Samar Sayedyahossein, PhD

Q: Tell us a bit about your graduate research. What were your most exciting findings? 
The main goal of my PhD research was to dissect mechanisms by which a scaffold protein, named Integrin-linked kinase (ILK), contributes to skin barrier function and immunological properties of the keratinocytes, which are the first line of defense against environmental insults. The most exciting finding of my research was describing a role for ILK in immunological properties of keratinocytes. 

Q: When did you realize that you would like to do a postdoctoral fellowship? 
I knew from the beginning of my PhD that academia was a good fit for me. During my PhD, I had the chance to challenge that view. I took every opportunity to talk to many individuals who pursued careers in industry and this allowed me to be certain that I would be more productive continuing on my path towards academia. 

Q: What skills did you acquire in graduate school that help you in your current position? How did your degree give you an advantage in attaining your position? 
During my studies, I had the opportunity to learn a variety of new techniques. However, more important than the techniques are the invaluable skills of asking good scientific questions, designing proper experiments to address those questions, and learning how to critically analyze the data, all of which are crucial for being a successful scientist. Additional skills that helped me fit in my current position include effective communication, teamwork, creativity, and problem solving. My degree reflects the combination of these skills, which were acquired along the way. 

Q: What are some specific examples of extracurricular activities (outside of research) that you participated in, which helped you get to the position you are at now? 
Activities outside of the lab included conducting seminars and research groups, journal clubs, participating in different scientific meetings to present my research, and teaching voluntarily. I also enjoyed painting, playing music and many other activities that keep the integrity of the different aspects of my personal life. 

Q: How did you learn about the posting for your position? 
I met my mentor while he had lunch with graduate students in the department; he was an invited speaker. We had a very friendly talk about science and every graduate student talked about their research. I told him about my interests, we discussed research opportunities in his lab, and I ended up doing my postdoctoral studies there. 

Q: What are some suggestions for networking? 
For me, networking is a live, directional and dynamic aspect of being deeply involved in your scientific question. As a result, you do not lose any single opportunity that helps. This requires you to communicate well with other scientists. 

Q: What is one piece of advice you can offer to current graduate students? To current post-doctoral fellows? 
Do what you do with all your heart, all your knowledge and all your capabilities. That is not enough though! Make sure that you continually push your boundaries. Many things that you need will come along the way.  

Q: What is your favorite part of your training this far? 
The moments of understanding! When you figure out how a signaling pathway operates in a cell or how cells adapt themselves to environmental cues. There are lessons of life, as I believe that a cell is a reflection of the whole universe and there are similar rules influencing every aspect of existence. 

Q: What does your perfect Sunday look like? 
It would be a balanced Sunday with a little bit of all activities that I enjoy, including lab work!