Research topic
Research Description
Many viruses trigger the blood clotting system in an infected person, causing a wide range of clinical complications; from heart disease to bleeding. A breakthrough was made by the Pryzdial lab who showed that a clotting activator called tissue factor is hijacked by these germs and found integrated into the surface to not only contribute to clotting, but also increase infection. My project focuses on understanding the role of tissue factor in replication and pathogenesis of HIV, which is a major global problem and thrombosis is a primary challenge to these patients’ life expectancy. In addition to HIV, the Pryzdial lab has preliminary data for five virus types that supports the hypothesis that any virus with an envelope can acquire tissue factor, including the COVID virus, hepatitis, Zika, and dengue, to mention a few. Since infectible cells carrying tissue factor are widespread, the tissue factor axis presents a broad-spectrum anti-viral target for the first time. Thus, I am thrilled by the possibility that my research holds the key to solve a critical gap in global healthcare.
Why did you decide to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship at UBC? Did you consider other opportunities?
Although I had postdoctoral offers from the University of Toronto, University of Calgary and the National Microbiology lab in Winnipeg, I accepted the position at UBC for three main reasons. First, no other laboratory investigates viral pathology from the same perspective as the Pryzdial group. Second, UBC is recognized as a highly reputable and outstanding institution on an international level, and continuing my training at UBC will add strength to my career goal of becoming an independent scientist. Finally, British Columbia's divine beauty swept me away, making me feel that it is one of the most beautiful places in the world to live.
What specifically attracted you to your research group?
A breakthrough was made by the Pryzdial lab, showed that host clotting activators such as tissue factor is pirated by several enveloped viruses. His lab is investigating the contribution of these factors carried on the envelope in blood clotting and viral infection. No other laboratory investigates viral pathology from the same perspective as the Pryzdial group. I firmly believe that understanding the role of tissue factor in viral replication and pathogenesis will pave the way for the development of a broad-spectrum antiviral in future. So, I joined this lab to be a part of this incredible journey and contribute my knowledge as a virologist.
What advice do you have for new postdoctoral fellows?
First and foremost, my advice to new postdoctoral fellows is to actively pursue any funding opportunities for which they are eligible. Don't undermine your chances of success by giving up before you even begin the fight. Securing a postdoctoral fellowship enhances the strength of your CV and increases the competitiveness of your applications. Furthermore, it alleviates your financial burdens. However, if you are an international postdoc, I would advise to initiate the process of applying for permanent residency (PR) as soon as you become eligible. This will facilitate future applications for faculty positions at universities and government organizations.
What do you like to do for fun?
I'm a total nature lover, and the same goes for my wife, who's also a postdoctoral fellow at UBC, and our awesome 8-year-old son. We love exploring and visiting new places. Needless to say, British Columbia has stolen our hearts with its jaw-dropping beauty! Whenever we can, we're out there hiking, kayaking, fishing, and exploring stunning lakes and mountains. I have also started taking lessons as a pilot and hopefully I can fly a plane one day!
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your postdoctoral fellowship?
No doubt, one of the most enjoyable aspects is receiving a salary increase. The cost of living in Vancouver, especially with a family, can be quite challenging. My supervisor was kind enough to understand my situation and supplemented my fellowship by a significant amount. This will greatly relieve my financial burden and allow me to focus more on my research in the lab.
What are the biggest challenges you have faced, or anticipate facing, in your career?
One of the biggest challenges I faced in my career was getting admission for a PhD program in Canadian universities from a third-world country. It's also a tough decision for professors to select a student without personally knowing them. One potential solution could be summer research programs designed for international students, which would allow both the student and professor to establish a connection before committing to a long-term academic journey together. One other major challenge is that, I couldn’t become a permanent resident (PR) of Canada even though I am living here over 6 years as me and my wife both were students. I also found it difficult to apply for permanent positions without PR status.
What in your life or career has prepared you for this position?
After finishing a MSc in microbiology, I worked for six years at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research in Bangladesh (icddr,b). During this time, I focused on studying various bacterial pathogens and actively contributed to multiple research projects, resulting in the publication of over 20 scientific papers. These achievements significantly boosted the strength of my CV, making it more competitive for fellowship applications. Moreover, my PhD training played a crucial role in shaping my career as a virologist. However, I owe this success to the invaluable support and guidance provided by my mentors Dr. Kevin Coombs, Dr. O Colin Stine, and Dr. Munirul Alam and now Dr. Ed Pryzdial.
What does receiving this award mean for your career?
This CIHR fellowship will enable me to achieve my career goal of becoming an independent scientist by supporting the postdoc project, broaden my experience and enhancing my competitiveness for future grant applications as a Principal Investigator.
What do you think the next step in your career will be?
Next, I want to focus on my postdoctoral project, with a strong determination to publish in high-impact journals. Looking towards the future, my ultimate ambition is to join a university as an assistant professor and establish my own laboratory as an independent scientist. Through my work, I aim to make a significant impact by advancing knowledge in the field of infectious diseases, merging the fields of virology and hematology, thereby contributing to the well-being of my home country and the global community towards effective treatments of infectious pathogens and prevention strategies.