Looking back, my passion for science, especially Chemistry and Biology, was ignited at young age. When I was only 10 years old, I lost my maternal uncle to colorectal cancer—a disease that was incomprehensible to me at the time. His untimely death filled me with grief and left me with lingering questions: How could a disease claim someone’s life despite early diagnosis and advanced treatment? How could it relapse, becoming even more deadly? As I progressed in my studies, I began to understand cancer and terms like tumor, malignancy, metastasis, and angiogenesis. This understanding fueled my desire to explore the intersection of chemistry and medicine, particularly their effects on human physiology at the molecular level. After completing high school, I enrolled in the prestigious Pharmacy program at the University of Dhaka, the top research-based institution in Bangladesh. In 2013, I graduated with a Bachelor of Pharmacy, and later earned my Master of Pharmacy, specializing in Pharmacology. During my master’s thesis, I explored single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their potential links to cancer susceptibility and poor chemotherapeutic responses. Through this research I deepened my understanding of cancer's genetics; the driving force behind its severity and treatment resistance. After completing my M. Pharm, my academic curiosity led me back to teaching and research. I became a faculty member at a top-ranked university in Bangladesh, while continuing my work on genetic polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility in collaboration with my former master’s research lab. Coming from a middle-class family, quality education has always been a top priority. As the eldest child, I sought financial independence from a young age by tutoring high school students. Throughout my academic journey, I have been fortunate to receive support in the form of the Dhaka University Alumni Association Scholarship and the National Science and Technology Fellowship for my master’s thesis. Eager to expand my knowledge and contribute to cancer research, I decided to pursue a PhD from a renowned university in the USA. Being the first person from a Muslim family, let alone the eldest girl with no brother and retired father to come here herself, was never a smooth path. However, I was lucky enough to have supportive parents whom I could convince after getting a fully funded scholarship with Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) contract from Saint Joseph’s University. I joined the PhD program in Pharmacology and Toxicology in 2019, under the mentorship of Dr. Jasmin. My research focuses on identifying and characterizing novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for Glioblastoma (GBM), one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. Given its difficulty to diagnose early and its resistance to treatment, GBM poses unique challenges. My goal is to study gene transcription pathways associated with frequently mutated or overexpressed proteins in various cancers. By this I hope to establish new biomarkers for early GBM diagnosis and develop targeted treatments. My future research aims to explore innovative combination therapies and discover new therapeutic targets for cancer prevention and treatment. Balancing GSI responsibilities with intensive lab work has been challenging. In addition, given the ever-increasing living cost in Philadelphia, I live from paycheck to paycheck. The COVID-19 pandemic further delayed my research, leaving uncertain if I can complete my PhD within the timeframe of my GSI contract. This will be really challenging and frustrating afterwards. If I receive this fellowship, it will serve as financial aid to complete my PhD project in absence of the stipend. With my passion, expertise, and innovative approach to research, I am certain that I will achieve my career goals and make a lasting impact in the field of cancer biology and molecular pharmacology.

Looking back, my passion for science, especially Chemistry and Biology, was ignited at young age. When I was only 10 years old, I lost my maternal uncle to colorectal cancer—a disease that was incomprehensible to me at the time. His untimely death filled me with grief and left me with lingering questions: How could a disease claim someone’s life despite early diagnosis and advanced treatment? How could it relapse, becoming even more deadly? As I progressed in my studies, I began to understand cancer and terms like tumor, malignancy, metastasis, and angiogenesis. This understanding fueled my desire to explore the intersection of chemistry and medicine, particularly their effects on human physiology at the molecular level. After completing high school, I enrolled in the prestigious Pharmacy program at the University of Dhaka, the top research-based institution in Bangladesh. In 2013, I graduated with a Bachelor of Pharmacy, and later earned my Master of Pharmacy, specializing in Pharmacology. During my master’s thesis, I explored single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their potential links to cancer susceptibility and poor chemotherapeutic responses. Through this research I deepened my understanding of cancer genetics; the driving force behind its severity and therapeutic resistance. After completing my M. Pharm, my academic curiosity led me back to teaching and research. I became a faculty member at a top-ranked university in Bangladesh, while continuing my work on genetic polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility in collaboration with my former master’s research lab. Coming from a middle-class family, quality education has always been a top priority. As the eldest child, I sought financial independence from a young age by tutoring high school students. Throughout my academic journey, I have been fortunate to receive support in the form of the Dhaka University Alumni Association Scholarship and the National Science and Technology Fellowship for my master’s thesis. Eager to expand my knowledge and contribute to cancer research, I decided to pursue a PhD from a renowned university in the USA. Being the first generation from family, let alone the eldest girl with no brother and retired father to come here herself, was never a smooth path. However, I was lucky enough to have supportive parents whom I could convince after getting a fully funded scholarship with Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) contract from Saint Joseph’s University. I joined the PhD program in Pharmacology and Toxicology in 2019, under the mentorship of Dr. Jasmin. My research focuses on identifying and characterizing novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for Glioblastoma (GBM), one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. Given its difficulty to diagnose early and its resistance to treatment, GBM poses unique challenges. My goal is to study gene transcription pathways associated with frequently mutated or overexpressed proteins in various cancers. By doing so, I hope to establish new biomarkers for early GBM diagnosis and develop targeted treatments. My future research aims to explore innovative combination therapies and discover new therapeutic targets for cancer prevention and treatment. Balancing GSI responsibilities with intensive lab work has been challenging. In addition, given the ever-increasing living cost in Philadelphia, I live from paycheck to paycheck. The COVID-19 pandemic further delayed my research, leaving me uncertain if I can complete my PhD within the timeframe of my GSI contract. This will be really challenging and frustrating afterwards. If I receive this fellowship, it will serve as financial aid to complete my PhD project in absence of the stipend. With my passion, expertise, and innovative approach to research, I am certain that I will achieve my career goals and make a lasting impact in the field of cancer biology and molecular pharmacology.