I enjoy connecting with nature through travel and exploration. Whether hiking through scenic landscapes, visiting national parks, or fishing, spending time outdoors allows me to recharge and gain fresh perspectives. Exploring natural environments and seeing new sights also fuels my curiosity and appreciation for the world’s biodiversity and beauty, inspiring my scientific pursuits.

During my undergraduate studies in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering in Bangladesh – where I was born and grew up, I developed a deep fascination for the medical sciences, especially in immunology and neuroscience, which motivated me to pursue higher studies in Australia. I was fortunate to complete my PhD at the School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, under the mentorship of Professors Jens Coorssen, David Mahns, and Peter Shortland. Their guidance shaped my understanding of neuroimmunology and sparked my passion for researching multiple sclerosis (MS). This passion continued to grow as I began working under the mentorship of Professors Bruce Brew, Laura Piccio and Anthony Don. Their support has been instrumental in guiding my research on the mechanisms of neuroinflammation and demyelination, laying a solid foundation for my future endeavours as an MS researcher.

One of the most exciting advancements in recent MS research is the growing understanding of impaired remyelination. By utilising gene knockout techniques, recent studies have shed light on the pivotal role of microglia in facilitating remyelination. Microglia have been shown to play a critical role in clearing myelin debris through phagocytosis. This clearance process is essential because the accumulation of myelin debris inhibits the function of oligodendrocytes, the cells responsible for producing new myelin. By removing this inhibitory debris, microglia create a more favourable environment for oligodendrocytes to engage in remyelination. These findings represent a significant step in understanding how we might target microglia and other cells to enhance myelin repair, offering new therapeutic avenues for treating MS and other demyelinating conditions.

My current research focuses on investigating the role of macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles (MEVs) in remyelination. In MS, remyelination is often incomplete, and the underlying reasons are not fully understood. Activated microglia and macrophages are known to release signals that influence oligodendrocytes' function, but the precise mechanisms remain elusive. My research tests the hypothesis that microglia and macrophages support oligodendrocyte proliferation and maturation by releasing extracellular vesicles (EVs). These EVs are membrane-bound particles secreted by various mammalian cells, including microglia and macrophages. My research explores the role of MEVs derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of MS patients and healthy controls in modulating oligodendrocyte function. I am also investigating the proteomic and lipidomic profiles of MEVs from MS patients and healthy individuals.

My research is significant in the context of MS and has both immediate and long-term implications. In the short-term, it will focus on identifying protein and lipid changes within MEVs in MS. This study will also assess the effects of MEVs on oligodendrocyte function. These objectives will offer crucial insights into the lipidome and proteome profiles of MEVs from people with MS compared to healthy controls and their role in modulating remyelination. In the long-term, my research holds the potential to identify protein- and lipid-based biomarkers for MS, which could serve as essential tools for monitoring and diagnosing MS and predicting treatment responses. Additionally, uncovering how MEVs regulate oligodendrocyte function and promote remyelination could lay the groundwork for developing new therapeutic strategies to treat MS.

I am passionate about working in the lab and addressing complex scientific challenges. I especially enjoy exploring new areas of science and incorporating novel techniques to drive my research forward. Exploring extracellular vesicles marks an exciting and innovative direction in my research journey. Similarly, I have employed susceptible motor behavioural instruments to detect early, subtle changes that traditional methods often overlook. Collaboration and networking are also important to me, and working at the Charles Perkins Centre at The University of Sydney has offered numerous opportunities to connect with researchers locally and globally. One of the main challenges in research is limited funding, and I am incredibly grateful for the support of MS Australia for my Postdoctoral Fellowship. This fellowship will enable me to continue my studies and help advance the field of MS research.