By Prathap Balasubramanian

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This article is part of our International Spotlight series, where we celebrate the stories, research and impact of Texas A&M’s international community. As one of the campus offices dedicated to serving international students, scholars and their dependents, we’re proud to showcase the voices shaping our university—and the world beyond.

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COLLEGE STATION, Texas — September 08, 2025— For Mariam Othman, science isn’t just a career path — it’s a mission to improve lives across borders and generations. A Ph.D. candidate in Exercise Physiology at Texas A&M University, Othman is using insights from NASA spaceflight research to tackle age-related muscle loss on Earth, connecting her diverse international journey with a commitment to advancing human health.

Othman has lived, studied, and worked across multiple countries, each shaping her scientific journey in distinct ways. In Egypt, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Zoology and Environmental Science. Her path then took her to Spain, where she completed a Master’s degree in Neuroscience and Biotechnology, conducting research on the role of insulin receptors in neuroinflammation. She continued her training at IST Austria, investigating how immune cells influence neuronal development.

Her academic journey next led her to the United States, where she joined Texas A&M University to pursue her doctorate under the mentorship of Professor John Lawler. Here, she shifted her focus from neuroscience to muscle physiology, applying a cross-disciplinary lens that bridges molecular science with translational health challenges.

Drawing from her international experiences, Othman recognizes the importance of cultural awareness and the value of multiple perspectives in shaping meaningful contributions.

“We must not hesitate to bring our perspectives and unique experiences to the table and contribute to building a better world,” she said.

Her experiences abroad not only shaped her worldview but also fueled a research career that’s now earning recognition for its impact on human health. This year, for the second year in a row, Othman received the Kinesiology and Sport Management (KNSM) Strategic Research Award, recognizing her work in skeletal muscle health. Her research connects NASA’s space biology studies with pressing health challenges on Earth, including aging and genetic and metabolic diseases affecting muscle health.

“Space microgravity conditions reveal biological changes in skeletal muscles similar to those seen in aging, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and metabolic diseases,” Othman states. “By studying these changes, we gained valuable clues to better understand muscle loss on Earth and develop new strategies to protect muscle health.”