Teaching

Education and Mentoring Philosophy

I believe that science, particularly in biology and biomedical fields, is incredibly fun and fulfilling. The process of starting with a fascinating and important question, developing a strategy to answer it, and immersing oneself in the journey of discovery is deeply satisfying. Whether or not the answer is found, the journey itself is the most rewarding part. Maintaining scientific rigor while keeping the big picture in mind is essential, and I am a strong advocate of exploring new ideas, techniques, and technologies. Trying things out of the blue to meet a need often brings about new discoveries.

My philosophy in education and science is profoundly influenced by my personal experiences. Being once a high school dropout who has seen the faces of scarcities and insecurities, and who somehow managed to make it to university as a first-gen and the first from the community I was born to, I have learned firsthand the transformative power of access to resources and opportunities. From a very early stage of my life, I was trained to make the most of every penny, every opportunity, and every resource available to me, which has shaped my belief in the importance of motivation and encouragement for success in education. Challenges build resilience, flexibility, and a broad perspective. Consequently, a key aspect of my education philosophy is to instill motivation and a passion for science in new students. I aim to train my students to be adaptable and to improvise with whatever resources they have access to.

Fostering education is an integral part of being a scientist. My mentorship approach is tailored to individual needs, but my overarching philosophy is that trainees learn best through a 'guided trial and error' process. For novice undergraduates and new graduate students, I aim to expand their knowledge base, help them recognize nuances in scientific approaches, and develop their logical thinking in project development through journal clubs, individual evaluations, and group meetings. I encourage deep thinking and imagination, as these are crucial for innovation. Teaching is one of the most effective learning channels and a way to foster creative thinking.

I provide intellectual space for students to explore and grow independently, much like my mentors have done and continue to do for me. As students progress, I grant them the freedom to explore scientific questions that ignite their passion. I also offer opportunities for them to train their peers, believing that hands-on mentorship fosters growth for both the mentor and mentee. I consider it my primary responsibility to support the goals of all students to the best of my ability.

I view education as a lifelong metamorphosis that prepares individuals to meet life's challenges. It is a personalized journey, and a mentor's role is to guide students as they navigate their unique paths. Flexibility, open-mindedness, and inclusivity are essential qualities for a mentor. I strive to embody these traits, ensuring that each student receives the guidance and support they need to thrive in their academic and professional endeavors.
 

By maintaining scientific rigor, encouraging new ideas, and fostering deep thinking, I aim to inspire and motivate the next generation of scientists. My personal experiences have shaped my commitment to providing the resources, encouragement, and mentorship necessary for students to succeed. Education is a lifelong journey, and I am dedicated to being a supportive and adaptable guide for my students as they embark on their own journeys.

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Current and past research students

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Sarah Hay

Biol499/summer student (Yokota Lab/U of A)

01/2024–till date

Sarah is evaluating the in vitro efficacy of lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based gapmer therapies using immunochemistry on fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) cells. Additionally, she is assessing the in vivo effects in a mouse model of FOP with μCT scanning techniques. She recently received a studentship award from the Women and Children's Health Research Institute (WCHRI) for her proposed work with me. Her research with me was featured on WCHRI's website.

 

 

Samuel (Sam) Beke

09/2023–05/2024

Biol499/summer student (Yokota Lab/U of A)

Sam investigated the efficacy of LNP-delivered gapmers in a cell model of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). His work provided key insights into the effects of the N:P ratio on gapmer encapsulation within LNPs. He also examined the in vivo efficacy of these gapmers in a mouse model of FSHD. The Alberta native commenced graduate school at the Tokyo Institute of Technology in Fall 2024.

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Annie Tang

04/2023–08/2024

Biol298/summer/volunteer student (Yokota Lab/U of A)

Annie focused on identifying and developing small molecule enhancers to improve the effectiveness of gapmers in a cell model of FSHD. She presented her research at various meetings and local research days, and received a presentation award at the 2024 Medical Genetics Research Day organized by the University of Alberta's Department of Medical Genetics.

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Patryc Khang-Van

01/2023–03/2024

Summer/volunteer student (Yokota Lab/U of A)

Patryc conducted a genotype-phenotype correlation study to simulate the impacts of different mutations in dysferlinopathies, including limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B (LGMD2B), Miyoshi myopathy, and distal myopathy with anterior tibial onset (DMAT). He aimed to identify novel drug targets within the dysferlin gene.

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Abdullah Zia

01/2023–till date

Neuro498/Neuro499/summer student (Yokota Lab/U of A)

Abdullah is studying the safety and efficacy of gapmer therapies in a mouse model of FSHD. His work with Saeed has earned him several scholarships, including the University Research Initiative (URI) stipend, WCHRI summer studentship, and NSERC Undergraduate Student Research  Award. Abdullah has presented his research at various meetings and local research days, earning a presentation award for his talk at the WCHRI Research Day 2023.

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Farin Mir

01/2022–12/2022

Biol398/summer student (Yokota Lab/U of A)

Farin assessed an FDA-approved small molecule compound as a non-covalent oligonucleotide activity enhancer (OAE). She studied its effects on three oligonucleotide platforms across three cellular models of human genetic diseases. Supported by the URI stipend and WCHRI summer studentship awards, Farin presented her research at WCHRI and Medical Genetics Research Days. Her work was also featured in WCHRI's summer research impact stories.

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Merry He

04/2020–12/2020

Biol200/summer student (Yokota Lab/U of A)

Merry endeavored to simulate the effects of various mutations in dystrophinopathies, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Becker muscular dystrophy. Her work with me identified several novel drug targets for antisense-mediated exon-skipping therapies within the dystrophin gene for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Merry is currently pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) at the University of Alberta. 

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Sabrina Sharmin

08/2018–02/2019

GEB 400 student (Hosen Lab/SUST)

Sabrina's work focused on characterizing two individuals from Bangladesh who have Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, an autosomal dominant genetic disorder. One of the patients inherited a mutation in the LMNA gene through autosomal recessive inheritance, even though their parents did not display any phenotypes. Sabrina is currently pursuing a PhD in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT.

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Md Abdul Kader

08/2018–02/2019

GEB 400 student (Miah Lab/SUST)

Abdul Kader's project with me focused on the biophysical assessment of hilsa shad habitats in Bangladesh. He played a key role in on-site sample collection, gathering critical environmental and biological data across riverine, estuarine, and marine ecosystems. His hands-on work and data collection were instrumental in understanding the physiological adaptations of hilsa shad to diverse environmental conditions. Abdul Kader is currently working as a Microbiologist at Sterling Multi-technologies Ltd.  

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Rahatul Islam

08/2018–02/2019

GEB 400 student (Hosen Lab/SUST)

Rahat's project with me played a key role in analyzing the 2019 dengue outbreak in Bangladesh, focusing on geographic variations in symptom presentation and disease management strategies. Rahat's involvement was instrumental in advancing the understanding of dengue pathophysiology and the need for region-specific healthcare approachesHe is currently pursuing a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at West Virginia University.

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Sanjana Fatema Chowdhury

08/2018–02/2019

GEB 400 student (Miah Lab/SUST)

Sanjana collaborated with me on a project to study the genetic variability of umbilical cord blood collected from the northwestern regions of Bangladesh using an RAPD-based assay. Her work revealed significant genetic variability within hemoglobin genes in the umbilical cord blood samples. Sanjana is currently employed as a scientific officer at the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research in Dhaka.