From Kashmir to the frontiers of Cutting-Edge Science
Dr Humaira Gowher stands as a beacon of scientific excellence and cultural bridge-building. Born and raised in Kashmir, Dr Humaira's journey from the streets of Srinagar to the forefront of genetic research in the United States is a testament to the power of curiosity, perseverance, and cross-cultural exchange.
In this exclusive interview with Greater Kashmir's Business Editor, Mukeet Akmali, Dr Humaira delves into the remarkable journey, exploring the influences that shaped her scientific passion, the challenges she overcame as a woman, and her ongoing efforts to nurture the next generation of scientists in her homeland. From the bustling lanes of downtown Srinagar to the cutting-edge laboratories of the United States, Dr Humaira's story is one of intellectual adventure, cultural adaptation, and unwavering commitment to scientific progress.
Here are excerpts from the interview:
Mukeet Akmali: Can you tell us about your early life in Kashmir? What was your childhood like?
Dr Humaira: My childhood in Kashmir was during the late 70s and 80s. It was a peaceful and happy time in Kashmir. Most of my day was spent on the premises of CASET School with my teachers, mentors, and friends. Many of these people belonged to the Pandit community, and I was bonded by heart to them. We could take a minibus or Tonga from Zaina Kadal to Karan Nagar, and I always wanted to sit next to the Tonga walla and get his whip to control the beast.
The streets of downtown Srinagar were filled with pedestrians greeting each other, and everyone knew everyone. I woke to metal hammering from a local copper smith, who worked hard from dawn to dusk. People often cooked an extra dinner to serve the "Musafir (a traveller)," who was usually a labourer from a far-off village. People looked for jobs, not money; they sought help, not favours.
My childhood was filled with love and care from the whole Kashmiri community, irrespective of caste and religion. Every uncle on the street had the right to scold me or offer candy; anyone could tie my open laces or pick me up if I fell. After school, I could just go to our neighbour's house and wait till my mom returned from work. I got fed, and I also got help with homework if needed. It was like one big family in Kashmir because all this was done with a sense of belongingness and kindness, not as a favour.
When did you first become interested in science? Was there a particular moment or influence that sparked this interest?
Well, I was inquisitive from early childhood. I always questioned stuff and often overstepped my position with an opinion about things I knew less about. But I grew up in a largely egalitarian society, which allowed doubts and an answer-seeking appetite. My mentors in school and college only appreciated and encouraged me. When our new 5th grade teacher asked what we aspired to become, I said a Scientist, because I had read the biographies of Issac Newton, Marie Curie, Edison, and Einstien.
More than one moment fanned the spark, starting from Dr C. L Vishen's creative ways of teaching science in elementary and middle school, Prof. Thusoo's Biology classes in high school, and Prof. Bashir's (Botany) lectures in 11th grade. The moment when I knew what I would love to do for the rest of my life was when Bashir Sb gave me the recent edition of the Scientific American Journal to read. They say the whole universe extends its hand if the feelings are genuine, and so it was with me. With a lot of best wishes, Duas, and support from family, mentors, and friends, I stumbled upon many opportunities befitting my aspirations to become a scientist.
How did your education in Kashmir shape your career path? Were there any challenges you faced as a young woman pursuing science?
My career was shaped by my education in Kashmir, AMU, Aligarh and IISc, Bangalore. In Kashmir, I give most of the credit to my mentors in CASET School for pushing me in the right direction. CASET school's curriculum was unique in 1970's, though criticized by many since it didn't follow the normal rote and memorized learning style. Most people were skeptical about the CASET experimental methods, but they served all its students well. Most of us from those best days in CASET went on doing really well in our professional lives.
Pursuing science as a young woman was only a bit of a challenge when I pursued higher education at PhD level. Back then, fewer pretty faces reached that level, especially at nerdy institutions such as IISc and IITs. It is an uphill task to convince some that women have all it takes to be excellent scientists.
Their lower enrollment at PhD level is only because most get involved in starting a family at that stage and face severe time management issues due to a lack of support from their spouses and family. The outcome of this societal level "lack of empathy" is that we have an aging population of young women who don't want to start a family because they don't have the proper support from their families as they pursue their professional or scientific careers. Delayed childbearing is a significant driver of the declining fertility rate in the modern world.
What motivated you to continue your studies and eventually move to the United States?
With the rise in militancy in Kashmir, a large number of Kashmiri students, including me, continued college and university education in other parts of India. I got admission to the Biochemistry Department at Aligarh Muslim University for a BSc and MSc degree. During my MSc., I met Dr. Ayub Qadri, who introduced me to Dr. S.E.Hassnain at NII, New Delhi. Dr. Hassnain accepted my request to shadow and work with his graduate students for a few weeks of summer. His lab was fully equipped with the latest molecular biology and virology research tools.
I learned basic molecular biology techniques such as cloning, using radioactive probes to screen positive clones by plate hybridization, plasmid purification, and restriction digestion. It was a lot to consume, and I definitely was starving. That experience motivated me to continue pursuing my career in science.
I scored well in GATE and nailed all interviews for admission to the Ph. D. program at IISc, Bangalore. I was introduced to the Epigenetics and DNA methylation field in Dr .D N Rao's lab at IISc.
