Elio Adib, MD
Radiation Oncology Researcher at Harvard University
When I first arrived in the U.S., I had no research experience and no idea how to get started. Over the past six years at Harvard, I’ve had the privilege of working with great mentors, who shaped every step of my academic journey. So far, I've co-authored >40 publications, and I’ve had the opportunity to present at national conferences, win multiple awards, and build a strong professional network—especially in the field of radiation oncology.
Now, as a Curvia mentor, I’m passionate about paying it forward. Everything Curvia stands for—structured guidance, meaningful research, and personalized mentorship—is exactly what I experienced firsthand. If you’re just getting started and don’t know where to begin, Curvia is the place to grow. I’m living proof that it works.
Adham Ahmed
Graduating Medical Student, CUNY School of Medicine
Coming from a medical school without a home cardiothoracic surgery program—and with no family or mentors in medicine—I knew the path to becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon would be anything but easy. But I was driven by a dream and a deep desire to serve patients through one of the most technically and emotionally demanding specialties in medicine.
Everything changed when I met Dr. Irbaz Hameed as an undergraduate student in New York. What began as a simple opportunity turned into a six-year mentorship that transformed my life. Under Dr. Hameed’s guidance, I went from doing passive, manual research tasks to leading multiple projects and publishing in several high-impact journals including JACC, JAMA Internal Medicine, European Heart Journal and JTCVS. He taught me how to think critically, write with purpose, and stay grounded in the "why" behind every project.
But the mentorship didn’t stop at research. Dr. Hameed also gave me personalized advice on preparing for away rotations, studying for standardized exams, writing my personal statement, and getting involved with national organizations like TSMA and TSRA. His support helped me navigate each step of the residency application process with confidence.
Last March, I matched into the Integrated Cardiothoracic Surgery residency program at UPMC. I’m now one step closer to becoming the surgeon I always aspired to be. Achieving this dream was largely thanks to the amazing mentorship I received along the way.
As I begin this next chapter, I’m excited to join Curvia as a mentor. I know what it’s like to start from scratch and have good people helping guide me. I want to pay forward the mentorship that changed my life and help the next generation of students find their path—just like Dr. Hameed helped me find mine.
Samantha Colón
Medical Student, CUNY School of Medicine
Working with Dr. Irbaz Hameed has been one of the most transformative experiences of my academic and professional journey. As a mentor and coach, Dr. Hameed provided not only research opportunities but also invaluable guidance, encouragement, and advocacy at every step. Under his mentorship, I had the privilege of leading a wellness-focused cardiothoracic surgery project that culminated in a first-author publication in the European Heart Journal. Beyond the technical and scholarly training, Dr. Hameed helped me build the confidence and skills to pursue ambitious projects and connect with a broader community of like-minded professionals.
Curvia offers exactly the kind of mentorship and access that students, especially those from institutions with limited research infrastructure, often find hard to come by. Its mission to bridge the gap between students and top-tier researchers is both powerful and necessary. I believe that this platform will be especially appealing to undergraduates and early graduate students seeking mentorship, publications, and career guidance.
The support I’ve received has already opened doors for me in cardiothoracic surgery, a field I am deeply passionate about, and I have no doubt Curvia will be a game-changer for students across the globe.
Tarek Mouhieddine, MD
Multiple Myeloma Specialist, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
I didn’t come from a place where research opportunities were abundant. What I had was curiosity, drive, and a deep desire to contribute something meaningful. The path to publishing, networking, and making a name in academic medicine wasn’t handed to me—it was built piece by piece, with persistence and mentorship.
Today, I’m a specialist at Dana-Farber, with over 50 publications and a national footprint in multiple myeloma research. But what I’m most proud of is helping others rise—students who once doubted they could write a paper now presenting at national conferences, matching at top programs, and publishing in leading journals.
That’s why I joined Curvia. It’s more than a platform—it’s a launchpad for students from all walks of life to discover their potential, find their voice in science, and realize that research isn’t just for the few. It’s for anyone willing to learn.
