Hello!
My name is Saba Nafees and I’m a young scientist, entrepreneur, and lifelong learner.
- With a background in mathematical biology, I’m passionate about discovering and applying novel mathematical tools to uncover insights in large biological datasets. Until recently, I worked as a data scientist, doing bioinformatics and infectious disease work at Chan Zuckerberg Biohub.
Some of my past and current projects are:
- analyzing patient samples from a hospital setting for viral or bacterial outbreaks
- methods development work which focuses on quantifying sequence-phenotype relationships by developing a mathematical method and software tool to analyze DNA, RNA, and protein sequences and mapping phenotype information onto sequence space (ortho_seqs).
- using ortho_seqs to analyze and predict synthetic antibodies
- analyzing immune repertoires
- developing and conducting bioinformatics & metagenomics training for scientists from around the world (working with the Gates Foundation’s Grand Challenges grantees).
My background:
- I’m passionate about bridging the gap between mathematics and biology.
- My educational background (and Ph.D.) is in mathematical biology at Texas Tech University, in good ‘ol Lubbock, TX.
- Until recently, I have been #UndocumentedandUnafraid and I’m proud to be part of the immigrant rights movement.
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.
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.
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!
Relevant Press Related to Advocacy & Other Things!
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.
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.
MSNBC - Interview with another amazing advocate and dreamer, Bo Thai!
The Hill - During the unforgettable times of the Dream Rider Tour across US.
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!
Huffpost - Advocating on the Hill for clean Dream Act alongside my friends in the UndocuBlack community.
One Young World and entrepreneurship!
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.