Ima Hosseinzadeh

My name is Ima Hosseinzadeh, and I’m a Ph.D. Candidate at Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), William & Mary's Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences. I’m Persian, from Iran, and my research focuses on phytoplankton ecology and sustainable shellfish aquaculture, to better understand the relationships between phytoplankton and marine organisms in coastal ecosystems. As an international student, I’ve experienced many of the challenges that come with adapting to a new academic, cultural, and social environment. These experiences have helped me better understand what other international students may go through, and I hope to help make the path a little easier for those who come after me.

I joined ISAB because I care deeply about helping other international students feel welcomed, heard, and connected. As a board member, I hope to strengthen the bridge between VIMS and the main campus, create more opportunities for international students to share their voices, and continue building an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone at William & Mary.