Malak Mubark

Psychology

My name is Malak Mubark, and I’m a first-year student at Duke University studying Psychology on the pre-med track. My interest in healthcare began long before I ever stepped into a lab or classroom. As a refugee, I grew up watching my family navigate language barriers, cultural differences, and unequal access to care. Those experiences taught me that medicine is about more than diagnosing, it’s about listening, understanding, and creating space for people who often go unheard.

In high school, I taught English to refugees, an experience that showed me how communication can be its own form of healing. I also helped raise $28,000 through Dance Little Red for Norton Children’s Hospital, which reminded me how teamwork can create real impact even without formal leadership roles. 

At Duke, I’m interested in exploring the relationship between culture, psychology, and health outcomes. I hope to get involved in research that examines how trauma and identity influence recovery and resilience. I’m also drawn to volunteering in clinics that serve refugee and immigrant populations, where I can see how small acts of care ripple through entire families.

Outside of academics, I spend my time thrifting, binge watching movies/tv-shows, and going to concerts. I also love music, marvel, and hanging out with my friends.

My goal is to attend medical school and specialize in oncology. I want to work with patients and families facing the uncertainty of cancer diagnoses, helping them find strength in moments that feel impossible. I hope to combine my background in psychology with compassionate, culturally aware care to support patients through both the physical and emotional weight of illness.