My mentoring philosophy has been profoundly influenced by the privilege of directly mentoring ten undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds, personalities, and cultures during my time as a graduate student and postdoctoral researcher. In addition to hands-on training, my focus on mentoring was to develop problem-solving skills and a sense of sharing and collaboration in my mentees. Additionally, being a graduate student and a postdoc with newly appointed PIs has been a priceless learning opportunity in my academic career. I have experience building a new lab from scratch while leading the development of an inclusive, open-minded, and safe lab culture. I have learned to navigate numerous challenges and develop practical solutions to build a successful research group. My invaluable learning experience in academia and national laboratories gives me immense confidence in translating the knowledge I have acquired to my group members and future leaders in science.
I am the first person from the Chakma indigenous community of Bangladesh to have achieved a STEM PhD in the US. Having realized that dream due to the opportunities I found in the United States, I am committed to dedicating my academic career to creating opportunities for participation from underrepresented and underprivileged groups. I believe my own experience as a first-generation PhD will be very helpful in encouraging many first-generation students at Kennesaw State University. As a mentor, I will welcome and take different initiatives to recruit undergraduate and graduate researchers from underrepresented groups. In the Chakma lab, all the group members will foster the idea of togetherness, compassion, and equality. As a chemistry professor from an underrepresented group, I will serve as a role model for students to pursue careers in STEM and academia. I will create an inclusive environment in my classes and motivate my students to pursue higher education in STEM, regardless of their background.
As a person of color and a first-generation STEM PhD from my community, I always wanted to give back to society with what I have gained so far. I aim to inspire the young generation with my passionate motto: that anything is possible with a willing heart. My ultimate goal as a mentor is to guide my mentees to value the importance of critical thinking, academic integrity, and scientific collaboration.
Chakma Research Lab 