As the university has ratcheted up its research endeavors in the past few years, so too have GW students. Among them are brothers Hamza and Faisal Rahimi, a junior and senior, respectively. Last year the pair established a GW chapter of The Triple Helix, an international organization that publishes print and online journals showcasing undergraduate analysis on science issues.
We caught up with Hamza Rahimi to discuss the group’s first year in business and how others can get involved.
Q: What gave you the idea to start chapter of The Triple Helix at GW?
A: I think there were a variety of factors that gave me the idea to bring Triple Helix to GWU. I think it first came about when President Obama had launched his “Educate to Innovate” campaign, which aimed at increasing student participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. My brother and I wanted to aid this initiative, and wanted to bring about an organization that would increase scientific curiosity and promote research analysis on important issues in science.
At the same time, with the hiring of [Leo] Chalupa as the vice president of research and plans for a new science and engineering complex, we felt that GWU would be moving towards a direction aimed at research and innovation.
Q: What is the main goal of the organization?
A: Triple Helix showcases undergraduate research and analysis on pressing science issues, and tries to break the archaic gap between science, business, society, and law. Our members produce research articles that are published in our e-journal, which is viewed throughout the globe. Our main goal is to spark scientific curiosity and discovery, and to create emerging leaders.
Q: Why do you think advancing undergraduate research is important at GW?
A: Research is one of the best ways students can use and apply the knowledge they have gained from the classroom in a new setting—whether it’s in a chemistry laboratory, conducting research on cancer or doing field research abroad. In addition, research allows students to explore their interests more in depth, sparks innovation, and can lead to discoveries that can help better the world.
Q: What has the organization been able to accomplish in its first year?
A: We have had top articles written by Parth Chauhan, Rohit Patil, Vivek Patel, Lauren Piccioli, and Sara Tehrani published on The Triple Helix’s e-journal. Lauren’s article was featured in Stanford School of Medicine’s Scope blog.
GWU hosted the annual Triple Helix Conference and Leadership Summit, which brought Triple Helix leaders from the U.S, Asia and Europe. And co-founder Faisal Rahimi was the first GW student to be a part of the executive management team for Triple Helix, as executive director of science policy. He is currently overseeing the establishment of science policy divisions for Triple Helix chapters at Harvard, Brown, Cornell, University of California-Berkeley, Arizona State University, Georgetown University, National University of Singapore and other prestigious universities.
Q: How many students are involved with Triple Helix?
We currently have 15 members, but are trying to expand to 25 to 50 members.
Q: How can others get involved with the organization?
A: We are looking for students with any major from the Elliott School, Columbian College, School of Engineering, and School of Business. We will be sending out applications through pre-med listservs, as well. Students can also email me at hrahimi@gwmail.gwu.edu if they’re interested in joining.
—By Eric Thibault
