Congratulations to Dr. Samina Akbar, a true Shining Star at Marian University’s Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine. Through her unwavering dedication as a professor and as the chair of the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Dr. Akbar has transformed the learning environment for countless students. Her commitment to excellence shines both in the classroom-where she continually updates curricula to reflect equity, belonging, and representation, and in her mentorship, guiding future healthcare professionals to recognize and address disparities in medicine.
Beyond the campus, Dr. Akbar has led in professional societies, such as the American Society for Microbiology and the Indiana Academy of Science
“Dr. Abkar has been featured in a recent Spotlight by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), one of the leading professional associations in the field,” said Amanda Wright, DO, dean of the Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine. ”This is a tremendous and well-deserved honor that highlights her outstanding contributions to microbiology and commitment to service. Being recognized by ASM is not only a significant personal achievement for Dr. Abkar but also a reflection of the excellence within our college. We are proud to count her among our faculty and celebrate this milestone as a testament to the impact of her work and leadership.”