Zainab Khan

Biography

About me
I am Zainab Khan from Attock, Pakistan, currently a graduate student in the PhD Neuroscience (MDNS) program at Dr. Naweed I. Syed's lab. I hold a Master of Philosophy in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and a Master of Science in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, both from Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan. I also hold a Bachelor of Science from The University of Punjab, Pakistan.

My research
I work in Dr. Naweed I. Syed’s lab, where we have developed several neuron-chip recording techniques. These techniques enable the monitoring of neuronal activity from large networks of brain cells at the resolution of single cells.My research focuses on fundamental roles of MEN1 gene in cholinergic synaptic function and plasticity coupled with novel brain-chip technology that will help guide future therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases, such as the Alzheimer’s Disease.

BRAIN CREATE program aspirations
I hope to receive training on the process of commercializing innovative neuroscience research and achieving successful integration in the industry. I would love to enhance my experience through industrial placements.

Commercialization
The innovative approach of my research is integrating our lab’s novel and patented neurochip that will allow non-invasive, long-term and high throughput analysis of the various aspects of neuronal properties, synaptic plasticity, and molecular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease. 

Publications

Zainab Khan, 2017; Mutation Analysis of Genes Causing Ocular Disorder in Consanguineous Pakistani Families (M.Phil. Dissertation) 

M. Ansar, Z. Khan, E. Ullah, S. Sajid; Single base deletion in ATOH7 gene causes abnormal eye development in a consanguineous family (Abstract/Pgm 1089F). Presented at the 67th Annual Meeting of The American Society of Human Genetics (October 20, 2017). 

Awards

List any notable awards or scholarships, if applicable.
Women of Distinction Award by Government of Alberta
Maryiam Memorial Scholarship for Newcomers by Max Scholarship Fund
Vice-Chancellor Medal for outstanding performance in M.Sc Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Winner Participant of Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, 2017
Going Above and Beyond-Best Employee Award by Maskan Women’s Shelter