Dr. Maria Arshad
Life/Medical sciences consultant/Researcher
- As a dedicated mentor and lecturer, I am passionate about guiding research students through their academic journeys. I support them in developing critical thinking, refining research methodologies, and building confidence in scientific writing and presentation. My goal is to empower the next generation of researchers with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in the scientific community.
I’ve worked extensively with high school, undergraduate, and doctoral students—helping them explore interdisciplinary topics, develop research skills, and build confidence as independent thinkers. I’m excited to share my experience to support the next generation of curious, driven learners.
- Universities attended -
- Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia PhD, Medical Sciences
- Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad Master of Philosophy - MPhil, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Bahauddin Zakariya University Bahauddin Zakariya University BS biochemistry, BiochemistryBS biochem
- Preferred format of mentorship - Flexible / I’m open to different formats
- Time zone - MYT
- Any additional information you’d like to share with us? -
- Currently residing in the Savannah, US. Might change my location in few months but will keep you informed about anything in advance.
- Brief Summary of Your Research Interests.
- My research interests lie at the intersection of translational oncology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. I focus on predictive biomarkers, personalized medicine, and breast cancer therapeutics. I am particularly interested in the molecular mechanisms driving treatment response and resistance, aiming to translate bench-side discoveries into clinical impact for improved patient care.
- Please describe your past experience mentoring or teaching students.
- Over the past five years, I have mentored and taught undergraduate students in biochemistry, molecular biology, and medical sciences. My role involved delivering lectures, supervising lab work, guiding final-year research projects, and providing one-on-one academic support. I take pride in creating an engaging and supportive learning environment that helps students build research skills and confidence.
- List 3–5 example project ideas students could pursue with your guidance.
- Does Green Tea Help the Heart? Study how natural antioxidants (like green tea extract) can protect heart cells from stress caused by certain medications.
- Tracking Cancer Clues: Studying cancer Protein in Cancer Learn lab techniques like immunohistochemistry to explore how a specific protein behaves in breast cancer samples.
- How Does Selenium Protect Our Cells? Investigate the effects of selenium, an essential nutrient, on stressed cells in a simple lab experiment.
- Can We Predict Chemotherapy Success? Use publicly available data to compare gene expression in patients who respond well to chemotherapy versus those who don’t.
- Molecular Biology Made Simple: Gene Expression in Cancer Practice basic molecular biology techniques like PCR to measure gene activity in cancer-related genes.
- What types of final deliverables can your students expect to produce?
- Research paper
- Literature review
- Data analysis report
- Infographic or digital design
- Presentation or oral defense
- Any additional project themes, trending ideas, or real-world challenges you’d love to explore with motivated high school students?
- For high school students I'd recommend, ""How Clean Is Your Water?"" Explore local water samples for microbial contamination or heavy metals using simple test kits, raising awareness of clean water access. ""Antibiotic Resistance: Are Everyday Bacteria Fighting Back?"" Test how bacteria from the environment (soil, doorknobs, phones) react to common antibiotics, highlighting a growing global health challenge. ""The Science Behind Sunscreens: Do They Really Protect Your Skin?"" Compare different sunscreens and measure their UV-blocking ability using simple UV beads or detectors. ""Food vs. Mood: Can What You Eat Affect How You Feel?"" Conduct a basic survey and analysis of students' diet patterns and their link to energy, focus, or mood changes. ""Plastic Pollution and Microbes: Can Bacteria Help Clean the Planet?"" Investigate the potential of biodegradable materials or bacteria that might help break down plastics. ""Build a Simple Biosensor at Home"" Guide students in creating a basic pH or glucose sensor using DIY materials and explain their use in real diagnostics. ""What's in Your Genes? Basics of DNA Extraction from Fruits"" Introduce biotechnology by extracting DNA from bananas or strawberries using kitchen items and discussing its real-world uses. ""Air Quality Check: What Are You Breathing?"" Create simple traps to collect airborne particles and compare air quality in different school or city areas. ""Sleep, Screens, and Students: Are We Getting Enough Rest?"" Run a mini-study on screen time habits vs. sleep patterns, encouraging healthy digital behavior. ""How Does Stress Affect Memory?"" Conduct simple memory tasks with peers under different conditions (quiet vs. noisy) and discuss real implications on learning.
- 🗣️ Communication & Presentation
- Academic writing (papers, reports)
- Public speaking / oral presentations
- Creating research posters or infographics
- 🔍 Research & Inquiry Skills
- Formulating research questions
- Identifying credible sources
- Synthesizing information from multiple sources
- 🧠 Critical Thinking & Analysis
- Analyzing arguments and data
- Drawing logical conclusions
- 📊 Quantitative & Qualitative Methods
- Designing experiments or surveys
- 🎨 Creativity & Problem-Solving
- Brainstorming innovative solutions
- Connecting interdisciplinary ideas
- Applying knowledge to real-world challenges
- 📅 Project Management & Organization
- Setting research goals and timelines
- Documenting progress
- 🤝 Collaboration & Mentorship
- Working in small research teams
- Engaging in intellectual discussions
- Receiving and applying constructive feedback
- Building research confidence and autonomy