Q&A with ISU Graduate Student Shadi Parvinroo

1.??????Where is your hometown?

I am from Iran, and my hometown is Astara, the northernmost city of the country located on the western coast of the Caspian Sea. This geographical location gives Astara a temperate climate in which you can experience 90F in summer, perfect for swimming, and around 30F in winter, with one or two snowfalls per year and lots of rain during Spring, late Summer, and Fall.

????2.?????What inspired you to pursue your area of study?

The challenge of mastering complex concepts is what drew me to immunobiology. The interdisciplinary nature of Immunobiology requires a deep understanding of immunology, cellular and molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, and biochemistry, which makes it a challenging field of study. Then it is a matter of applying the concepts and techniques from this wide range of disciplines in translational studies to solve real-world problems and make a difference in people’s lives by developing new vaccines, treatments, or diagnostics for infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.

3.????Where did you receive your previous degrees?

I got my BSc. in Biology and MSc. in animal physiology, from the University of Guilan and MAU, respectively, in Iran.

4.????Why did you choose Iowa State?

I first learned about ISU through a National Geographic documentary about a lab that made biodegradable plastic from corn. Ever since, I have known ISU as an institution with incredibly innovative research projects, nice lab spaces, and a fascinating campus, all perfectly covered by that documentary. Later, my husband applied to pursue his Ph.D. at ISU, which is how we ended up here.

5.????Please describe current lab work.

My research is focused on the gut microbiota and host immune responses related to that. The projects I’ve been working on investigate gut bacterial diversity and abundance and how they affect the immune system, metabolism, and overall health.

6.????What is your favorite part about the research?

Not knowing what is next. In biological studies, you must always have a Plan B in your experimental design in case things don’t unfold as expected or planned or if you need to confirm an observation through an alternative method. This makes it somewhat challenging but also cranks up the excitement and keeps your brain entertained all the time.

7.????If your research was like a game or a sport, what would it be and why?

I liken my research to chess. In that, we try to predict, with minimal certainty, the probable chain of events following our every decision, and the success largely depends on how accurate our predictions are. But at the end of the day, it is hardly the outcome but mostly the wonderful magic of the game itself that brings us to the table.

?8.????What are your hobbies?

I enjoy gardening, baking, cooking, reading, swimming, and watching many movies!

9.?????What are your career plans following your degree?

I see myself in a research position but have not entirely made up my mind if it will be in academia or industry. Both offer great opportunities and have their own pros and cons. I’m keeping an open mind and an open eye (actually, two!). ?