Zayd Nayeem entered the University of South Florida’s College of Arts and Sciences and Judy Genshaft Honors College as a full-time student at just 15 years old. His drive and strong sense of identity set him on an accelerated path — one that led to meaningful relationships, hands-on research experience, community impact, and a clear vision for his future.
Hitting the Ground Running
After skipping a grade in middle school, pursuing dual enrollment, and even just having an August birthday, Nayeem was on track to graduate at 17. Though his time at USF would span just two years, he was intentional about how he spent it. “Throughout my undergrad, I really wanted to find the best intersection between my studies, my faith, and having fun,” Nayeem said.
He quickly became involved in student organizations, including The Muslim Connection and SHIFA, a pre-health organization, stepping into leadership roles and building a strong sense of community in both spaces.
In spring 2025, Nayeem joined the Department of Chemistry as an intern under the mentorship of his professor, Dr. Jhon Figueroa. Over the course of a semester, he helped test new laboratory equipment that is now used in general chemistry courses. Figueroa said Nayeem stood out for both his intellect and work ethic.
“Zayd has consistently demonstrated a rare combination of intellectual rigor and a meticulous work ethic, both as a top-tier student in my chemistry courses and as an invaluable intern in our teaching laboratories,” he said. “I have no doubt he will excel as he transitions into his future career in medicine.”
The Power of Community
Outside of his coursework and student organizations, Nayeem found an outlet that combined his interest in health care with investing in a community he cared about.
After recognizing that many in his neighborhood lacked reliable transportation and access to health care, he approached his local mosque with the idea of hosting a community health fair. He helped organize the event, bringing in 24 student volunteers from USF, while the mosque coordinated physicians to provide consultations and care plans.
“We had over 250 people come, including a good amount of them from my neighborhood, which was my intended purpose,” he said. “The experience reminded me why I wanted to become a doctor in the first place.”
Nayeem also served as an orientation leader alongside his sister, Khadijah, welcoming incoming students to a university that had long been part of his life.
“Our parents moved to Tampa 10 to 15 years ago saying, ‘I know our kids will go to USF,’” he said. “My dad used to take meetings on campus and enjoy the scenery.”
Zayd and Khadijah Nayeem show off their Honors medallions after their Honors Graduate Celebration Ceremony on May 7.
Serving as an orientation leader, often welcoming students that were older than him, became one of the most meaningful parts of Nayeem’s college experience.
“Working as an orientation leader was the highlight of my undergraduate experience,” he said. “The relationships I built, the camaraderie, and helping students feel comfortable in a new place was super rewarding. I thought I would be judged for being too young, but no one treated me any different.”
Experiencing college alongside his sister and welcoming new students together as orientation leaders was something Nayeem did not take for granted.
Khadijah, a data science and analytics major, said sharing their time at USF — and ultimately graduating together — made her experience especially meaningful.
“While I’ve been at USF, whenever I’m overwhelmed, I look to Zayd. Watching someone so young carry himself with that level of maturity was inspiring,” she said. “With just a two-year age gap between us, we’ve always been inseparable.”
The pair celebrated this milestone together at the Judy Genshaft Honors College Graduate Celebration Ceremony on May 7.
Defining Success
Nayeem plans to pursue a master’s degree at USF while preparing his medical school applications, with the goal of specializing in dermatology. His interest is informed by his current internship in Moffitt’s dermatology department and his own experiences with skin healing.
For nontraditional students, Nayeem encourages confidence in carving out a unique path.
“Don’t let any standard define you — your age doesn’t define you,” he said. “Build an identity beyond that; get involved and experience new things.”