Class of 2026: Marcel Shams-Eddin is committed to serving his community

Marcel Shams-Eddin, an affiliate with the Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, hopes to apply microbiological research to address pressing issues in infectious diseases and biotechnology after he graduates. Photo courtesy of Marcel Shams-Eddin.

Name: Marcel Shams-Eddin

College: College of Sciences

Department: Department of Biological Sciences

Degree: Ph.D. in Biological Sciences

Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon

Plans after graduation: Postdoctoral Fellow

Favorite Hokie memory: Being part of the CeZAP and ID-IGEP community and receiving the Student Service Award stands out as a defining part of my time at Virginia Tech.

Research interest(s): Bacterial spore germination, microbial survival mechanisms, protein interactions, and antimicrobial resistance, with applications in infectious disease control.

Extracurricular Activities and Hobbies: Outside the lab, I enjoy playing soccer, staying active, and mentoring students. I value opportunities to engage with the academic community beyond research, particularly through collaborative and service-oriented initiatives.

What inspired you to choose your major, and how has it shaped your journey so far? My interest in microbiology began with a curiosity about how microscopic organisms can have such a profound impact on human health. During my MS and Ph.D., this curiosity developed into a focused interest in bacterial survival and resistance mechanisms. Through my research, I gained a deeper appreciation for the complexity of microbial systems and their relevance to real-world challenges. This journey has shaped my goal of applying microbiological research to address pressing issues in infectious diseases and biotechnology.

Shams-Eddin and his peers from David Popham's lab. Photo courtesy of Marcel Shams-Eddin.

Shams-Eddin and other graduate students in the CeZAP Infectious Disease Interdisciplinary Graduate Education Program. Photo Courtesy of Marcel Shams-Eddin.

Are there any professors or mentors who made a significant impact on your path? My advisor Dr. David L. Popham played a central role in shaping my development as a scientist, providing both guidance and independence throughout my Ph.D. His mentorship helped me develop critical thinking skills, resilience, and confidence in approaching complex scientific problems. I also benefited greatly from the support of my lab members and the broader CeZAP and ID-IGEP communities, which fostered collaboration and continuous learning.

What are you most excited about as you step into this new chapter? I am excited to apply my training in microbiology and molecular biology to real-world challenges in healthcare and biotechnology. I look forward to contributing to research that addresses infectious diseases and has a meaningful impact beyond the laboratory.

Anything else you would like to share? Being part of the CeZAP community was a defining aspect of my time at Virginia Tech. Through conference participation, seminars, and community engagement, I had the opportunity to connect with researchers across disciplines and grow both scientifically and professionally. Receiving the Student Service Award was especially meaningful, as it recognized my contributions beyond research and my commitment to the community. I am grateful to CeZAP and the ID-IGEP program for their support and for creating an environment that fostered both scientific and personal growth.