Convenience Store Operations Lead at HotZone Mart, Rafat Abudayya LLC (2015-01 – Present)
Family Business
- Managed Daily Operations including customer service, stocking inventory, and handling transactions.
- Developed strong communication and problem-solving skills while assisting diverse customers.
Volunteer at Zakat Foundation (2016-09 – Present)
National Non-profit
- Started a Volunteer station in my city Lumberton in 2016 from the start of the devastating hurricane Matthew in 2016.
- Conduct semi-annual "pop-ups" in my community in which my team and I distribute hygiene products, water, food, etc.
Justice-Con Speaker at University of North Carolina at Pembroke (2023-04 – 2023-04)
- Talk titled, "Smile, It Looks Good On You", in which I delved into pop culture references around the art of smiling and explained the emotional and biological sciences behind it.
TEDxUNCPembroke Organizer at University of North Carolina at Pembroke (2023-05 – 2024-04)
- Held positions as Website Manager, Marketing Director, Editorial Lead, Communications Lead, and Head Designer for "TEDxUNCPembroke 2024"
- Introduced eight globally recognized speakers and had them come to share their ideas on our campus stage surrounding the theme "The Next Chapter in Life"
ECU Impressions Day Participant at ECU School of Dental Medicine (2024-02 – 2024-02)
- Invited to Participate in Impressions Day, where I was able to learn the dental school application process, interviews, and hands-on techniques, including making dental impressions in the Preclinical Techniques Lab.
- Developed proficiency in mixing and applying dental impression materials, improving attention to detail and manual dexterity essential for dental practice.
Missions of Mercy Clinic (MOM) Volunteer at North Carolina Dental Society (2024-02 – Present)
- Volunteered in helping the outreach program of the North Carolina Dental Society in providing free mobile dental clinics to rural areas across the state.
- Utilized skills in suctioning and sterilization of instruments to maintain a sterile and efficient working environment.
Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) Participant at University of Florida (2024-05 – 2024-05)
- Selected amongst 80 other driven pre-healthcare students across the nation at a 6-week summer program aimed for the underrepresented and underserved diverse population.
- Equipped with advance knowledge and understanding to pursue a career in the healthcare field, leading to a diverse and culturally competent workforce.
- Gained knowledge of skills needed to pursue a healthcare career, including social skills, interview skills, dexterity skills, and more.
Arabic Tutor at Islamic Center of Lumberton (2023-02 – Present)
- Customized tutoring sessions for 30+ local kids in age groups 8-13, addressing the importance of the Arabic language, including its roots and correct pronunciations.
- Implemented real life scenarios of conversations to give kids a closer look into the language of Arabic.
Teaching Assistant (TA) - Anatomy and Physiology at University of North Carolina at Pembroke (2024-12 – Present)
- Assist in both lecture and lab settings by reinforcing key concepts in human anatomy and physiology, allowing me to guide students through hands-on laboratory exercises, including dissections and physiological experiments.
- Collaborate with faculty to develop instructional strategies that improve student engagement and academic performance.
Research Experience - Principle Investigator at University of North Carolina at Pembroke (2024-12 – Present)
The Correlation Between Mental Health and Oral Hygiene Health in Southeastern North Carolina
- Collected and analyzed data on oral hygiene habits, general mental health, and perceptions of their relationship using statistical tests and thematic analysis.
- Designed and conducted a mixed-methods research study integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative insights.
- Presented my findings at multiple national research conference, including Duke, UPenn, and NCUR.
UNCP Student Panel Speaker at University of North Carolina at Pembroke (2025-01 – Present)
- Represent the student body as a knowledgeable and engaging ambassador for UNCP.
- Speak in front of prospective and incoming students, along with their families, about academic and campus life experiences.
Certified Peer Educator at University of North Carolina at Pembroke (2025-01 – Present)
- Serve as a campus resource, guiding students toward available support services and fostering a supportive academic environment.
- Trained to provide peer-to-peer support and education on health, wellness, and student success strategies.
