Shahin Hamzeh ’26: Biomedical Researcher & Campus Leader

Shahin Hamzeh ’26 is a Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology major and Davis United World College Scholar from Swaida, Syria. Shahin embraced every opportunity Whitman College had to offer, including research, healthcare service, and campus involvement, growing as a scientist, mentor, and campus leader.

Shahin’s Whitman Highlights:

• Chair of the Whitman Events Board 
• Scholarship Chair for Beta Theta Pi 
• Associated Students of Whitman College Senator for Student Development

Shahin quickly immersed himself in campus life, joining the Whitman Events Board during his first year and serving as Chair, where he helped create events that brought students together. He also tutored students in math and chemistry, worked as an Admission Intern and as a Reid Campus Center Building Manager—his favorite place on campus!

Through a Whitman Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Shahin conducted glioblastoma research at the Mayo Clinic in Loic Deleyrolle’s lab, studying CAR-T cell therapy and innovative cancer treatments. That experience became the foundation of his senior thesis and deepened his interest in biomedical research and medicine. He also gained hands-on experience by volunteering in the emergency room and cancer center at Providence St. Mary Medical Center and at the local SOS Health Services Clinic.

What’s next? Shahin will spend another summer conducting glioblastoma research at Mayo Clinic before taking a gap year to volunteer across Europe. After that, he plans to attend medical school and continue pursuing a career in medical research.