Osman Belal’s journey from Flint, Michigan, to the National Institutes of Health is a testament to resilience, dedication and the transformative power of education. A 2022 graduate of the University of Michigan-Flint’s College of Health Sciences majoring in Health Sciences, Belal’s story is one of overcoming challenges and pursuing a passion for research that seeks to make a real difference in the world.
Academic Journey
Originally from Flint, Belal attended three different undergraduate institutions. His academic path was not straightforward—he faced challenges at a large University, including being placed on academic probation, partly due to a lack of support in the large institution setting.
“The environment was very different for me, and the rigor of courses was something I had not fully grasped initially,” Belal said. “The size of the institution made it difficult to get the support I needed.”
However, instead of giving in to discouragement, this moment became a turning point for him. Supported by his family, especially his mother and older sister, he decided to take time off to reevaluate his goals and improve his study habits.
Belal’s decision to transfer to UM-Flint proved pivotal.
“At UM-Flint, I found the support system I needed,” he said. “The one-on-one time with professors, like Jie Song, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, College of Innovation and Technology, made a huge difference. It wasn’t just about small class sizes; it was about faculty being genuinely invested in the success of their students.”
Indeed, Belal thrived at UM-Flint. He was named to the Dean’s List and became deeply involved in various student organizations. He served as the president of the Club Basketball Association and secretary of the Muslim Student Association (MSA), and he was an active member of the MCAT Club.
The Road to NIH
During his gap year after graduation, Belal applied to various research positions, ultimately securing a spot at the NIH. His initial work focused on COVID-19 research, specifically studying the long-term symptoms of the virus in patients. However, it was an email about addiction research that piqued his interest and eventually redirected his focus. Under the mentorship of Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse and a pioneer in changing the perception of addiction from a criminal issue to a medical condition, Belal found his calling.
“I went in with this mindset that addiction was purely a willpower issue,” Belal said. “Within a week of working under Dr. Volkow, that perception was completely flipped. I saw concrete evidence of how addiction changes brain chemistry, making it far more complex than societal stigma suggests.”
Inspiration and Future Aspirations
Belal credits much of his drive to the impact of strong role models, including his parents and Volkow. Being Sudanese and coming from an immigrant family, Belal feels a profound sense of responsibility and gratitude for the opportunities he has had. His long-term goal is to become a doctor, focusing on global health.
“Seeing the reality of healthcare in Sudan and other places of need has fueled my determination to make a difference. It’s about using the privileges I’ve had to give back,” he said.
Belal also highlights the importance of representation in science and medicine and aims to inspire other minorities to pursue careers in these fields.
“Being a part of the NIH has shown me the value of diversity in research. I hope to pave the way for others who come from similar backgrounds,” he added.
Giving Back
Belal remains committed to staying connected with UM-Flint. He is particularly passionate about providing current students with knowledge of research opportunities.
“Knowing about opportunities is half the battle. I want to make sure Flint students are aware of what’s out there and have the resources to succeed,” he said.
Belal’s story is not just about personal success but also about the broader impact that education, mentorship and resilience can have. His journey from Flint to the NIH is a powerful reminder of the heights that can be achieved with determination and support.