Student Spotlight: Khaoula Kamal

The MSU Presidential Scholar became determined to educate local communities on health insurance, finance and wellness, so families could be prepared for similar situations. She helped facilitate the Junior Master Wellness Volunteer program, a state initiative to teach high school students how to promote wellness in their communities.

She has combined her love for engineering, policy and medicine through an internship with Sen. Roger Wicker on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, a three-year seat on MSU’s Student Association Senate and as president of MSU’s student chapter of the American Medical Women’s Association. She also has conducted undergraduate research on the degradation of magnesium in implants with Lauren Priddy, an MSU associate professor of biological engineering.

Recently, Kamal was selected as Miss MSU. She said she was proud to honor her father, her driving force throughout life.

“Twenty-two years ago, my dad decided to bring our family to Mississippi. I’m so proud to be his daughter and to be here as Miss MSU,” Kamal said. “These opportunities don’t come around often.”

Kamal also received the 2024 Harry Charles Fleming Simrall Award for Engineering Excellence, which honors students for their academic excellence, professional leadership and community service.

After graduation, Kamal will attend medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, with sights set on becoming a doctor, a politician and making healthcare more affordable.

She said MSU faculty and staff have helped her tremendously during her time as a student.

“If you love something enough, people will notice and support you,” Kamal said. “I think that the MSU staff has been the most supportive group of people I’ve ever met. I love this school so much.”