Dr. Abul Kalam Azad
Current Position: Research Associate, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
An Inspirational Journey from Mirzapur, Tangail to the University of Alberta
Dr. Abul Kalam Azad spent his childhood in Mirzapur, Tangail, Bangladesh. His academic journey began at Khulna University, where he completed his undergraduate degree in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering. Later, he earned a master’s degree in Biotechnology from BRAC University. His enthusiasm for higher education led him to Canada, where he completed a Master’s in Cancer Sciences (2015) and a PhD in Medicine (2021) at the University of Alberta.
Currently, he is working as a Research Associate in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Alberta. Alongside his scientific research, he has a deep interest in history, philosophy, literature, and theology. His favorite writer is Fyodor Dostoevsky, whose works provide him with deep inspiration.
Research Focus: Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Vaccines
The main goal of Dr. Azad’s research is to understand how the tumor microenvironment facilitates cancer growth and spread. In his PhD research, he worked on the process of blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) in tumors, which plays a crucial role in supplying oxygen and nutrients to tumors.
Currently, he is working on a cancer vaccine project. This vaccine will help the immune system fight cancer more effectively, even when the tumor creates a protective environment to shield itself from attacks.
Explaining Research Simply for Students
His current project focuses on making the immune system more effective against prostate cancer. Typically, our immune system fights harmful agents like viruses, bacteria, or cancer cells. However, prostate cancer is called “cold” because it prevents a powerful immune attack.
Cancer cells often appear similar to normal cells, making them difficult to identify. Additionally, prostate cancer suffers from a lack of specific antigens, which fails to activate the tumor-destroying T cells.
To solve this problem, Dr. Azad’s team is developing a special cancer vaccine. This vaccine uses a safe virus to deliver prostate cancer-specific antigens directly to the T cells. As a result, the T cells become active and can fight prostate cancer more effectively.
Benefits of the Research
If the research results are successful, it will open new horizons not only in the treatment of prostate cancer but also for many other types of cancer.
Memorable Experiences in Research Life
Dr. Azad shared a profound experience from his life. Once, a professor at the University of Alberta showed him a pile of junk, which at first seemed messy and insignificant. But when a torch was shone from a certain angle, the shadow on the opposite wall revealed two people engaged in conversation while drinking coffee.
This experience showed that appearances do not always reveal the true reality. In science, too, we often see only fragments of the bigger picture. Connecting these pieces to discover the greater truth is the role of a scientist.
A Message for Young Scientists
Dr. Azad says to the youth:
“Whatever you do, sincerity, discipline, and responsibility are essential. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Perhaps that will bring about the change you desire. Whether it’s science or the arts, concentration will help you reach your goals.”
Contact Information
Bangladeshi researchers and students interested to learn more about his research can contact him.
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/abul-kalam-azad-uofa
Meet Dr. Abul Kalam Azad: A Researcher Advancing Cancer Science
A Journey from Mirzapur, Tangail to the University of Alberta
Dr. Abul Kalam Azad hails from Mirzapur, Tangail, Bangladesh. His academic journey began at Khulna University, where he earned a BSc in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering. He then pursued an MSc in Biotechnology at BRAC University. Motivated by a passion for advanced studies, he moved to Canada, where he obtained an MSc in Cancer Sciences (2015) and a PhD in Medicine (2021) from the University of Alberta.
Currently, Dr. Azad works as a Research Associate at the University of Alberta, focusing on cutting-edge cancer research. Alongside his scientific pursuits, he nurtures a deep interest in history, philosophy, literature, and theology. His favorite author is Fyodor Dostoevsky, reflecting his love for profound and thought-provoking works.
Research Focus: Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Vaccines
Dr. Azad’s research explores how the tumor microenvironment contributes to cancer progression and metastasis. During his PhD, he studied angiogenesis—the process by which tumors form new blood vessels to obtain oxygen and nutrients essential for their growth.
Currently, his work centers on developing cancer vaccines. These vaccines aim to enable the immune system to fight cancer more effectively, even when tumors create a protective microenvironment to evade immune attacks.
Simplifying the Science for Students
Dr. Azad’s current project focuses on improving immune responses against prostate cancer. Normally, the immune system identifies and combats harmful entities like viruses, bacteria, or cancer cells. However, prostate cancer, often referred to as “cold” cancer, does not elicit a strong immune response due to its unique characteristics.
One major challenge is that cancer cells often resemble normal cells, making them difficult for the immune system to identify. Prostate cancer also lacks specific antigens or presents antigens that fail to activate tumor-fighting T cells effectively.
To overcome this, Dr. Azad and his team are developing a specialized cancer vaccine. Using a safe virus, the vaccine delivers newly identified prostate cancer-specific antigens directly to T cells, activating them to fight the cancer. This approach bypasses traditional, often ineffective antigen presentation processes, promising a more efficient response against prostate cancer.
Impact of His Research
If successful, Dr. Azad’s research will not only benefit prostate cancer patients but also provide a framework for treating other cancers using similar methods. His work could revolutionize cancer therapies, making them more precise and effective.
A Memorable Research Experience
Dr. Azad recalls a profound moment during his time at the University of Alberta. A professor showed an image of a pile of junk that appeared disorganized at first glance. However, when illuminated from a specific angle, the shadow cast on the wall revealed two individuals having a heartfelt conversation over coffee.
This transformation emphasized the importance of perspective in understanding hidden truths. Similarly, in science, researchers often see only fragments of a larger picture. Connecting these fragments and uncovering hidden relationships is key to unlocking deeper insights.
Message to Aspiring Scientists
To Bangladeshi students aspiring to pursue science, Dr. Azad advises:
“Whatever you do, be sincere, consistent, and responsible in your work. Don’t fear trying new things; they might lead to significant breakthroughs. Most importantly, stay passionate about your journey.”
Contact Information for Collaboration
Dr. Azad welcomes inquiries and collaborations from Bangladeshi researchers and students interested in his work.
Email:[email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/abul-kalam-azad-uofa
Leave a comment