Zhila Semnani-Azad, Nutritional Sciences

Short Description of your research:
My research focuses on understanding the role of adipose tissue inflammation in the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Specifically, I am assessing the predictive capability of a novel biomarker of macrophage activation, namely soluble CD163, in the development of type 2 diabetes in a high risk cohort. My doctoral thesis will be using samples and data collected from the PROspective Metabolism and ISlet cell Evaluation (PROMISE) cohort for longitudinal assessment of this biomarker.

Why did you choose this Department:
The main reason I chose the Department of Nutritional Sciences was because of my interest in pursuing research in this field. In addition, it is home to many top-researchers exploring basic and clinical nutritional approaches in maintaining human health and preventing the development of chronic disease.

How was your experience looking for a research opportunity?
At first, it was challenging but along the way I found numerous ways to gain research experience throughout my undergraduate career. One of the most effective ways was to simply ask! I found it extremely beneficial to read and explore the various lines of research in different fields. Emailing or approaching professors and graduate students helped me learn more and create opportunities for myself to get involved. It is very important to be open to volunteer and work in labs from different disciplines. Through this, I was able to enroll in numerous research courses, meet amazing people and really find the area of research I wanted to continue to pursue.

When did you start your research experience?
I began my research experience in the summer prior to starting my first year of undergrad at the University of Toronto. I was lucky to get a volunteer opportunity and by second-year enroll in the fourth year research course in the Department of Psychology where I worked closely with the Principal Investigator and his senior graduate students in qualitative research. It was this experience that really sparked my interest in pursuing a career in research. From then, I explored other areas of research from Ecology and Evolutionary Biology to Nutritional Sciences. I completed the two research courses offered in the Department of Nutritional Sciences. Both the undergraduate courses and research experiences I had helped me to carve out the specific area of research I wanted to explore.  

Why did you choose your supervisor?
I chose to work with my supervisor, Dr. Anthony Hanley, because his line of research aligned with the research direction I am interested in pursuing.  Dr. Hanley’s lab focuses on assessing the development of type 2 diabetes in high risk populations. As a student in his lab, I get analyze longitudinal data collected over 6-year period to assess the development of diabetes, as well, have the unique opportunity to work alongside other researchers to get wet-lab experience. In addition, his is great mentorship and exciting projects was why I chose to reclassify to the Ph.D. program in his lab.

What is your experience with research?
I’ve learned a lot along the way and have been given the opportunity to be involved in all the steps in conducting research – from literature review, data collection (both wet-lab and subject recruitment), analyses, manuscript preparation and publication, and conferences. I have come to appreciate the challenges and uncertainty involved in pursuing research and am excited to continue in this field.

How’s the social experience with research?
As a graduate student, there are numerous ways to be socially involved. There are student-run clubs and events that allows for a great opportunity to meet other students – either in your department or outside- who share your interest and career goals.

In the more broad aspect, research is a highly collaborative field. Therefore, it is very important to be open and social. Great opportunities, such as attending local, national, and international conferences are often the best ways to meet established and new researchers both in and outside in your field.

Future career plans?
I hope to continue to pursue a career in diabetes epidemiology and hopefully establish a research lab of my own.

One Advice or Tip:
Do not cancel yourself out and be open to different opportunities! Approaching new people or trying to get certain experiences can be challenging but as long as you are actively pursuing what you want, you will get it! Good luck