UA Little Rock Scholar Blends Science and Service on Path to Medical School
When Armin Mortazi co-founded the Pre-Health Club at UA Little Rock, he hoped to offer his peers something he knew was vital for future healthcare professionals—early exposure, shared experience, and a sense of support.
That hope became a reality when more than 50 students packed into a lecture hall for one of the club’s first events.
“I knew our efforts had truly made an impact,” Mortazi said. “That moment made all the hard week feel incredibly worthwhile.”
Creating community has been at the heart of Mortazi’s college experience. A first-generation American born in Tehran, Iran, Mortazi spent parts of his childhood in Cyprus before moving to Mountain Home, Arkansas. He found a home at UA Little Rock through the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, where he thrived in both research and student leadership.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biology with a concentration in pre-medicine and a minor in chemistry. But his journey toward medicine has been shaped just as much by the communities he built on campus as by the academic milestones.
Over the past four years, Mortazi co-founded several student organizations, including the Pre-Health Club, the Research and Creative Works Club, and UA Little Rock’s chapter of the Materials Research Society, a nationally recognized group that hosts symposiums for student research. He was also active in the American Chemical Society, the Aerospace Club, and the Biology Club.
“UA Little Rock has been incredibly supportive of student-led initiatives,” he said. “It gave me the opportunity to build several new communities on campus.”
Mortazi said one of the most meaningful experiences he had at UA Little Rock has been volunteering as a phlebotomist at the UAMS 12th Street Health and Wellness Center.
“Every time I draw blood there, I’m reminded of how important access to care is, especially for underrepresented and underserved communities in Little Rock,” he said. “I feel incredibly grateful to be part of this work, and I see it as a way to give back to a community that has welcomed and supported me throughout my journey.”
That spirit of support was mirrored in his academic experience. Mortazi conducted four years of undergraduate research with Dr. Noureen Siraj, associate professor of chemistry, earning co-authorship on a peer-reviewed publication and presenting his work at conferences at the local, state, and international levels.
“Dr. Siraj’s mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my growth as a researcher and future physician,” Mortazi said. “With the support of grants like the Signature Experience Grant and SURF, I was even able to collaborate with a federal lab to study antibiotic resistance.”
He also credits Dr. William Allen, his Human Gross Anatomy professor and a retired emergency medicine physician, with deepening his understanding of both medicine and history.
“Dr. Allen brings deep wisdom, not only about the human body but also about history,” he said. “Whenever I had questions, he not only gave me direct answers but also helped me find memorable ways to retain the information. I also learned a great deal from his rich knowledge of history.”
On the next step in his academic career, Mortazi will enter the Medical Scholars in Public Health Program at UAMS, where he will begin work on a Master of Public Health (MPH) before transitioning into medical school. His long-term goal is to graduate with both an MD and MPH, blending clinical medicine with a foundation in public health.
“My research experience helped me understand how medications are developed and tested,” he said. “But my anatomy courses and teaching assistantship showed me the human side—how every system works together. That balance is what I want in my career.”
Though his time at UA Little Rock is ending, Mortazi says the campus and community will always feel like home.
“Graduating feels bittersweet,” he said. “I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of the UA Little Rock family and the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, both of which made Little Rock feel like a second home. While I’ll miss the connections and memories I’ve made here, I’m excited to embrace new experiences and opportunities ahead.”
As a mentor and Trojan Tutor, he offered advice that reflects his values of humility, curiosity, and compassion.“Don’t hesitate to ask for help,” Mortazi said. “UA Little Rock has an outstanding team of tutors in the library, and the faculty are incredibly knowledgeable and approachable. And be kind to everyone you meet. College goes by quickly, but a simple act of kindness can lead to lifelong friendships and a more meaningful college experience.”