Dr. Amna Mehmood

• hat first drew you to Constructor (Jacobs) University, and how did it shape you?

Jacobs drew me because it offered a global community and world-class science in one place. It was the first environment where I could imagine a future beyond borders. Living and studying with people from everywhere shaped not just my scientific journey but also my worldview: that diversity is strength, and education is a powerful tool for transformation.

• Which professor or academic experience sparked your passion for molecular biology and research?

My scientific foundation was shaped by Prof. Dr. Matthias Ulrich. His mentorship during my master’s and PhD years ignited my passion for molecular biology and protein engineering. The curiosity I developed there eventually guided me into photoacoustic cancer diagnostics, where I engineered reporter proteins to detect tumors non-invasively. That spark started at Jacobs.

• How did daily multicultural life influence you?

Jacobs offered something truly unique: the experience of sharing a meal with students from 10 different countries at one table. You learn more about the world in those conversations than from any course. That environment taught me empathy, adaptability, intercultural communication, and the value of understanding perspectives far from your own. It shaped not only my identity, but also my purpose.

• How did being a Resident Associate shape your mentorship and intercultural leadership? 

Being a Resident Associate in Krupp College meant living with and supporting students from more than 100 nations. I learned how to mediate, guide, and create belonging for people far from home. It taught me that leadership is service. This experience is the foundation of the intercultural training and mentoring I now design for international and diaspora students.

• How did Constructor (Jacobs) University prepare you to establish the National Reference Lab in Afghanistan? 

Jacobs gave me the scientific rigor and confidence needed for national-level leadership. After completing my PhD, I returned to Afghanistan and helped establish the National Reference Laboratory through Global Fund and WHO-supported projects. My roles included setting up qPCR and molecular diagnostics, biosafety training, building workflows, and mentoring young scientists. The combination of scientific excellence and intercultural competence I gained at Jacobs was essential for this work. 

• Are there any early experiences or symbols from your background that continue to influence your path as a scientist and advocate today? 

Yes, there is a symbol that has stayed with me since childhood. When I was growing up in Afghanistan, I witnessed women being punished simply for wearing white shoes. That moment shaped me deeply. Today, white shoes represent resilience, dignity, and the quiet courage of women who continue walking forward despite barriers.  This symbol has guided me through my own journey, from being a newcomer in Germany, to becoming a scientist, and now an advocate for education and empowerment. It reminds me why I work, why I teach, and why I try to support others finding their place in new environments. It keeps me grounded in purpose and committed to lifting others as I rise.