Humans of LMP, Programs: Graduate, Agile education, Research: Brain & Neuroscience, Research: Human development, aging & regenerative medicine, Impactful research, Inclusive community
Each month we speak to a member of the Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology community and find out more about them as part of an initiative from our Wellness, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Committee (WIDE).
This week is World Glaucoma Week where people all over the world raise awareness about the leading cause of preventable blindness. We're highlighting some of the amazing researchers in this field and spoke to Nadia Khan, an MSc student in the lab of Dr. Jeremy Sivak. Dr. Sivak holds the Glaucoma Research Chair at the Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, and is a Professor of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences and Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology at the University of Toronto.
What are you studying at LMP and why are you interested in studying it?
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to cure blindness. Learning about the human eyes, how we can protect our eyes from deteriorating, and ultimately treating vision loss continues to fascinate me.
I am super excited to be studying the pathology of glaucoma, the leading cause of blindness! In glaucoma, patients experience progressive peripheral vision loss due to the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Current treatments focus on slowing disease progression by lowering intraocular pressure, but none directly protect RGCs from degeneration, which can eventually lead to complete blindness.
I believe sight is one of our most valuable senses, which inspires my research in protecting our RGCs against vision loss!
Tell us about your research
I am focused on a molecular signaling pathway (mTOR-4EBP-eIF4E) in the eye that is activated by extracellular stressors, such as elevated pressure, and triggers the translation of genes involved in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration.
My project aims to investigate a potential strategy to protect retinal ganglion cells after ERK-induced injury. Specifically, I will genetically delete 4E-BPs from mouse retinas to determine whether this translational regulator contributes to the broader pool of differentially translated mRNAs in response to injury that drives RGC degeneration. By examining the role of 4E-BPs, my project may support targeting translational control as a neuroprotective strategy for vision loss in glaucoma.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with while at LMP?
Learning how to perform eye surgeries in mice, especially intravitreal injections! I’ve also had the opportunity to shadow Dr. Mathew, an ophthalmologist in my lab, who has been teaching me about different laser eye surgeries used to help manage glaucoma in patients. Some of the procedures I’ve observed include Laser iridotomy, trabeculoplasty, and cyclophotocoagulation.
What was the best career advice you ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received has come from my dad: surround yourself with like-minded friends and mentors, put yourself in the environments you aspire to work in as early as possible, and remember you can do hard things.
What has been an important learning experience in your life?
Definitely working alongside and helping lead my undergraduate neuroscience club! It requires a great deal of dedication to collaborate with the team to organize some of the largest conferences and events at U of T. These events bring together leading neuroscientists from across Toronto while fostering an environment where younger students can learn, build connections with experts, and discover opportunities for research and experience. Creating these environments instilled invaluable skills that I will carry forward throughout my career, alongside some of the best memories of my undergrad!
Who is an influential person in your life and why?
One of my best friends, Juliet. She’s just everything I have looked up to for my entire undergrad and has been one of my biggest mentors for years and still to this day. She's inspired me in extracurricular leadership, neuroscience itself, her kindness, sense of humour, and genuinely everything!
What might it surprise people to know about you?
I’m the eldest of three sisters - I have two younger twins who are 16 and my youngest sister is 10.
What activities do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love sewing and upcycling my clothes.
What is your favourite album, film and novel?
Album: Charm by Clairo (fav album by my favourite artist)
Movie: Black Swan
Novel: Beloved by Toni Morrison
Who would be your dream dinner guests?
Emma Chamberlain, Alex Consani and Charli XCX.
Where/what is your favourite place?
Cabarete (a small surf town in the Dominican Republic where my parents currently live).
If you were stuck on a deserted island but had all your basic needs taken care of (i.e. food and water), what two items would you bring with you and why?
A surf board so I can always get out and have fun in the ocean whether that’s just laying floating on waves or surfing! An entire DJ set so I can make beats on the island.
