We recently connected with Nourhan El sherif and have shared our conversation below.
Nourhan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
One fateful day, my parents made a life-altering decision that uprooted our lives from the familiar bustle of Cairo, Egypt, and replanted us in the vast unknown of Houston, Texas. It was a leap of faith, driven by their hope for better education and opportunities for my siblings and me. Yet, this came at a significant cost: they left behind their flourishing careers, deep-rooted friendships and family, cherished memories, and the essence of their cultural roots. In Houston, they faced daunting challenges as they restart their lives from scratch and rebuilt identities as they try to assimilate. Despite their own immense struggles, they shielded us from the weight of their sacrifices, ensuring our path remained as hopeful as the dream that brought us here. Their resilience became our foundation, and their quiet sacrifices, the unseen threads that held us together as we forged a new beginning.
My parents have always been my greatest champions. Their unwavering support and encouragement lift me up whenever I feel lost or overwhelmed in the vastness of a big campus, a new city, or an unfamiliar environment. Since childhood, I’ve admired their vast knowledge and effortless ability to engage in conversations on a multitude of topics. Their understanding of diverse cultures and their frequent travels for work painted a picture of worldly sophistication that left me in awe. To my young, starry-eyed self, their lives seemed almost too grand to emulate. Yet, their example inspired me to dream ambitiously and reach for the stars.
Growing up in America, I have seen many of my dreams come to life, all thanks to the inspiration and unwavering support of my parents. I graduated from Boston University’s College of Engineering with Latin Honors, spent five transformative months studying abroad in Madrid, and gained invaluable experience during an internship with Siemens Healthineers in Indiana. Each of these milestones has not only allowed me to immerse myself in diverse cultures, learn new languages, and connect with people from various backgrounds, but also to embrace new challenges and step outside my comfort zone. My ability to dive into new experiences and expand my horizons is a direct result of watching my parents, who have always pushed themselves to explore, grow, and connect. Their example taught me to approach the unknown with curiosity and courage, empowering me to chase my aspirations and contribute meaningfully to every new community I join.
My achievements and experiences would not have been possible without the sacrifices my parents made and the steadfast support they provided. Their resilience and dedication have shaped who I am today, and for that, I am profoundly grateful. I strive to honor their sacrifices and make them proud, knowing that their dreams and mine are intricately intertwined.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Nourhan, also known as Noura. I recently graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering and a minor in Computer Engineering. I am Kilachand Honors Scholar and a KPMG Future Leader. My journey into the field began with a deep curiosity about how technology can revolutionize healthcare, driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to improving patient outcomes and advancing medical technology.
During my time at Boston University, I engaged in diverse research projects that deepened my understanding and polished my skills. At the Boston University Medical Campus Renal department, my project focused on chronic kidney disease, while at the Charles River Campus Biomedical Engineering department, I delved into cell and tissue biomechanics and antimicrobial resistance. These experiences not only honed my technical expertise but also instilled in me a passion for interdisciplinary collaboration and problem-solving in complex challenges.
One of the highlights of my academic journey was my Senior Capstone Project, where my team investigated sex-based differences in tensional homeostasis, exploring the underlying mechanisms that contribute to females’ susceptibility to soft tissue degenerative diseases. Our project was recognized with the Societal Impact award for its contributions to such a critical area of research.
In addition to my academic achievements, I have been actively involved in leadership roles, including serving on the executive board of the Engineering Student Government, the Islamic Society of Boston University, and the North African Student Organization. I also dedicated myself to welcoming new students as a Dean’s host for the College of Engineering and served as a student ambassador and peer mentor within the honors college. I was honored to receive the Engineering Alumni Association Student Leader Award for my distinguished contributions to the College of Engineering and Boston University. These experiences have not only enriched my interpersonal skills but also reinforced my commitment to collaborative leadership and making a positive impact within my community.
