Momal Taimoor’s path in science has been anything but linear. Over the past eight years, she has studied blood disorders as a research assistant in haematology, managed a multi-country tuberculosis trial in public health and infectious diseases, and even helped bring an allergy diagnostic test to market in Pakistan. Each experience has expanded the way she approaches scientific questions.
“I like the idea of exploring different ideas as they come up and testing them thoughtfully,” Taimoor explains. Currently, her research focuses on how cells decide their identities within tissues, whether in healthy development or when things go wrong, as in disease. Her ultimate goal is to uncover the molecular “rules” that guide cells in keeping their identity, insights that could one day shape better diagnostics and therapies.
NYUAD stood out to her as a graduate school for its exceptional faculty, collaborative culture, and intellectual freedom. “If you have an idea, you’re encouraged to explore it,” she says. “There’s no better place to pursue ambitious research questions.” The university’s proximity to her home in Pakistan has also allowed her to strike a balance between scientific ambition and personal well-being.
First Year in New York
The NYUAD Global PhD Student Fellowship offers students like Taimoor a unique opportunity to begin their first year of coursework in New York, and complete their research in Abu Dhabi.
Her PhD academic journey in New York was one of the toughest years she had faced, but was also one of the most rewarding. “I had the chance to meet some incredible people who inspired me in so many ways, and I learned far more than I expected—not just academically, but about myself,” Taimoor says.
Author of a Children's Book
For Taimoor, biology has never been just a subject. Outside the lab, Taimoor is equally committed to nurturing young minds about science. She authored a children’s book about proteins, and runs a social media page called Tread Scientifically to share bite-sized science facts. She hopes to branch into podcasts and interactive games to make science more engaging for younger audiences.
In Abu Dhabi, she’s looking forward to forging connections not only across the sciences but also with researchers, artists, and industry leaders from all disciplines. She hopes her time at NYUAD will shape her into a curious, independent scientist, with a personal challenge to learn how to swim while exploring Abu Dhabi’s beaches and water sports.
