Syeda Rubaiya Nasrin, a Bangladeshi scientist, is currently engaged in research at Kyoto University in Japan. It was her childhood curiosity as a girl from a middle-class family that brought her to where she is today. Her life—how an ordinary girl became an extraordinarily successful scientist—is truly inspirational for us all.
Childhood Curiosity and the Beginning:
Born into a middle-class family in Dhaka, Syeda was different from a young age. As the second among three siblings, she was always eager to learn new things1. Instead of playing sports, her hobby was dismantling various household appliances to unravel their mysteries.
This kind of curiosity eventually nurtured her love for science. However, her journey was never easy. While her parents had big dreams for her, they were unsure how to help realize their daughter’s aspirations.
At the beginning of her academic life, Syeda Rubaiya Nasrin aspired to become an architect. While studying science during her secondary and higher secondary education, this dream was at the center of her imagination. In 2009, however, she received an offer to study in the chemistry department at the University of Dhaka, which changed the course of her life.
Although school and college in Bangladesh provide some opportunities for experimentation, her true initiation into research began in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Dhaka. In her final year as a bachelor’s student, she got the opportunity to work in the Material Chemistry Research Laboratory (MCRL) through a two-credit project.
During this time, she worked on Ionic Liquid. Ionic liquid is a special type of substance where both positively and negatively charged ions remain together in liquid form. The main focus of her project was to analyze what happens when a polar liquid (such as water or ethanol) is added to an ionic liquid.
She discovered that adding just 5% polar liquid could increase the conductivity of the mixture several fold. To find the underlying mechanisms, she would study research papers and discuss with her supervisor and lab members. Through this process, she was able to provide an accurate explanation of the behavior of ionic liquids.
This experience drew her towards research. She said,
“Uncovering the reasons behind phenomena deeply moved me, and this is how I became interested in research.”
The experience gained during her bachelor’s developed her confidence and allowed her to participate in various conferences. During her master’s, she presented at different universities in Bangladesh, further boosting her self-assurance.
As a continuation of this, in 2016 she was awarded the MEXT Scholarship, giving her the opportunity to pursue a fully-funded Ph.D. at Hokkaido University in Japan. While doing her Ph.D., she had the chance to present her research in various cities across Japan and Europe. These experiences made her even more devoted to research.
According to her,
“Just as artists captivate society with their creativity, researchers can unravel complex events with their creative mindset.”
Microtubules: The Tiny World Inside the Cell:
The main focus of Syeda Rubaiya Nasrin’s research is the minuscule world inside our body’s cells—the microtubule. This is essentially a cylindrical protein polymer, thinner than one hundred-thousandth of human hair. Inside living cells, it acts as an internal skeleton, helping to maintain cell structure and transporting important cellular components.
Function of Microtubules and Motor Proteins:
Inside neurons, microtubules act as roads or railway tracks. Motor proteins named kinesin and dynein travel along these tracks. Their function is to transport various essential components—such as RNA, enzymes, or other organelles—across the cell. The main aim of Rubaiya’s research was to investigate how structural changes in microtubules resulting from environmental responses such as force or stress impact the function of these motor proteins.
Explained with a Simple Example
Syeda Rubaiya compares her research to a freight train and a railway line. If the railway line is structurally compromised, the train’s movement is hampered. Similarly, if the microtubule is damaged, the activity of motor proteins inside the cell is disrupted. This research helps us understand why the cell’s internal transport structures must be healthy and functional.
Impact of Her Research:
Understanding the interplay between microtubules and motor proteins can play a vital role in diagnosing and treating complex neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cancer. Rubaiya believes that new drugs can be designed by targeting structural changes in microtubules. Additionally, engineers can create new technologies for targeted drug delivery by drawing inspiration from cellular transport mechanisms.
Syeda Rubaiya’s research may not only aid in disease diagnosis but could also contribute to the development of new future technologies. Deeper insights into the tiny world inside cells could open new horizons in healthcare services.
Struggle and Success: A Scientist’s Journey:
The path to becoming a scientist was not easy for Syeda Rubaiya Nasrin. She had to work hard to understand her research and clarify her ideas during her time at the University of Dhaka. When she went to Japan for higher studies, the stress of living alone and language barriers were among her biggest challenges.
However, she viewed each failure as a step towards learning. In her words:
“Failure doesn’t mean the end of the journey. Rather, it’s an opportunity to start again.”
This mindset motivated her to move forward and helped her reach where she is today.
A Message for Bangladeshi Students: Guide to Success
Syeda believes that you don’t need a big lab or advanced equipment to be a scientist. Instead, your own curiosity, perseverance, and confidence are the keys to pursuing science.
She has the following key advice for young students:
1️⃣ Strengthen Your Fundamentals: Gain mastery in essential subjects like mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.
2️⃣ Learn Programming and Data Analysis: These skills are indispensable for modern research.
3️⃣ Dream and Ask Questions: Always have a thirst to uncover the mysteries behind everything.
Syeda says,
“Science is hidden in everything around you. All you need is the desire to uncover those mysteries.”
Future Plans: Connecting Science with People:
Syeda’s dream is to improve people’s lives through her research. She hopes Bangladeshi students will be inspired by her work and become more interested in research. She believes that with the right guidance, many more talented scientists from Bangladesh can make their mark on the global stage.
Conclusion: The Power of Curiosity and Perseverance:
Syeda Rubaiya Nasrin’s life teaches us how curiosity and perseverance can turn the impossible into possible. Her research has unlocked new frontiers in technology and innovation beyond the boundaries of medical science.
“If you learn to ask questions and keep trying, no barrier can stop you.”
Syeda’s indomitable willpower and success story are a shining beacon of inspiration for us all.
Contact Syeda Rubaiya Nasrin:
You can contact Syeda directly via LinkedIn or other platforms. To learn more about her research and perspectives, visit:
🔗 LinkedIn: Syeda Rubaiya Nasrin
📚 ResearchGate: Syeda Rubaiya Nasrin
❓ Quora: Syeda Rubaiya Nasrin
📄 X (formerly Twitter): @RubaiyaNasrin
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