Looking ahead, I am excited to start my career as an Integration Engineer with EPIC Systems in Madison, WI. EPIC Systems is a leading software company specializing in electronic health records (EHR) solutions that empower healthcare organizations worldwide to improve patient care, streamline clinical workflows, and boost operational performance. I am honored to join a company celebrated for its exceptional culture, deep appreciation for its employees, and commitment to positively impacting the community. Leveraging my interdisciplinary background in Biomedical and Computer Engineering, I look forward to bridging technology and healthcare as part of EPIC’s team. I am dedicated to continuous learning and innovation, and I am eager to collaborate with my new colleagues to advance patient care and drive EPIC’s mission of enhancing healthcare delivery. By applying my skills and experiences, I hope to support EPIC in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in healthcare technology.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Leading my senior capstone project was by far my greatest success and challenge in team leadership. The project carried high stakes as we aimed to conclude our final year on a high note. What made our team exceptional was our close acquaintance and longstanding friendships. While forming teams with friends is often cautioned against due to potential conflicts, we leveraged our understanding of each other’s work ethics and competencies. This ensured a strong foundation from the start!
Each team member delivered exceptional work, yet we encountered several setbacks and failures throughout our experiments. The early mornings and late nights took a toll on everyone’s health, focus, and morale. Nonetheless, we persevered. After numerous trials, practice runs, and adjustments to refine our project into a polished presentation, we finally achieved tremendous success, earning recognition from our professors for our technical components. The ultimate reward came at graduation, where our significant research contributions were recognized and celebrated.
Our success can be attributed to several key practices. We started by establishing clear goals and expectations, then delegated roles, ensuring everyone understood their responsibilities and was satisfied with them. Communication was critical—we maintained an open dialogue, held regular updates, and bi-weekly check-ins to stay aligned and motivated amid adversity.
Collaboration was foundational to our achievements. We prioritized teamwork, shared knowledge, and supported each other’s efforts, which not only enhanced project outcomes but also strengthened our team cohesion. Celebrating achievements, both big and small, continued to boost our morale and sustain our drive for excellence. We also found joy in documenting our journey by sharing photos and videos within our team. This was key! It transformed challenging moments into memorable bonding experiences and helped find laughter amidst painstaking challenges.
Empowering each team member to take ownership of tasks promoted a sense of commitment and accountability. When conflicts arose, we addressed them quickly and constructively through open dialogue, where team members felt encouraged to openly express their thoughts, concerns, and perspectives.
Recognizing the importance of personal well-being, especially during our final year of college, we actively promoted work-life balance by rotating responsibilities and supporting one another with time off when needed, ensuring everyone could attend to their personal commitments. This was a case where having a larger team was particularly beneficial, as it allowed us to share workloads effectively and maintain our productivity. This approach not only prevented burnout but also fostered a culture of mutual respect for each other’s time and commitments.
These strategies not only allowed us to achieve our goals, but it also honed valuable skills in teamwork, communication, and resilience. Navigating challenges together prepared us well for future collaborations, armed with the invaluable lessons we learned as a team.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
Beyond training and knowledge, harnessing strong people skills is absolutely crucial for thriving in the biotech and healthcare industry. Emotional intelligence, which empowers us to understand and manage our emotions while empathizing deeply with others, is a game-changer. It not only enhances our ability to collaborate effectively and lead with empathy but also strengthens client relationships, fostering trust and long-term partnerships.
Networking and relationship building are not just beneficial—they’re transformative. Building a vibrant professional network opens doors to exciting collaborations, invaluable mentorships, and limitless career advancement opportunities. Cultivating genuine connections with colleagues, industry peers, and mentors enriches our journey with shared wisdom, support, and camaraderie that fuel our aspirations.
Ethical decision-making is our compass for success. Upholding ethical standards and integrity in every facet of work builds a foundation of trust and credibility. By consistently making decisions that align with our values and considering the broader impact of our actions, we contribute positively to our communities and uphold the ethical fabric of our profession.
Finally, infusing passion and kindness into our work naturally inspires us to uphold meticulous attention to detail and elevate our expertise and dedication. Embracing a community-centered design ethos in engineering propels us to innovate responsibly and make meaningful contributions that address real-world challenges. With these qualities at our core, we not only excel professionally, but also drive positive change and leave a lasting impact.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: n.nourhann
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nourhan-e/
Image Credits
the solo shot of me in my red graduation gown was taken by Micah Fong