From conducting research at the Begun Center for Violence Prevention Research and Education to leading student organizations such as the Middle Eastern Cultural Association, those of Arab American heritage are engaged in countless facets of Case Western Reserve University.
In recognition of Arab American Heritage Month, which takes place annually in April, The Daily is celebrating the accomplishments and experiences of four Arab American members of the CWRU community. Discover more about their experiences at the university—and learn how their heritage has impacted their lives.
Answers have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Amr Alomari
First-year student, chemical biology
Amr Alomari’s path to finding his place at CWRU was shaped by an evolving connection to his Arab American heritage. Born in Pontiac, Michigan, and raised in Naperville, Illinois, Alomari’s roots trace back to Irbid, Jordan, where he lived for two years before moving to the U.S. Although his heritage has always been important, it wasn’t until joining the Middle Eastern Cultural Association (MECA) at CWRU that he truly began to embrace it.
“MECA helped me find a stronger sense of belonging,” he said. “It introduced me to people who shared my background and values, and even more importantly, to those whose Middle Eastern experiences were completely different from mine. That diversity within the community was something I had never fully experienced before, and it really opened my eyes.”
Read on to learn more about Alomari.
Q: Why did you decide to study chemical biology?
Alomari: My path to this major started when I was young, asking my mother endless questions like, “Why do I get goosebumps when I’m scared?” or “Why do my teeth chatter when I’m cold?” Growing up as the child of a chemist, I had a front row seat to science in everyday life. My mother always made an effort to explain the body’s mysteries through the lens of chemistry, even when I wasn’t quite ready to understand the answers.
Over time, her responses sparked something deeper in me. I became curious not just about the human body, but about how everything within it works in perfect harmony. That curiosity led me to explore science independently, and I found myself drawn to the intersection of chemistry and biology. Chemical biology, for me, is the perfect way to study the human body as both a complex biological system and a finely tuned chemical machine. It allows me to approach that complexity not just as a student, but as someone with a genuine, lifelong fascination.
Q: Could you share a significant experience or achievement during your time at CWRU that relates to your Arab American heritage?
Alomari: Through my role in Undergraduate Student Government as the Food Subcommittee chair, I recently led an initiative to revamp the Ramadan boxes on campus. This was something I felt deeply connected to. Ramadan is a time not only of spiritual reflection but also of coming together with your community.
I collaborated with Bon Appétit administration and organizations such as the Middle Eastern Cultural Association, Pakistani Cultural Association, African Student Association, and Muslim Student Association to curate a list of culturally significant recipes to each respective region. These dishes were featured in the dining halls during Ramadan as a way to showcase the diverse and delicious cuisines of regions like the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa. The goal wasn’t just to support students observing Ramadan, but also to invite the broader CWRU community to learn about and appreciate the cultures tied to this sacred month.
Luma Masarweh-Zawahri
Research associate at the Begun Center for Violence Prevention Research and Education
Luma Masarweh-Zawahr’s professional journey is deeply intertwined with her Arab American heritage. As a research associate at the Begun Center for Violence Prevention Research and Education, she works on critical social science research that addresses mental health, substance use and community-based interventions. Her experiences as a Jordanian-American—shaped by dual cultural identities—inform her commitment to culturally responsive research.
“While I grew up in Jordan, I’ve visited the U.S. almost every year since childhood, completed my undergraduate and graduate work in the U.S, and over time, I’ve come to feel that I grew up in both places,” she said. “My home life is deeply shaped by both American and Jordanian cultures—everything from food and language to values around hospitality, resilience, and family ties. Navigating that dual identity shaped a lot of how I see the world and how I engage in my work and relationships today.”
Read on to discover more about Masarweh-Zawahri.
Q: Could you describe your role at CWRU and how your Arab American background has influenced your professional journey?
Masarweh-Zawahri: I work on a variety of social science research particularly in the areas of mental health, substance use, and community-based interventions. Before this role, I completed my PhD at CWRU, where my research and training focused on health disparities and cultural identities. My dissertation research explored second-generation Arab Americans and how they navigate identity and belonging across borders. That work shaped how I think about cultural complexity—not just for Arab Americans but for all communities whose experiences don’t always fit neatly into categories across.
My Arab American identity plays a significant role in how I approach my work at the Begun Center. It grounds me in a deep awareness of the systemic barriers that marginalized communities face and informs my commitment to culturally responsive research practices.
Q: How has CWRU supported your cultural identity in the workplace?
Masarweh-Zawahri: I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside colleagues and learn from CWRU faculty who respect and value diverse perspectives, which has made it easier to bring my full self into all CWRU spaces. I use my cultural background and academic training to inform our research, especially projects focused on marginalized communities, people affected by substance use disorders, and the overlap between the two. Having a minority-informed perspective allows me to approach my work at the Begun Center with a broader understanding of the different experiences people bring with them.
