VMCVM Faculty Spotlight: Sahar Abdelrazek
Sahar Abdelrazek
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology
When did you join the veterinary college?
2 Years ago
The best part of being a faculty is?
Knowing that my work can have an impact beyond the laboratory, supporting animal and plant health, protecting agricultural systems, and helping address emerging disease threats.
Best advice I've gotten...
The best advice I ever received was just three words: 'Give it a try.' Action creates clarity, and you learn infinitely more from a single attempt than you do from years of overthinking. Regret hurts a lot more than failure. If you try and fail, you get a lesson. If you don't try at all, you're left wondering 'what if' forever. So here I am, stepping out of my comfort zone and applying that advice in real time… by voluntarily doing this spotlight.
How would you capture the essence of your work in a newspaper headline?
"Turning My Pipette into a Magic Wand to Eradicate Global Diseases"
My hidden talent...
Stock market trading and DIY remodeling.
A person who has inspired me...
The person who has inspired me most is my father (Abdelrazek). He originated from a large rural household of eight siblings, where his father served the community as a paramedic. Through immense dedication and a strong work ethic, he became the Dean of an Agricultural College. With a perfect balance of firmness, humor, and deep empathy, he consistently supported our family, championed our education, and provided us with an exceptional upbringing. He is the blueprint for the kind of person and educator I strive to be every day.
Words of encouragement to a current veterinary college student...
I want to share a message specifically for our students managing visible or invisible disabilities. Your disability is a part of your story, but it does not define who you are. While no one chooses to face these challenges, you did choose your dreams. You are a vital part of our community, you are seen, and you are heard. Virginia Tech is dedicated to ensuring you have the exact accommodations and supportive environment you need to thrive. Always remember that you can turn the impossible into 'I’m possible.' There is a place for you in veterinary medicine, and you will find your own unique way to thrive.
One misconception that all students seem to have is?
That because I work at the College of Veterinary Medicine, I must have a veterinary medicine degree (DVM). In reality, I do have a master's and two PhDs, none related to a DVM, which allows me to bring a different, specialized perspective to animal and plant health.
If I had a superpower, it would be...
If I had a superpower, it would be turning my pipette into a magic wand that eradicates diseases and suffering in humans, animals, and plants worldwide. The fact that it would also save countless hours of grant writing is purely a happy coincidence.
This excites me the most about the future of my industry...
The rapid advancement of technology such as real-time metagenomic sequencing. We are moving toward a future where we can detect and neutralize emerging biosecurity threats almost instantly, completely changing how we protect global food systems and animal health. While some scientists argue that surveillance matters most when we already have a specific cure or treatment, I believe that knowing is its own immense power. Armed with the right genomic data, we can implement integrated disease management strategies to mitigate threats effectively, even when no targeted treatments are available.
A cause I'm most passionate about...
Nothing excites me more than discovering a new pathogen invading a novel host! We recently identified a unique case related to agricultural biosecurity involving Robbsia in chickpeas, a host invasion that had never been documented before. It was incredibly rewarding to easily capture it using metagenomic sequencing after traditional diagnostic methods struggled to find it.
Favorite way to end the day...
Connecting with my kids and listening to them share the highlights, hurdles, and humor of their day.
Top of my bucket list...
Top of my bucket list is performing Hajj. Though I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Saudi Arabia multiple times, experiencing the sacred pilgrimage remains my ultimate dream.
My favorite quote...
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou
How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
I do not own any; however, our family have fostered 23 pets so far, mostly cats and dogs. The hardest part of that is when they leave to go to an owner for adoption—that part breaks our hearts as a family. Also, one time, one of the kittens faced major challenges and was about to die, which actually held me back from fostering for a while. The best part of it is when the kids give them silly names that actually match them (like Mitten, Oreo and Peanut Butter!), and the new owners like them and keep them. (See attached pictures)
Anything else to add?
I am deeply grateful to be part of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine community, specifically the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology. It is filled with such wonderful people, and I am proud to work alongside them to create the bridge between the College of Veterinary Medicine and the College of Agriculture.
