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Hello!

My name is Saba Nafees and I’m a young scientist, entrepreneur, and lifelong learner.

Some of my past and current projects are:

My background:

Outside of science, it is my passion to help young people, especially immigrant students, pursue their higher education and career dreams. As someone who grew up being undocumented in Texas, the pursuit of higher education and science was a privilege but my path was full of obstacles. It is my life’s mission to help young students pursue their educational dreams, regardless of their socioeconomic or immigration backgrounds.

Photo by Daniel Clayton

Research

2020 paper in NAR Genomics & Bioinformatics

For my Ph.D. work, I worked on implementing a novel mathematical tool derived by my advisor, Dr. Sean Rice, that aims to map phenotypes onto underlying sequence space using tensor-based multivariate orthogonal polynomials. I am currently applying this method to other applications in molecular biology but one example that shows this implementation as applied to RNA is given in the paper linked above.

Google Scholar

Software

I’m also currently developing a command line tool written in Python that makes it easier for researchers to utilize the aforementioned approach in their own work. Update: we now have a GUI that goes along with the CLI! Read the documentation here. The github repo can be found here. If you have ideas or comments or would like to contribute, please let me know!

I was recently awarded the Texas Tech University College of Arts & Sciences Distinguished Alumni Rising Innovator Award. I’m grateful and honored. I’m excited to continue to mentor TTU students as they pursue their higher education goals.

TTU College of Arts & Sciences Distinguished Alumni Rising Innovator Award

STEM & Mentorship

An interview with STEMcx from Baltimore, MD. STEMcx is a wonderful nonprofit organization that promotes STEM education and resources for students from underrepresented communities. I had a great time being interviewed by Anaiah, a wonderful young lady who’s in the 8th grade and has exciting plans for her career.

Documentary

You can find out more about my family’s immigration story in this award-winning documentary produced by PBS, Dream With Me Remember, this is just one of millions of American stories that showcase the undocumented American’s struggle. Feel free to reach out if you have questions or would like to screen it at your organization!

Press

Washington Post - This article talks a bit about my story and urges our country to take action regarding immigration reform.

Washing Post Podcast

MSNBC

MSNBC - Interview with another amazing advocate and dreamer, Bo Thai!

The Hill - During the unforgettable times of the Dream Rider Tour across US.

NBC News

Mashable - Talking about the Define American Chapters program. I’m humbled to have started the first chapter at Texas Tech after being inspired by my mentor, Jose Antonio Vargas, and now there are over 70 chapters across the country. Learn how to start your own chapter on your campus here!

The Scientist

Fast Company

Huffpost - Advocating on the Hill for clean Dream Act alongside my friends in the UndocuBlack community.

SXSW Panel

Associated Press

One Young World and entrepreneurship!

Deutche Welle

CV

Please email me to request a copy.

Contact

Feel free to reach out to me at saba.nafees314@gmail.com

During a medical mission in Guatemala with HELPS International

During a medical mission in Guatemala with HELPS International.