Emily Aburaad
Assistant director for staff development, Office of Residence Life
Emily Aburaad’s path at CWRU is shaped by both her professional expertise and her Arab American identity. As the assistant director for staff development in the Office of Residence Life, Aburaad works to create supportive environments for students through recruitment, selection and staff development. Her passion for higher education, paired with her commitment to fostering community, has been influenced by her upbringing and the values she holds close.
“My Arab American identity has played a significant role in shaping my professional journey,” she said. “Having a strong sense of self in terms of my Arab American background has helped me build meaningful relationships and foster a sense of belonging for those around me.”
Read on to find out more about Aburaad.
Q: Could you describe your role at CWRU and how your Arab American background has influenced your professional journey?
Aburaad: In my role, I oversee our recruitment, selection and development processes for full-time and student staff members. My background in residence life and Greek life, along with my studies in gaining my MA in College Student Personnel, has fueled my passion for working with and learning from students in a university setting.
In graduate school, I studied college student development theories; one that was particularly impactful was Phinney’s Three-Stage Model of Ethnic Identity Development. By studying this theory more in depth, I was able to better understand my own experiences and the identity development of college students. That knowledge continues to influence how I work to support students today.
Q: Where is your family from, and where did you grow up?
Aburaad: I feel fortunate to come from a rich cultural background—my mother’s side of the family is from Ukraine and Poland, and my father’s side is from Palestine. My dad emigrated from the Middle East to attend college in the U.S. and eventually came to study in Toledo, where he met my mom. I spent my entire life in the Toledo area before moving to Cleveland and joining the CWRU community. Some of my fondest memories from growing up included visiting my dad’s side of the family overseas, where we spent time with them in Jordan.
Q: How has CWRU supported your cultural identity in the workplace?
Aburaad: CWRU and my department have been such accepting and supportive environments where I’ve felt comfortable to share my background and experiences freely. My Arab American heritage has shaped who I am, teaching me the importance of building connections and fostering a sense of belonging. Growing up, family gatherings, celebrating traditions, and sharing cultures were central in my life. That sense of community continues to influence how I interact with students and colleagues, reinforcing the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels valued and supported.
Adel Al-Sabbagh
Fourth-year biology student, pre-med track
Adel Al-Sabbagh’s experience at Case Western Reserve has been influenced by his strong sense of identity as an Arab American and his dedication to fostering inclusive communities. At CWRU, Al-Sabbagh blends his passion for science with his commitment to celebrating diversity.
“Rather than seeing my cultural identity as something to balance, I see it as something that enriches every part of my life,” he explained. “My Arab heritage enhances my academic experience by allowing me to bring unique perspectives. Socially, staying involved in organizations like MECA keeps me connected to my roots while giving me the chance to share my culture with others. Whether through organizing events or simply sharing a meal with friends, I’m able to celebrate who I am.”
Read on to get to know Al-Sabbagh.
Q: Can you talk about your background and how your Arab American heritage has influenced your college experience?
Al-Sabbagh: I’m an Arab American of Syrian descent from the Cleveland area. My college experience at Case Western Reserve University has been an incredible opportunity to connect with other Arab American students who share similar cultural backgrounds. Being part of such a diverse campus has allowed me to celebrate my heritage while learning from others. Through my involvement with the Middle Eastern Cultural Association (MECA) and the Undergraduate Diversity Collaborative (UDC), I’ve had the chance to both represent my community and promote cross-cultural understanding.
Q: Where is your family from, and where did you grow up?
Al-Sabbagh: My family is originally from Syria, but I have relatives spread across the globe—in Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Europe, and the United States. I was born in the U.S., but my parents relocated to Saudi Arabia for work when I was young, and I spent most of my upbringing there. I graduated from an American high school in Saudi Arabia before moving back to the U.S. for college. Interestingly, my family returned to Cleveland a year after I began my studies at CWRU, which helped bring my roots and my current journey full circle.
Q: Have you been involved in any Arab American cultural or student organizations on campus? If so, what has that experience been like for you?
Al-Sabbagh: I’ve been actively involved in MECA, first as treasurer and now as president. Serving in these roles has helped me grow tremendously—managing finances taught me the importance of organization and planning, while leading the organization has strengthened my communication and leadership skills. I’m also a member of the UDC, which has allowed me to work with other cultural organizations and help plan events that promote inclusivity. Additionally, I’m part of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, where I’ve formed lasting friendships and engaged in philanthropy that gives back to the community.