Samara Nhab
Research Assistant
Center for Augmenting Intelligence (CAI)
Health Care Operations Management — Senior
Samara Nhab is a senior studying Health Care Operations Management at the University of Detroit Mercy, with a strong interest in how technology can improve patient care and overall quality of life. As a Research Assistant at the Center for Augmenting Intelligence (CAI), she brings a thoughtful and people-centered approach to innovation, and focusing on how artificial intelligence can be used responsibly to address real-world challenges in healthcare. Her work reflects a balance between technical curiosity, ethical awareness, and a genuine commitment to helping others.
How She Got Involved
Samara’s journey with CAI began when Dr. Olla invited her to get involved. That invitation opened the door to an opportunity she quickly recognized as valuable—not just for learning, but for growth.
She was motivated by the chance to gain new knowledge, build meaningful connections, and contribute to projects that could make a real impact. From the beginning, her goal was simple but intentional: learn as much as possible, collaborate closely with her team, and contribute in a way that adds value.
Her mindset going in set the tone for her experience—curious, open, and ready to step into something new.
Projects & Contributions
At CAI, Samara worked on the Carepanion AI project, a project focused on addressing loneliness and social isolation among older adults. The concept centered around a virtual AI chatbot designed with sentiment analysis and emotionally aware responses, allowing users to interact through voice communication.
Her role spanned multiple areas of the project. She contributed to developing the core concept, conducted research on loneliness in aging populations, and helped design presentation materials. She also collaborated with her team to explore how the solution could be implemented in real-world healthcare and community settings. Part of her work included identifying key stakeholders such as healthcare providers, senior living communities, and potential technology partners.
The impact of Carepanion lies in its focus on improving emotional well-being while promoting independence. The project highlights how AI can support individuals without replacing human connection, offering a practical, thoughtful solution that could also help reduce healthcare costs associated with isolation and depression.
Skills & Learning
Through her experience at CAI, Samara gained both technical knowledge and practical skills. She developed a stronger understanding of how AI can be applied to solve real-world problems, particularly within healthcare and quality-of-life initiatives.
She also improved her research, project planning, and presentation skills, learning how to take an idea from concept to a structured, communicable solution. Working in a team environment helped her strengthen her communication and collaboration skills, while also giving her opportunities to step into leadership by taking initiative and helping keep projects on track.
Equally important, CAI deepened her understanding of ethics in AI. She became more aware of the importance of privacy, fairness, and responsible use of technology, especially when working with vulnerable populations. Most importantly, her experience provided clarity around her career path, reinforcing her interest in roles that combine healthcare, technology, and leadership.
Personal Reflection
CAI has significantly shaped how Samara views artificial intelligence and its role in the future. What once may have seemed like purely technical innovation is now something she sees as deeply human-centered.
“AI is not just technology, but a tool that can be used to solve real problems and improve people’s lives,” she explains.
Her experience also pushed her outside of her comfort zone. By working on new ideas, collaborating with others, and exploring unfamiliar topics, she gained confidence in her ability to adapt and grow.
More importantly, CAI helped her see a clearer path forward—one where she can combine her interests in healthcare, innovation, and leadership to make a meaningful impact.
Student Quote
“AI is not here to replace human value—it is here to amplify our ideas, support our work, and help us make a greater impact.”
Advice to Other Students
Samara encourages students to approach AI with curiosity and openness.
“Go for it. You do not need to know everything before starting,” she says. “CAI is a great opportunity to learn new skills, meet people, and gain experience with technology that is shaping the future.”
Her advice is simple: stay curious, ask questions, and be open to learning. Growth comes from stepping into opportunities, even when they feel unfamiliar.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Samara is excited to continue growing professionally and exploring opportunities that bring together healthcare, technology, and leadership. She is especially interested in roles that allow her to contribute to innovation while making a positive impact on people’s lives.
She sees CAI as a key part of that journey. The experience has given her hands-on exposure to teamwork, problem-solving, and the real-world application of AI. It has also helped her build confidence and develop the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven field.
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