A few years later, I accepted Prof. Alfred Pingoud's offer to continue working on my PhD thesis in his lab at Justus Liebig University, Germany. This allowed me to work on cutting-edge topics in DNA methylation. My Ph. D. thesis work on the newly discovered DNMT3 family of enzymes put my work on the first few pages of the PUBMED. After completing my thesis, I stayed two more years in Germany until my husband finished his Computer Engineering at Duisberg-Essen University. During that period, we also were raising our firstborn, Hana. Without my husband's unwavering support, any of the above was impossible.
To diversify and gain broader research experience, I was looking for postdoctoral fellowships in the UK and USA. My meeting with Dr Gary Felsenfeld, a pioneer in Chromatin Biology, inspired me to join his lab to investigate mechanisms that allow cross-talk between DNA methylation and Chromatin regulation. We moved with our 2-year-old, Hana, to the USA in 2005.
What were the biggest adjustments you had to make?
The most significant adjustments are always related to language and culture. India is a big and beautiful country with multiple cultures and languages. However, people still have a common cultural etiquette and understanding since they have lived together for thousands of years. Some of the standard etiquettes in the East is unrecognized behavior in the West. The humor is different, and so is the hospitality.
The social system around you is different, and you can either be isolated or you have to actively engage in learning about your environment. Doing science is easy, but doing it with people very different from those you are raised with can be challenging. But on the other hand, research labs provide the most open and accommodating space for diversity. Everybody is allowed to have opinions, but only the facts can win.
What is your current area of scientific research? How did you choose this field?
I work on the epigenetic regulation of gene expression and its impact on mammalian development and disease. Besides the genetic control of traits, environment, habits, food, etc, can impact human development and health. The molecular changes that allow these effects are considered epigenetic regulation. As mentioned above, I have worked in this field since I started working on my PhD thesis at IISc, Bangalore.
What have been some of your most significant achievements or discoveries in your scientific career so far?
Epigenetic regulation includes the chemical modification of DNA by methylation. This is mediated by enzymes called DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). Our work has elucidated mechanisms that control the catalytic activity, substrate specificity, and gene expression of DNMTs during early mammalian development. We study these mechanisms using embryonic stem cells and cancer cells as model systems for the development and disease.
As a Kashmiri scientist working in the US, how do you maintain connections with your home region? Do you collaborate with institutions or researchers there?
One cannot enjoy the success of one's effort until it doesn't impact those closest to you. Knowledge and information are like a trust in your custody to be returned. I owe it to my mentors, most of whom are from India. I have always made attempts to teach, train, and mentor students from India.
I have visited and given talks at Kashmir University, IISc, Bangalore, IIT Kanpur, Jamia Milia, and AMU. I met with and advised many students, particularly women, during my visits. I have hosted Khorana Scholars from India in my lab for summer research experience and participated in SERB fellowship applications from a few Indian graduate students.
I am also an adjunct faculty member of the CIRI at Kashmir University. A few months back, my joint proposal with Dr. Altaf Bhat, Director of CIRI, received funding from the Ministry of Education under the SPARC programme. This funding will support the education and research training of the graduate students in Kashmir.
What are your future research goals or projects you're most excited about?
I want to continue working in the Epigenetics field. More recently, we have started working on understanding how insulator proteins regulate cardiomyocyte (heart muscle cells) differentiation.
Do you have any plans to contribute to scientific development in Kashmir or India more broadly?
With our new SPARC funding, I look forward to visiting KU and teaching and training students. Dr Altaf and I will jointly convene international scientific meetings and create workshops to train students
How do you see your role in inspiring the next generation of scientists, particularly young women from Kashmir?
Well, if I can do it, anyone can, too. There is no miracle; any hard-working person with some inquisitiveness and passion to learn and understand scientific processes can find new things and make discoveries. The harvest in the field is open to all who will bend to pick it.
What advice would you give aspiring scientists from your home region who dream of pursuing an international career?
One might consider cleaning the house and pursuing a scientific career at home. The only difference between working in the US and Kashmir or other places in India is the need for more infrastructure. However, research funding agencies like DBT and the Ministry of Education in India are ready to invest in good strategic plans and research areas. Most of us become complacent too quickly and don't want to push hard and write proposals.
Research and development in India are on the rise. Recent policy changes have led to an immense growth of India's biotech and biopharma industry, with the potential to employ thousands of scientists. New research institutes provide education and training to bright and inquisitive minds who become entrepreneurs and scientists, leading efforts in developing new pharmaceutical drugs against an ever-growing number of health-related issues. The country's Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) has more than doubled in the last decade, and it has increased to over $60 billion annually.
Are there any initiatives or programs you're involved with to promote science education or research opportunities in Kashmir?
Yes, as a Khorana Scholar host, international PI on the SPARC grant, and adjunct faculty member of CIRI, KU.
Looking back at your journey, what has been the most rewarding aspect of your career in science?
Training the young minds, seeing them grow and become scholars, hooding them during the degree commencement, and participating in their success. It is the human experience, the giving aspect of the profession, that is most rewarding.
