Interview with Abdul-khaliq Abdul-matin

BS in Microbiology,
Anticipated Graduation:  December, 2019

What is your proudest accomplishment as an NC State student?

Being able to call members of “PACK” family. The relationships that I’ve forged here will be cherished for my lifetime and then some.

What do you love best about your department or major?

This department is phenomenal! They truly work as a microbiome, each uniquely managing to balance each other out to contribute to the development and function of each student. They are exemplary in their instructional and interpersonal skills, and if I could just be a micrometer of who they are, I’ll be okay.

What do you plan to do after graduating from NC State?

I want to work for a fun and passionate company that seeks to positively impact the world through speech and action.

Care to give a shout-out to a faculty or staff member that you’d like to recognize?

Okay! You asked for it. Dr. Olson for being my advisor. He shares my enthusiasm for Microbiology and I couldn’t think of anyone better to be in that position. Dr. Dunn for giving me my first research position, and always being there for me in times of need. Dr. Ramirez, Dr. Little, Dr. Gordy, Dr. Taveirne, Jennifer Greenstein, for making learning and science entertaining. Dr. Jamila Simpson for being such a pioneer and being a light to all who are lost. Mike Giancola for your instruction and guidance, Bradford Hill for showing me that checking my mental health is a collaborative process, and being a great guy all around. Chelsea Doub, you have been my spirit warrior, and my friend. Wesley Wade for being the G.O.A.T. and helping me with my resume and life. You da man! The entire Makerspace, and Ask Us staff at D.H.Hill and last but not least, all the professors that decided to cut me a check.

What advice would you give to students at the beginning of their degree program?

Find your “Core;” that means establishing relationships with the people who love you for who you are, period! It’s simple math:  A + B = C; people that love you for who you are will support you no matter what (A) + you figuring things out (B) = finding your purpose (C). I also will add that when you find your purpose you can then serve as an example and guide others to finding their purpose.

Words of wisdom from Abdul-khaliq:

When it’s all said and done, the impact we have on this world lives through our individual relationships with each other. I live by that.

Here are just some of the things Abdul-khaliq has been up to:

• Abdul-khaliq is a first-generation college student
• Transferred to NC State from Central Piedmont Community College where he earned the Dream Catchers Scholarship
• Is a first-generation college student
• Passionate about 3D printing, working with Makerspace and in research laboratories to create and bring dimensions to design
• Has over three years of laboratory experience in five different teaching and research laboratories.
• Presented at three conferences
• Pursuing a Leadership and Civic Engagement Certificate
• Has participated in the Sustainability Challenge and Princeton Ideathon
• Serves as a mentor for Justice Corps, a board member of the Abandon Project, and as a representative of the Microbiology Club.