Difference Makers
UM-Dearborn Difference Makers are at the forefront of their fields. They’re improving the lives of others and making an impact on campus and in our local communities.
Previous Education
Mariam Aoun works to help others improve body and mind.
The biochemistry student said her life goal is to become a successful physician who uses her knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on the community.
“I hope to improve the quality of healthcare in the community. I also plan to volunteer in medical facilities across disadvantaged communities and to conduct research that will contribute to the medical field,” she said. “As a healthcare professional, I will strive to empathize with patients and provide care with passion, irrespective of race, ethnicity, religion or language.”
She’s been active in the campus community to prepare her for the next step.
As a biological psychology laboratory research assistant, she worked on a study to analyze effects of positive emotions on occupational stress and stress-related cardiovascular responses in the workplace.
“Since our research involved the field of biological psychology, I was able to integrate the knowledge I have acquired as a biochemistry major and a psychology minor and appreciate the importance of applying both the natural and the behavioral sciences,” said Aoun, who had the opportunity to present results with the team at the Health Psychology Research Symposium. “The experience of conducting research and presenting it to other students and faculty improved my critical thinking skills and contributed to my intellectual growth.”
She also has served as a Supplemental Instruction (SI) leader for general physics courses, helping students who may be struggling in the course by offering practice problems or providing advice on how to improve their study skills.
Outside of her studies, Aoun spends much of her time volunteering—tutoring special needs children at the Center for Exceptional Families, assisting seniors at Henry Ford Hospice and creating a library space for a Detroit elementary school with the Books for a Benefit UM-Dearborn chapter.
“A Difference Maker is an individual who invests time and effort to contribute to the well-being of the campus and the greater community,” she said.
