The School of Medicine Basic Sciences is a remarkable community dedicated to advancing the study of human biology, health, and disease. In addition to the award-winning faculty, postdocs, and students who are at the forefront of our cutting-edge research, a large part of our school’s success can be attributed to our staff.
Join us in recognizing and appreciating our staff members and the hard work they do to ensure exceptional exploration into basic biomedical science that takes place at our school.
We sat down with Naila Tasneem to learn more about her and the work she does at Vanderbilt. Tasneem is a research technician in the lab of Ken Lau within the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology.
How long have you been working for Vanderbilt?
I started working here in December 2021. In the Lau lab, I perform research focusing on the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer using mouse models, human cell lines, and 3D organoids. I conduct experiments to investigate interactions among cancer cells, epithelial cells, and immune cells, particularly tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, while studying genetic mutations, molecular pathways, and signal transduction. I also conduct research on inflammatory bowel disease by creating specialized mouse models to explore disease pathology. My current work includes co-culturing human tumor biopsy samples with T-cells to study immune–tumor cell interactions.
What is unique about working for the School of Medicine Basic Sciences?
I have a unique and deeply personal motivation for pursuing a career in the School of Medicine Basic Sciences. I hold an M.D., which I received in Pakistan, and I initially practiced as a medical doctor. However, my journey took a profound turn when my eldest daughter, Zainab, was diagnosed with leukemia. Despite undergoing treatment, she relapsed, and, with no curative options available in Pakistan, I brought her to the U.S. for targeted immunotherapy. Tragically, she did not survive. This loss profoundly impacted me and sparked a passion to study cancer at the molecular level, explore how tumor cells respond to various stimuli, and investigate ways to harness immune cells to combat cancer effectively. This experience drives my dedication to research in this field.
What is something you are looking forward to?
I am particularly looking forward to expanding my current work co-culturing human tumor biopsy samples with T-cells to further investigate immune–tumor cell interactions. This project has the potential to uncover critical insights into how immune cells can be harnessed to target and eliminate cancer cells more effectively.
What is your favorite memory or project you have completed during your time at the School of Medicine Basic Sciences?
My favorite project has been co-culturing human tumor biopsy samples with T-cells to study immune–tumor cell interactions. This work has been incredibly rewarding because it bridges fundamental cancer biology with translational research, offering insights that could contribute to the development of novel immunotherapies. Designing and conducting experiments to analyze how tumor cells interact with the immune system has been both challenging and fulfilling, and it aligns closely with my passion for advancing cancer research to make a meaningful impact.
Who has had a positive impact on your work?
My principal investigator, Ken Lau, who is a professor of cell and developmental biology and director of the Center for Computational and Systems Biology, has had an immensely positive impact on my professional journey. As an international medical graduate with a strong passion for cancer research, I faced numerous challenges, including navigating immigration-related employment authorization, acquiring new skills in a highly competitive environment, and adapting to a new work culture environment with different challenges. Dr. Lau recognized my commitment and provided steadfast support, fostering an environment that enabled me to overcome these challenges and dedicate myself fully to my research pursuits. I am truly privileged to advance my passion for cancer research under his exceptional mentorship and guidance in his lab.
What is a professional or personal achievement that you are most proud of?
Conducting experiments using various mouse models and subsequently collecting and analyzing data provides me with a sense of fulfillment—knowing that my efforts contribute meaningfully to advancing scientific knowledge.
What is a fun fact about you?
I have a passion for horror movies and can enthusiastically discuss them for hours!
What activities to do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy spending quality time with my family, discovering new cuisines, and exploring the vibrant city of Nashville.
What is your favorite quote?
I love this one by Beyoncé: “Your self-worth is determined by you. You don’t have to depend on someone telling you who you are.”