Saira Rab, Ph.D.

Committed to Education and Teaching

Over the course of almost six years and grading countless exams from her University of Houston students, Saira Rab, Ph.D., remains committed to education and teaching. “I saw there was need for first-generation college students, and that spoke to me because I was a first-generation college student,” said Rab, who earned her Ph.D. in educational psychology and individual differences at UH in 2016.

A clinical assistant professor in the College of Education’s Department of Psychological, Health and Learning Sciences, Rab said she has noticed many changes that have taken place throughout the campus since she arrived over a decade ago to begin her doctoral studies. “It’s grown in terms of diversity, students, culture and work environment.”

Rab, who recently received the Office of the Provost’s Group Teaching Award among her colleagues in the Human Development and Family Studies Program, considers it her mission to assess her students’ needs to support their academic success and eventual graduation. Rab said UH is an ideal place “to help students find their potential and, not only their potential, but what they want to do in life,” she said. “I feel the University of Houston has that environment that lets students know what they want to do for the rest of their life.”

Rab said donors’ gifts have a profound impact regarding UH’s academic mission. “They are not only investing in the University of Houston, but they are also investing in Houston in general. A lot of our students are part of surrounding communities, and they in turn will benefit their communities.”

Click below to watch the full interview with Saira Rab.