Fatimah Alomar
Student Speaker, May 2026
Alomar, from Lexington, is graduating with bachelor’s degrees in biology and neuroscience from the UK College of Arts and Sciences. She will deliver the student address at the 9 a.m. Saturday, May 9, ceremony.
A Singletary Scholar and Lewis Honors College student, Alomar has built a strong record of research, leadership and service at UK while pursuing a career in medicine.
“It feels unreal, like I just got here, but also bittersweet,” Alomar said. “I’ve made so many memories here at UK and changed a lot as a person. I’m much more sure of myself and proud of how I spent these past few years.”
Born in Iraq and raised in Lexington, Alomar said her time at UK reflects both academic and personal growth.
“It wasn’t just biochemistry or physiology that I learned,” she said. “I have become a more competent leader, mentor, mentee, student and friend. More importantly, my time at UK has ingrained me into this community. I better understand its needs, what Kentuckians struggle with, and where I fit in helping alleviate these issues.”
Alomar conducted research in multiple labs, studying topics including maternal response to COVID-19 vaccination and the neurological impacts of alcohol use. She also served as president of Medicats, where she expanded programming, increased membership and created additional support for premed students. She has also worked for Doctors Without Borders to address international humanitarian health crises and remained active in several outreach-focused organizations on campus.
Through volunteer roles in hospitals, free clinics and hospice care, Alomar gained hands-on experience working with patients and underserved populations — experiences that helped shape her career goals.
As a UK Commencement speaker, she hopes to encourage her peers to stay grounded in what matters most.
“I hope to inspire my peers to take a look around and appreciate what’s important to them — family, friends, community and the connections they’ve built over these last few years,” she said.
After graduation, Alomar will pursue her Doctor of Medicine degree at the UK College of Medicine.
*Interview courtesy of UK Now