Karim El Khoury
2024 Ignatian Hoya Recipient
I’m passionate about using my skills to make healthcare more equitable and accessible for people in underserved communities.
About Karim
Karim came to Georgetown from Lebanon.
What community service activity has meant the most to you?
I raised funds for the Lebanese Red Cross, and also distributed food to displaced people in Lebanon.
Why did you choose Georgetown for your graduate studies?
I chose the Bioinformatics program at Georgetown BGE because it perfectly aligns with my background in biology and healthcare, allowing me to dive deeper into computational biology. The blend of these fields fascinates me, and I’m excited about the opportunities it provides to make a real impact in healthcare through data and technology. Additionally, the requirement to complete an internship as part of the program was a major motivation for me, as it offers invaluable hands-on experience to apply my skills in a professional setting.
What do you want to do after earning your degree?
I aim to work in a pharmaceutical or healthcare company to gain valuable experience in applying bioinformatics to real-world challenges. My long-term goal is to return to my home country, Lebanon, and contribute to improving access to healthcare. I’m passionate about using my skills to make healthcare more equitable and accessible for people in underserved communities.
What advice would you give to future BGE students?
Don’t be afraid to take on the challenge! I started with zero programming knowledge, but through hard work and the support of the program, I’ve been able to succeed. Trust the process, stay persistent, and you’ll be surprised by how much you can achieve.