Zain Afzal
Hyattsville,MD
Summary
Offering strong academic background and passion for research. Brings ability to quickly grasp complex concepts and effectively utilize statistical software for data analysis. Ready to use and develop analytical skills and scientific methodologies in Research Trainee role.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Trainee
Johns Hopkins University - Wilmer Eye Institute
11.2024 - 07.2025
- Worked on following up with approximately 100 patients as part of a study to re-administer Glaucoma Computerized Adaptive Testing (GlauCAT) survey for post-operative minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) patients
- Analyzed data collected from general GlauCAT study to formulate abstract to be submitted to national Ophthalmology conference
- Contacted patients 1 year after completing GlauCAT survey to follow up on results as part of longitudinal study assessing quality of life outcomes
Research Intern
Stanford University - Department of Ophthalmology & Pathology
05.2022 - 07.2022
- Evaluated utility of PReferentially expressed Antigen in Melanoma (PRAME) immunohistochemistry as a prognostic tool in 33 cases of conjunctival melanocytic lesions
- Analyzed 30+ pathology slides of ocular melanomas and graded them based on level of PRAME expression
- Assisted in drafting manuscript for PRAME study and creating illustrations/diagrams using digital tools
- Conducted literature reviews on sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease and Achromatopsia resulting in poster presentations at various conferences
Research Assistant
Howard University - Department of Biology
08.2019 - 05.2020
- Participated in e year-long research course to isolate bacteriophages, and sequence their genomes for protein annotation for potential use against antibiotic-resistant organisms
- Learned a variety of lab techniques such as serial dilution, gel electrophoresis, agar plating
- Collected research findings and created poster presentation for the Department of Biology faculty
Education
BS/MD Combined Program -
Howard University
Washington, DC05-2026
Skills
- Meetings and presentations
- Technical report writing
- Data interpretation
- Literature review
- Adobe Illustrator
- Community Outreach
Leadership and Service
American Muslim Medical Student Association (AMMSA)
Regional Director (10/2021 – Current)
- Organized regional events fostering professional, spiritual, and social growth for medical
students in the DC/Maryland/Virginia area.
National Outreach Director (10/2021 – Current)
- Established new AMMSA chapters in NYC/NJ, Philadelphia, and Miami regions.
- Organized the inaugural AMMSA conference with 250+ attendees.
Kheir for Egypt
Volunteer (12/2022 – 04/2023)
- Fundraised $5K to support Sudanese refugees in Cairo.
- Assisted in Ramadan campaigns that raised $400K, distributing food, building wells, and supporting Syrian schools.
Publications and Presentations
Poster Presentations
- PRAME Immunohistochemistry in Conjunctival Melanocytic Lesions – AMMSA National Conference (08/2022)
- Prion Deposits in Retinal Outer Plexiform Layer in Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease – VISN 21 Polytrauma Conference (08/2022)
- A Novel ATF6-Achromatopsia Allele Regulated by Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay – Optic Disc Drusen Conference (05/2022)
Publications in Progress
- Evaluation of PRAME Immunohistochemistry Expression in Benign and Malignant Conjunctival Melanocytic Lesions (Co-author, in text)
Korina Steinbergs, MD, Chaow Charoenkijkajorn, MD, Ian J. Dryden, MD, Zain Afzal, BS, Charles C. Lin, MD, Prithvi Mruthyunjaya, MD, Jonathan H. Lin, MD, PhD. Evaluation of PRAME.
Clinical Experience
Ophthalmology Clinical Rotations – Palo Alto, CA (05/2022 – 07/2022)
- Shadowed ophthalmologists at Byers Eye Clinic, observing patient care and surgical procedures.
- Scrubbed into cataract surgeries and assisted with ophthalmic equipment during clinic hours.
- SEE International MSICS Course: Performed practice cataract surgeries on pig cadavers.
Volunteer Experience
Muslim Soup Kitchen Project – Schenectady, NY (08/2017 – 05/2021)
- Coordinated food drives and meal preparation for homeless populations.
- Led efforts to deliver groceries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Educational Tutor – Local Youth Group (03/2021 – 08/2021)
- Mentored high school students in medical school applications and college preparation.
- Guided students on essay editing, interview preparation, and standardized teststrategies.
Additional Work Experience
Upstate Taxi & Limo – Clifton Park, NY (2018 – 2021)
- Provided transportation for Medicaid patients to medical appointments, adhering to HIPAA guidelines.
- Gained insight into healthcare disparities and developed strong interpersonal communication skills through patient interaction.
Clifton Park Auto & Repair – Clifton Park, NY (2019 – 2020)
- Managed daily operations and customer relations, turning a struggling business into a profitable enterprise.
- Developed problem-solving and organizational skills while ensuring ethical and efficient service delivery.
Timeline
Research Trainee
Johns Hopkins University - Wilmer Eye Institute
11.2024 - 07.2025
Research Intern
Stanford University - Department of Ophthalmology & Pathology
05.2022 - 07.2022
Research Assistant
Howard University - Department of Biology
08.2019 - 05.2020
BS/MD Combined Program -
Howard University
Similar Profiles
Nicole OwensNicole Owens
Retina Drug Coordinator at Johns Hopkins University Wilmer Eye InstituteRetina Drug Coordinator at Johns Hopkins University Wilmer Eye Institute
Keri TolbertKeri Tolbert
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant at Johns Hopkins, Wilmer Eye InstituteCertified Ophthalmic Assistant at Johns Hopkins, Wilmer Eye Institute
Cyrus MackeyCyrus Mackey
Preparatory Music Teacher at Peabody Institute Of The Johns Hopkins UniversityPreparatory Music Teacher at Peabody Institute Of The Johns Hopkins University