• 349
    Citations
20072024

Research activity per year

Personal profile

Research interests

Reproductive cells are the cells that become eggs and sperm, and then have the potential to give rise to a whole organism. Many organisms (such as hydra, flatworms, earth worms, or sea stars) regenerate their reproductive organs and reproductive cells as a part of whole body regeneration. In contrast, humans and well-established research organisms lack this ability. The mechanisms of regenerating the reproductive cells are not understood but is one of the most impactful regeneration abilities. Understanding the mechanisms of regenerating this cell type would provide insight into the "mother of all stem cells".  The goal of our laboratory is to close this knowledge gap and define the cellular origins and molecular mechanisms of germ cell regeneration. What are the embryonic origins of cells involved in reproductive cell regeneration? Can any cell type regenerate reproductive cells, or are there limitations to which cells can replace them?  How is the genome integrity maintained in regenerated reproductive cells?

Mentoring

As a woman from the Middle East, who comes from a Muslim background, the importance of inclusivity, diversity, and justice is very close to home for me. I have had first-hand experiences as a minoritized woman in academia that shaped me as a mentor, a leader, and a teacher. I have the following guiding philosophies:

- First, my success will never be at the expense of somebody else’s well-being and happiness. I will always do my best to treat everyone at my lab with dignity and will respect their boundaries.

- Second, I will always strive to lift my students, trainees, and colleagues up and help them become the best version of themselves as scientists and professionals by cultivating a safe growth environment for people of diverse race, gender identity, social class, sexual orientation, and physical/mental ability.

- Third, a growth mindset and open peaceful communication are key characteristics we cultivate in every team member at my lab. If there are issues, we address them directly, do not shy away from giving each other feedback, and accept feedback with grace and gratitude.

As these are my guiding philosophies, I expect my lab members to also follow these principles towards each other as a team.  

Available to Mentor:

  • PhD/MSTP Students

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