Nasim Akhtar
Faculty Mentor
Robin McCarley
Executive Director, Fralin Life Sciences Institute
Research Areas/Interests
Biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, chemical probe development
How long have you been in your postdoctoral position at Virginia Tech?
Began in July 2024
Briefly describe the research project you are working on as a postdoctoral associate at Virginia Tech. What is the problem you are addressing? What is the expected impact of your work?
My research centers on the development of enzyme-activatable fluorescent near-infrared (NIR) probes designed to selectively target cancer cells over healthy cells while avoiding the limitations of conventional imaging agents such as cytotoxicity, non-specificity, insensitivity, and autofluorescence. Specifically, I target the enzyme human NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase isozyme-1 (hNQO1), which is overexpressed in various cancers. These tailored probes utilize enzyme-activatable triggers to achieve catalyzed signal amplification while minimizing background interference, resulting in exceptional selectivity and sensitivity. This enables the precise differentiation of individual cancer cells from normal cells within complex biological environments. My goal is to develop a diagnostic approach that efficiently predicts cancer at its earliest stages, far earlier than conventional clinical methods such as radiotracer or magnetic imaging, which often detect cancer only after a critical mass of cells has accumulated. By creating a comprehensive system that identifies cancer in its nascent stages — akin to finding the needle before the haystack forms, I aim to enable timely interventions, ultimately reducing the need for aggressive treatments and alleviating the financial and emotional burdens on families.
The expected impact of my work is multifaceted. Primarily, it aims to improve patient outcomes by enabling timely interventions through early-stage cancer detection and fluorescence-guided surgery. This technique not only detects cancer safely at its earliest stages but also provides real-time visualization, empowering surgeons to effectively eliminate cancerous cells. Without such precision, affected areas of infection or tumors might be missed, increasing the risk of incomplete removal and recurrence. Additionally, this research holds significant potential for commercialization in diagnostics and precision medicine, contributing to the multi-billion-dollar global medical imaging market (potential market is around $64B). Beyond scientific advancements, it aligns with societal goals by reducing the financial and emotional burden of cancer treatments on families.
Why did you choose to pursue postdoctoral training at Virginia Tech?
I chose to pursue postdoctoral training at Virginia Tech because of its dynamic research environment and strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. The university's commitment to advancing innovative solutions, particularly in the health sciences, aligns perfectly with my research goals of developing enzyme-activatable fluorescent probes for early cancer detection and imaging. Working under the mentorship of Dr. Robin L. McCarley, a renowned expert in biomedical imaging, provides an unparalleled opportunity to refine my skills, expand my expertise, and contribute meaningfully to groundbreaking research. Additionally, Virginia Tech's state-of-the-art facilities, collaborative network, and supportive academic culture make it an ideal environment to foster my growth as an independent researcher.
What are your career goals?
My ultimate career goal is to become an independent academic researcher and educator, contributing to the fields of chemical biology and molecular imaging. I aim to lead a research program focused on developing innovative diagnostic tools and therapeutic solutions, particularly in addressing challenges like early cancer detection and overcoming drug resistance. Alongside my research endeavors, I aspire to mentor and inspire the next generation of scientists, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment that promotes curiosity and innovation. Additionally, I envision translating my research into real-world applications through commercialization, bridging the gap between scientific discovery and impactful solutions in healthcare.
How do you see the resources available to postdoctoral associates at Virginia Tech generally and via this program specifically being helpful to your career and professional development?
The resources available to postdoctoral associates at Virginia Tech are exceptional, and I greatly value the dedicated Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, which focuses on the holistic development of postdoctoral scholars. Its resources and networking events provide a phenomenal and top-notch support system for professional and personal growth.
Additionally, the added benefits of the Research and Innovation Scholars Program are like the cherry on top. The program's tailored professional development opportunities, such as workshops on grant writing, are designed to help us craft compelling funding applications, setting us up for success in our next career aspirations, such as securing a tenure-track position. The program also offers extra funds to expand our professional skills by attending specialized workshops, courses, and world-class conferences, creating invaluable networking opportunities with leading experts and collaborators. This combination of resources and targeted development makes Virginia Tech an outstanding place for postdoctoral training.