Ahmad Hider

Ahmad Hider is a proud nerd, and it’s not just his glasses. He spends 30 to 40 hours a week in the lab. He was named “Student of the Year” by University of Michigan’s campus newspaper, the Michigan Daily.

As a senior majoring in cellular, molecular biology, he helps teach beginning chemistry classes. His students are barely younger than him, but he calls them “the kids.”

“I used to say ‘my kids;’ it’s just a cool thing,” he said. 

Hider has co-authored a study about the effects of defective waste disposal systems within the cell. 

But his academic achievements do not take away from his personality.

He is a foodie. He has a passion for burgers and travel.

The Student of the Year also loves basketball. Although everyone is busy paying tribute to Kobe Bryant, who retired this week, Hider said his favorite player is Lebron James. 

“I really do love life,” he said. “I try to enjoy every opportunity given to me.”

He added that attending U of M provided him with chances to learn and grow.

Family plays a big role in the achieving student’s life. He said his parents’ experiences have helped shape him. 

“My family, I can’t live without them, for sure,” he said. “I really thank my mom and dad because they’ve made many sacrifices for me.”

Hider’s dad, who currently owns a mechanic shop, worked at a gas station after immigrating form Lebanon. His mother gave up school to raise him and his siblings.

“In a sense, I am doing this for them,” he said.

Hider described his mother the “heart of the home.”

He was born and raised in Dearborn, and he loves it. 

“If I was raised in a different community, I wouldn’t be the man I am today,” Hider said. “The social ties in Dearborn are way stronger than Ann Arbor. The people in Dearborn are family.”

He said you can greet anyone in Dearborn, and it would give you a smile — “for the most part.”

Ahmad is aiming to set a tutoring program at a local elementary school to give back to the community.