May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and Stark Neurosciences Research Institute at Indiana University School of Medicine celebrates the rich diversity of cultures among our AANHPI faculty, staff and trainees.
We spoke with Arupratan Das, PhD, assistant professor of ophthalmology, and Md Mamun Al Amin, PhD, postdoctoral fellow in medical and molecular genetics, about their backgrounds and pursuit of neuroscience.
Arupratan Das, PhD; Hometown: Kolkata, India
What inspired you to pursue your field of scientific study, and how has your cultural background influenced your academic or professional journey in neuroscience?
I feel that one trait driving me to the field of science is my curiosity about how things work. Throughout my academic career, I developed a strong desire to learn how we perceive the world around us. I was fortunate to be exposed to some fascinating neuroscientists during my PhD at the Stowers Institute, where I had numerous discussions about their research, such as how we smell and how memory forms. My interests, coupled with a nurturing training environment, played a significant role in fueling my curiosity about neuroscience. My cultural background has significantly influenced my academic and professional journey in several ways. Growing up in Kolkata, India, there is a cultural emphasis on excelling in science with the goal of becoming a doctor, engineer or scientist. This culture of academic excellence profoundly impacted my path, guiding me toward becoming a professional scientist.
Can you share a significant challenge you've faced as an AANHPI scientist in your field, and how did you overcome it while advancing your scientific pursuits?
Finding your footing as an AANHPI scientist can indeed present unique challenges, but it also offers rewarding opportunities. One significant challenge I faced was the limited opportunity to apply for fellowship grants during my postdoctoral training due to citizenship restrictions, as I did not yet have American citizenship. Receiving fellowship grants is crucial for transitioning to an independent career. However, I believe this challenge is not a roadblock but rather an obstacle that can be overcome with perseverance and dedication. My graduate mentor once told me, “If you take care of science, science will take care of everything,” which I believe is very true. Aware of my limited opportunities, I worked diligently, attended top conferences in my field, and expanded my professional network. This effort helped me publish in prestigious journals during my training career, including Nature Cell Biology, Developmental Cell, Nature Communications, and the Journal of Biological Chemistry. My research excellence and strong training record enabled me to secure the K99/R00 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which was instrumental in obtaining an assistant professor position at IU School of Medicine. I share my experience to illustrate that for every AANHPI scientist, opportunities are limitless as long as we don't give up in the face of challenges
In what ways do you hope to contribute to or impact both the scientific community and the AANHPI community through your research or other scientific endeavors?
I truly believe that science has no boundaries and that innovation truly sparks when scientists from different cultural and training backgrounds collaborate on problems. As an AANHPI scientist, I am committed to teaching, mentoring, and guiding as many students and scientists as possible, especially those from diverse backgrounds and cultures, including AANHPI.
Who are some role models or mentors within the AANHPI scientific community that you look up to, and whose support do you acknowledge in your success?
I am lucky to have some of the great mentors throughout my career. Among AANHPI community, my PhD mentor Rong Li, PhD, had a profound impact on my career development. Not only did she mentor me to success, but she also provided a template that I can follow throughout the rest of my career. I am still in regular contact with Rong, and she generously shares her insights whenever I face challenges in my research and career pursuits.
What is your message to future AANHPI trainees walking in your shoes?
I would say that opportunities for AANHPI individuals are limitless, but it's crucial not to give up when faced with steep challenges early in your career. These challenges only serve to make you stronger as you progress. Another critical message I'd like to share is the importance of building a strong mentorship team as you advance. Having mentors whom you can trust and with whom you can share both your successes and struggles is invaluable for guidance and support.
Md Mamun Al Amin, PhD; Hometown: Jessore, Bangladesh
What inspired you to pursue your field of scientific study, and how has your cultural background influenced your academic or professional journey in neuroscience?
From a young age, I was captivated by how the human brain, a complex network of billions of neurons, holds the secrets to our perceptions, actions, memories, behaviors and consciousness. My curiosity about how single neurons perceive the world and how complex neural networks orchestrate our thought and movement has been a powerful motivator for delving into the field of neuroscience. Over the years, I have seen many of my loved ones struggle with issues such as familiar face identification, memory recall and personality changes following strokes, some even passing away due to cerebral hemorrhagic strokes. These experiences strongly inspired me to pursue a study in neuroscience, specifically in Alzheimer’s disease. I am from Bangladesh, a country in South Asia that is one of the most densely populated countries in the world and faces unique health challenges, including a high prevalence of neurological disorders and limited access to advanced medical care. Growing up in a country that has faced various socioeconomic challenges, I have developed a strong sense of resilience and adaptability. These qualities are invaluable in the demanding field of neuroscience, where persistence and problem-solving skills are crucial. My background has equipped me with the ability to navigate complex situations, adapt to new environments, and find innovative solutions to problems.
Can you share a significant challenge you've faced as an AANHPI scientist in your field, and how did you overcome it while advancing your scientific pursuits?
I faced many challenges while working in a new cultural environment. Navigating visa regulations and immigration policies are complex and stressful and often involve significant paperwork. Initially, there were financial constraints due to managing expenses and the cost of living in a new country. I then focused on professional integration, dedicating extra effort and perseverance to establishing myself within a new scientific community by building collaborations and gaining recognition. Balancing the demands of rigorous research with personal life can be particularly challenging when adapting to a new environment. I started working in the lab early and left early to spend quality time both in the lab and at home with family.
In what ways do you hope to contribute to or impact both the scientific community and the AANHPI community through your research or other scientific endeavors?
I am conducting innovative research that pushes the boundaries of our understanding of Alzheimer's disease. By uncovering new insights into Alzheimer's disease, hippocampal abnormalities and white matter, I aim to contribute valuable knowledge to the scientific community, paving the way for novel treatments and interventions. Neuroscience is complex, and a multidisciplinary approach is needed to advance our understanding of disease mechanisms. I want to collaborate with AANHPI community experts who are working in genetics, pharmacology, psychology and computer science. By fostering interdisciplinary partnerships, I aim to leverage complementary expertise to address complex challenges in understanding and treating Alzheimer's disease. Overall, my goal is to make meaningful contributions that not only advance scientific knowledge but also have a tangible and positive impact on the lives of individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease and the broader community. Through my dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit, I aim to shape the future of neuroscience and pave the way toward a world where neurological disorders are better understood, effectively treated, and ultimately prevented.
Who are some role models or mentors within the AANHPI scientific community that you look up to, and whose support do you acknowledge in your success?
Jungsu Kim, PhD, my current mentor, has been a guiding light in my journey through the intricate field of Alzheimer's disease research. With over many years of dedicated experience, his profound knowledge and unwavering commitment have significantly shaped my understanding and approach to this complex domain. His mentorship not only provided me with invaluable insights into the nuances of hippocampal abnormalities and white matter changes but also instilled in me a rigorous scientific mindset and a compassionate perspective toward those affected by this devastating illness. I am immensely grateful for his constant support, encouragement, and the opportunities he has afforded me, all of which have been instrumental in my academic and research successes.
What is your message to future AANHPI trainees walking in your shoes?
To future Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) trainees walking in my shoes, I want to say, never underestimate the strength of your voice and the significance of your contributions. While the path may be challenging, remember that your resilience and determination are your greatest assets. Seek out to your mentor who believe in your potential and is committed to your growth. Celebrate your successes, learn from your setbacks and remain steadfast in your pursuit of knowledge and innovation. Your presence and achievements pave the way for future generations, creating a more inclusive and enriched scientific community. Believe in yourself, stay curious, and let your passion for discovery drive you forward. You are not alone in this journey — together, we can break barriers and make a lasting impact on the world.
