A group of Idaho WWAMI students captivated the Western Medical Research Forum 
(WSMRF) recently with innovative abstracts, earning distinction for their originality and impact in advancing medical research. Zahraa Alomar, a second-year Idaho WWAMI medical student from Boise (*pictured at right, third from left), received the Student Subspecialty Award at the 2025 American Federation for Medical Research Conference.
Alomar’s abstract titled, “Breaking the Sound Barrier: Decoding Human Cytomegalovirus’ (HCMV) Role in Late-Onset Hearing Loss,” focused on the problem of how HCMV, a common virus that most people are infected with at some point in their lives, has the potential to cause hearing loss, vision problems and developmental disabilities. Alomar’s research examines how a viral protein called pp71, found in HCMV, affects certain genes in our body.
“Receiving this award was incredibly meaningful as it validated the countless hours dedicated to this research project,” Alomar said.
The abstract focused on Myelin Protein Zero (MPZ), which helps keep nerves working properly. MPZ is an important protein for maintaining myelin, which acts like a protective shield around our nerves. If MPZ levels drop, the myelin breaks down, potentially affecting how well our nerves work.
“This breakdown may explain why some of those infected with congenital cytomegalovirus develop hearing loss later in life,” she said.
Her research also resonated with her creative interests.
“I’ve found myself creating drawings of viruses, microbes and pharmacology concepts to aid in studying and de-stressing,” she said.
Alomar’s sister, Tabarak Alomar, a third-year Idaho WWAMI student from Boise, received the Travel Award for her abstract titled, “Addressing Barriers and Enhancing Care in Rural Idaho: Insights from the Rural Underserved Opportunity Program (RUOP) and Targeted Rural Underserved Track (TRUST).” RUOP and TRUST are two of the UW School of Medicine’s rural programs.
“Working on this project greatly expanded my knowledge about underserved communities,” she said. “I found it rewarding to know that the end goal of this project will make a real difference, both in policymaking and in contributing to future changes aimed at addressing barriers in care in the state of Idaho.”
Altogether, 16 Idaho WWAMI students presented abstracts at the 2025 WSMRF conference, held Jan. 16 – 18, 2025 in Carmel, California.
*Photo courtesy of Edith Wang, MD.