Saba Kanwal

What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned?

Be brave and consistent. Success will find YOU.

What do you consider to be your most important career achievement or milestone?

I was lucky to have wonderful parents who encouraged me to pursue higher studies irrespective of society norms (in Pakistan). My most important career achievement presently was to cross the Pacific Ocean and land in Michigan State University (MSU) as a PhD student (now candidate).

What do you aspire to accomplish in your career and why? What obstacles will you overcome?

I aspire to become a very good scientist who contributes to the betterment of world through my research. The obstacle I will overcome would be to do this while raising two wonderful boys. 🙂

Describe an amazing opportunity in your STEM career.

Joining Heedeok Hong’s lab after coming to MSU was an amazing opportunity. He has helped me advancing my STEM career by guiding me throughout my PhD research.

How was AWIS helped you professionally and/or personally?

I have just joined AWIS but look forward to accessing their many resources.

What is your favorite word? (only one word)

Evangline

How do you define it?

It’s the name of the evening star in the movie The Princess and the Frog. I heard it in my childhood, and just loved it.

How has this word influenced or inspired your career?

I have always viewed stars as symbols of success way up in the sky. I want to be a shining star that can go high as possible. This concept drives me to work hard in my career.

What are you currently reading or listening to?

A paper on the YidC protein which acts as an insertase for membrane proteins.

What do you consider the best professional or personal advice you’ve ever received?

Break the chains of terror (any type of terror).

Saba Kanwal is from Pakistan. Currently, she is a PhD candidate (4th year) working in the Chemistry department at Michigan State University. She is working with Heedeok Hong studying the denatured state ensemble (DSE) of membrane proteins. Her research will help understand the folding mechanism of membrane proteins and in turn, with diseases like cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. Overall, she describes herself as a MOM with beauty and brains.