Education
👩🏻🎓Born and raised in Turkmenistan, I relocated to the US at the age of 17. And I didn't just bring my suitcase; I brought along four languages - English, Russian, Turkmen, and Turkish. I earned my B.S. in Biochemistry (with honors!) at UMass Boston. But hold your applause; the real spotlight moment was when MIT welcomed me into their Ph.D. in Chemistry program!
Research
👩🏻🔬Starting my sophomore year of college, I immersed myself in amphibian microbiology, exploring skin and intestinal tissue and discovering the world of bacteria and fungi culturing, DNA work, and imaging techniques. While amphibians weren't my lifelong passion, they ignited my interest in human skin microflora and cosmetic chemistry. Transitioning to Bela Torok's green organic chemistry lab, I ventured into eco-friendly alkylation of phenylenediamine analogues using CO2 from carbonated water. While working on this project, I co-authored two literature reviews. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I pioneered collaborative research with the George O'Doherty lab at Northeastern University on the synthesis of phomopsolide E analogues. Later, at Novartis, I automated plasma protein binding assay and contributed to pharmacokinetic profiles of 20 compounds. Now, in the Dedon lab at MIT, I explore the role of tRNA epitranscriptome in infectious diseases and cancer.
Research
👩🏻🔬Starting my sophomore year of college, I immersed myself in amphibian microbiology, exploring skin and intestinal tissue and discovering the world of bacteria and fungi culturing, DNA work, and imaging techniques. While amphibians weren't my lifelong passion, they ignited my interest in human skin microflora and cosmetic chemistry. Transitioning to Bela Torok's green organic chemistry lab, I ventured into eco-friendly alkylation of phenylenediamine analogues using CO2 from carbonated water. While working on this project, I co-authored two literature reviews. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I pioneered collaborative research with the George O'Doherty lab at Northeastern University on the synthesis of phomopsolide E analogues. Later, at Novartis, I automated plasma protein binding assay and contributed to pharmacokinetic profiles of 20 compounds. Now, in the Dedon lab at MIT, I explore the role of tRNA epitranscriptome in infectious diseases and cancer.
Activities
🥊After conquering the all academic challenges and completing my coursework requirements, I found myself with some precious free time. And what did I do? Well, I immersed myself in a plethora of hobbies - from delving into cosmetic and organic chemistry content creation to exploring the artistic realms of reading, doodling, painting, baking, cooking (because every chemist is a culinary maestro), and even trying my hand at photography and videography.
Oh, and did I mention my stint as a jack-of-all-trades athlete? Boxing, Bollywood dancing, pilates - I gave it all a try. Beyond my lab endeavors, I identify as a world explorer, museum aficionado, feline devotee, and an unwavering Gryffindorian, proudly waving my Harry Potter fan flag. Because who says you can't be a wizard in the lab and Hogwarts at heart?
Activities
🥊After conquering the all academic challenges and completing my coursework requirements, I found myself with some precious free time. And what did I do? Well, I immersed myself in a plethora of hobbies - from delving into cosmetic and organic chemistry content creation to exploring the artistic realms of reading, doodling, painting, baking, cooking (because every chemist is a culinary maestro), and even trying my hand at photography and videography.
Oh, and did I mention my stint as a jack-of-all-trades athlete? Boxing, Bollywood dancing, pilates - I gave it all a try. Beyond my lab endeavors, I identify as a world explorer, museum aficionado, feline devotee, and an unwavering Gryffindorian, proudly waving my Harry Potter fan flag. Because who says you can't be a wizard in the lab and Hogwarts at heart?
