A Syrian Scholar’s Journey to Understand What Makes Us Human
Table of Contents
From Damascus to Dubai: A Refugee’s Pursuit of Knowledge
Born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sherbaji’s early life was shaped by the rich cultural tapestry of Damascus, Syria, where she and her younger brother grew up. Despite neither parent having attended university, her mother, facing the challenges of retinitis pigmentosa, instilled in her children the unwavering importance of education. While finding traditional schooling somewhat tedious, Sherbaji pursued knowledge voraciously, immersing herself in philosophical texts and expanding her understanding beyond the confines of the curriculum.the outbreak of war in 2011 abruptly shattered thier life in damascus, forcing Sherbaji and her brother to seek refuge with their grandparents in the UAE. Unable to complete her final exams, Sherbaji embarked on a one-year transition course, paving the way for her entry into heriot-Watt University’s Dubai branch campus to pursue her passion for psychology. The experience of displacement and the urgency to build a new life instilled in her a profound sense of resilience and determination. “It was such a stunning place, such a friendly culture. We thought war would never happen to us. Then it hit and everything changed overnight. My family has lived there for generations in the oldest part of Damascus. Syrians didn’t usually leave and many of my family have stayed. But we have been lucky. We lost our family home and everything we owned, our cultural heritage, everything has been compromised, but our immediate family are okay,” she recalls. The harsh realities of war left little room for grief, pushing Sherbaji to focus on the future: “We had to keep going,” she states resolutely.Expanding Horizons: The Roots of Cognitive science
At Heriot-Watt University, Sherbaji’s captivation with psychology blossomed.Her interest in cognitive psychology, the study of mental processes, laid the foundation for her interdisciplinary approach, blending insights from various fields to unravel the complexities of human thought. From a young age, Sara was fascinated by the intricacies of the human mind. She pursued her passion for understanding behavior by studying psychology at university, all while supporting her family through various odd jobs. Her desire for a deeper understanding of the mind led her to explore the world of consultancy. While working for a brain training company, Sara became increasingly aware of the need for scientific rigor. This realization prompted her to return to the laboratory setting, where she thrived as a research assistant. During her time in the lab, Sara found herself drawn to the captivating field of cognitive science of religion. She became captivated by the role religion plays in shaping social bonds, providing emotional support, and fostering a sense of community. The way religion helps us grapple with the complexities of life and death, notably in cultures where it is deeply intertwined with everyday life, fascinated her. While working in the lab, she honed her skills in communicating complex scientific concepts to the public as the host of the government-supported “Good Questions” platform. Sara’s passion for making science accessible to everyone became a driving force in her career. A New Chapter: Masters in Human Evolution In 2021, Sara married her soulmate, a fellow enthusiast of religion and beliefs. Her husband was studying at Cambridge University,and their shared interests further fueled Sara’s desire to delve deeper into the scientific underpinnings of faith. She moved to the UK to pursue a Master’s degree in human evolution at University College London. Studying part-time allowed Sara time for personal growth and intellectual exploration. The Master’s program reignited her passion for learning, providing a unique opportunity to ask fundamental questions about the origins of human behavior. “It was the first time I was truly fascinated by what I was studying,” she reflects, emphasizing the program’s interdisciplinary nature, which spanned from primatology to archaeology. For her dissertation, Sara focused on the evolutionary enigma of lifelong celibacy. Building upon the work of her supervisor, Professor Ruth Mace, who had studied the reproductive advantages of monks in China, Sara’s research explored the co-evolution of marriage practices and religious celibacy.She investigated how a woman choosing to become a nun could potentially reduce competition for dowry within families with multiple daughters. Looking Ahead: phd in Biological Anthropology After completing her Master’s in early 2024, Sara transitioned into motherhood, welcoming her daughter in April. Inspired by a former UCL lecturer,Dr. Mark Dyble, who shared her intellectual curiosity and had recently joined Cambridge university, Sara applied for a PhD program. While starting her PhD in Biological Anthropology on cumulative cultural evolution is on hold until her daughter turns one, Sara eagerly anticipates exploring how humans adapt to diverse environments by transmitting culture across generations. This unique ability,she believes,is a key to understanding what makes us truly special. “I want to understand what makes us so unique,” she says.This is a great start to a compelling interview! Here’s a suggestion for structuring the piece in a way that aligns with journalistic standards.
**Title:** From Refugee to Researcher: Sara Sherbaji Unpacks the Human Mind
**Introduction**
* open with a strong hook that captures the essence of Sara Sherbaji’s story. You could mention her unique background as a Syrian refugee who is now seeking to understand the very core of human behavior.
* Briefly introduce Sara and her field of research.
* Highlight her aspiring goal: to better understand humanity and contribute to a world with fewer man-made tragedies.
**Body Paragraphs:**
1. **The Journey:** Dive deeper into Sara’s personal background.
* Discuss her upbringing in Damascus and the importance her mother placed on education.
* Describe the impact of the Syrian war on her life and family,focusing on both the challenges and her resilience.
* Explain her decision to pursue psychology at Heriot-Watt University in Dubai.
2. **Understanding Human Nature:** Focus on Sara’s academic journey and research interests.
* Explain what cognitive science is and why it fascinates her.
* Discuss any specific research questions she is exploring.
* Mention any insights she has gained so far about how culture and innate factors interact in shaping human behavior.
3. **Hope and impact:** Highlight Sara’s aspirations and the potential impact of her work.
* Emphasize her desire to use her research to promote peace and understanding.
* Connect her research to broader societal issues like conflict resolution, social justice, or empathy.
4. **looking Ahead:** Conclude with a forward-looking perspective.
* Mention Sara’s future plans, whether it’s continuing her education, pursuing a research career, or applying her knowledge in a practical setting.
* Include a final quote from Sara expressing her hopes for the future.
**Additional Tips:**
* **Quotes:** Use direct quotes from your interview with Sara to bring her voice and personality to life.
* **Sensitivity:** Be mindful of the sensitivity of discussing the Syrian war and its impact. Ensure you approach these topics with respect and empathy.
* **Clarity & Structure:** Structure your article with clear paragraphs and transitions for easy reading.
Let me no if you have any other questions or need further assistance as you develop this interview into a full article!
