Graduate Student Spotlight: Maria Ali
By: Gabby Wetwiski
I am a 6th year PhD student in the Riley lab. I was born and raised in Pakistan. I am from Lahore, known for its excellent food and rich history. I did my undergrad from Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar in Biological Sciences, where I had my first experience conducting research in a lab. My time in Qatar led me to pursuing a PhD at Texas A&M University.
What’s on your bookshelf?
Murder mysteries and a few crocheted figurines I made myself.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
To never give up and stand strong in the face of a challenge (quite useful when it comes to repeating experiments).
How did you select your major or concentration?
I was always interested in Biology. I used to read articles about research when I was younger and always found them fascinating. Conducting research during undergrad helped me realize that I truly enjoy the process of performing experiments, collecting data and thinking about how it all fits into a bigger picture. I decided pursuing a PhD in biology is the best way to achieve my long-term goals of working in research and making meaningful contributions to science.
What is the broader significance of your research?
My research focuses on the developmental process of neurons found in the statoacoustic ganglion (SAG) in zebrafish. These neurons are essential for hearing and vestibular function. Since most developmental processes are conserved across different species, studying the development of SAG neurons in zebrafish would shed light on how this process occurs in humans. This research could contribute to the development of treatments and therapies for diseases related to auditory and vestibular dysfunction.
Tell us about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career?
I’ve always found presentations and public speaking challenging, and I’ve been working to improve these skills. Earlier this year, I presented my research in a 12-minute presentation to the department at SPRC, and I ended up winning first place. I dedicated time to refining my presentation style and public speaking, so it felt incredibly rewarding to see my efforts pay off!
Describe a course that has had the greatest impact on your thinking.
In my second year of graduate school, I took Developmental Genetics (611), taught by Dr. Bruce Riley. The course was structured around published research papers, each addressing different aspects of development. In addition to learning the course content, I gained valuable skills in analyzing research papers, evaluating the data presented, and assessing the conclusions drawn. As a research scientist, it’s crucial to be able to determine whether a study or article presents reliable data and valid conclusions.
