Personal Statement

Dr. Turnley, I am a Medical Graduate with a Masters in Human Anatomy. I am looking for a potential PhD supervisor and my main interest is the study of Neuronal stem cells. I came across your research work, hence my application for a PhD scholar. After graduating from the medical school at Aga Khan University – the premiere medical institute in South East Asia, I went on to teach Neuroanatomy to medical students. After spending a year as an instructor in Anatomy, the transition to research came very natural to me. In order to pursue my interest in basic Neuroscience research, I next chose to do Masters in Neuroanatomy and was awarded with a scholarship for the same at the University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan. Working on my M. Phil, I realized that making a career in basic science research is not going to be possible due to lack of an infrastructure and funding for research. As a matter of fact, my research had already reached a plateau by the time I was submitting my thesis and it was very clear in my mind to explore the opportunities abroad. Therefore, I came to United States and started working as a volunteer in the laboratory of Dr. Sarah Pixley at Department of Cell and Cancer Biology of University of Cincinnati, OH. Over there, I got the opportunity to study the role of Quetiapine and its metabolite Nor Quetiapine in neurogenesis. Employing various tissue and cell culture models, I investigated the role of these compounds in adult hippocampal and SVZ neurogenesis in mice. During my brief stay in Dr. Pixley's lab, I developed an experience in BrdU immunohistochemistry and cell culture (neurospheres). It is due to the lack of opportunities in my country for a PhD that I am now exploring the opportunities of a research position elsewhere. Having an understanding in using immunohistochemical and cell cultures methods to study neurogenesis in the nervous system, I strongly believe that I can not only enhance my own understating of neuronal stem cells but also positively contribute towards your research program. I worked on the olfactory system during my Masters training, focusing on the role of neuromodulation of norepinephrine on cellular morphology of the olfactory bulb. My goal now is to carve my own niche and therefore I am looking for a research facility which does not only provide me with good training and a comfortable environment conducive to research but also allows me to develop and excel as an academician. I believe that with my background and interests, I will fit very well in your research group. Yours Sincerely, Dr. M Saad Khilji MBBS, MD, M Phil