Humans of LMP, Programs: Graduate, Research: Molecular & cell biology
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 month, we feature PhD candidate, Negar Khosraviani from the Fish Lab.
What are you studying at LMP and why are you interested in studying it?
For my PhD, I am studying the molecular mechanisms that drive formation and maintenance of brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVM). bAVM are tangled blood vessels that form in the brain and are prone to rupture. Our lab (Dr. Jason Fish’s lab) has previously shown somatic activating KRAS mutations are enriched in endothelial cells of the lesion and alter endothelial cell (EC) morphology and behavior that may contribute to the initiation and progression of bAVMs. However, the molecular mechanism responsible are still poorly understood. One key characteristic of bAVM is enlarged vessel lumen and increased endothelial cell size. Therefore, for my thesis, I am elucidating the mechanism by which KRAS mutation drives this abnormal phenotype.
My interest in this project stems from my time in Dr. Warren Lee’s lab where I also worked with endothelial cells and developed an interest in vascular biology. When Dr. Fish introduced the bAVM project, I had no idea what AVMs were, but it was the lack of research on the mechanisms driving formation of these lesions that pulled me into wanting to work on this project.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with while at LMP?
I was part of the graduate student union, CLAMPS, for three years, and in my final year, I was the co-president alongside Seojin Lee. It was an amazing experience especially working with Seojin and overseeing the amazing team. It was an unforgettable experience working together to run many events including the annual LMP research conference.
Also, I would like to highlight my involvement with the Peer Communications Team (PCT). PCT is a group of senior graduate students and alumni that provide feedback on student presentations with the vision of improving student communication skills. I joined PCT as a coach and later transitioned into co-lead and have worked alongside Matsya Thulasiram for the past 2-3 years recruiting coaches and setting up the practice sessions. This has been one of the most rewarding experiences because I get to help students improve their presentations while learning about the diverse research being done in our department.
What was the best career advice you ever received?
Your name is the most important thing you carry with you. This is advice the chair of the department, Dr. Rita Kandel, gave at the graduate orientation!
What has been an important learning experience in your life?
Rejection is part of life and you have to learn to pick yourself back up and move on and improve.
What would it surprise people to know about you?
I hiked Volcano Acatenango in Guatemala and watched Volcano Fuego erupt! It was an amazing trip and experience alongside my twin!
What activities do you enjoy doing outside of work and studies?
Yoga, reading, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.
What is your favourite album, film and novel?
Album: Higher by Michael Bublé
Film: Cheaper by the Dozen
Novel: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus; When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
Who would be your dream dinner guests?
I would love to have another dinner with my grandpa (my dad’s dad). He always had stories to share about his childhood and life in Yazd, Iran. He also had a lot of lessons to share.
Where/what is your favourite place?
Anywhere that my twin is and my family!
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?
