines for Ebola at that time,” Jamiu said. “That sparked my interest in infectious disease. And led me to decide that I want to be part of the solution. I want to contribute to infectious disease research, and development of medical countermeasures to be able to help people and save lives.”
Jamiu, who has published research on drug development against various infectious agents, including COVID-19, drug-resistant Candida species, and bacteria, is presently working in the laboratory of Kylene Kehn-Hall on the mechanisms of pathogenesis and developing novel therapeutics against emerging neuroinvasive alphaviruses, including Venezuelan, Western, and Eastern equine encephalitis virus, which are zoonotic pathogens that can infect both equines and humans.
Jamiu has already presented his research findings at over 14 conferences, including the Black in Microbiology Early Career Research Symposium and, most recently, the American Society for Virology 2024 Annual Meeting. He has received travel awards from the American Society for Virology, the biomedical and veterinary sciences program, and the Graduate and Professional Student Senate to attend these events.
“I want to continue positioning myself to contribute to the scientific community,” Jamiu said. “I have greatly benefited from both academic and nonacademic mentorship, and I feel it is important to give back and support the scientific community in return.”
After earning his bachelor's degree in Nigeria, Jamiu completed a master's degree in microbiology at the University of the Free State in South Africa. During his time there, he served as a teaching and research assistant, guiding students through microbiology practical and lectures. Additionally, he supports students from diverse backgrounds in accessing scholarship opportunities for graduate education.
"I have positioned myself to assist individuals from underrepresented communities, like myself, in accessing essential resources, particularly those needed to explore scholarship opportunities for graduate education," Jamiu said.
In Nigeria, Jamiu participated in initiatives to visit communities and educate them on HIV, malaria, and other infectious diseases, providing free testing and distributing preventative materials, such as mosquito nets for malaria. While at Virginia Tech, Jamiu has volunteered at local high schools to educate students about infectious diseases and has served as a judge at various science fairs.
Jamiu is also a member of American Association for the Advancement of Science and Infectious Disease Society of America.
Sigma Xi is a nonprofit honor society for scientists and engineers, founded in 1886 at Cornell University to enhance the health of the research enterprise, foster integrity in science and engineering, and promote the public's understanding of science.
Sigma Xi has nearly 60,000 members, which have included the likes of Albert Einstein, Linus Pauling and Sally Ride, and over 500 chapters worldwide. Membership is by invitation only.
Sigma Xi publishes American Scientist magazine.
Omicron Delta Kappa is an honor society recognizing achievement in five areas: academics and research, athletics, campus and community service, journalism and media, and creative/performing arts. It was founded in 1914 at Washington and Lee University and has over 300 active chapters and 330,000-plus lifetime members.
Graduate membership is selected based on academic scholarship and demonstrated outstanding leadership. Notable members of Omicron Delta Kappa include George H.W. Bush, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Peyton Manning. No more than 3 to 5 percent of an institution’s total undergraduate enrollment may be inducted in any year.
