Sadia wearing a graduation gown, holding a diploma and smiling at the camera.

Navigating a Career in Research, Sadia’s Story

2 minutes

Sadia Khyber is a graduate from the University of Minnesota. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience in May 2024 and completed a Master's in Environmental Public Health in May 2025. Sadia shares her experience during the Program in Health Disparities Research (PHDR) M-ASCEND summer internship and how the experience helped her navigate an unfamiliar career path. The experience increased her confidence and exposed research opportunities, which she is grateful for.

“When I began my undergraduate studies, I was eager to find a research opportunity that aligned with my interests in public health and providing access to health for all. That opportunity came in the summer of 2023, when I joined the University of Minnesota M-ASCEND: Advancing Science, Enhancing Diversity (M-ASCEND)  PHDR program as an intern. Through this experience, I was trained in community-based participatory research (CBPR) and conducted literature reviews for a project exploring the “Biological Age” construct and its connection to cancer risk.

One of the most impactful parts of the program was being paired with my mentor, Dr. Anna Prizment. Under her guidance, I deepened my understanding of cancer disparities, contributed to a research manuscript, and presented a poster at the Summer Undergraduate Research Expo (SURE). The program’s seminars and discussions broadened my knowledge of cancer research and recovery. I could visualize myself as someone who could meaningfully contribute to this field.

After completing the program, I reached out to Dr. Douglas Yee at the Masonic Cancer Center to pursue further research opportunities. That connection led to my current role as a research assistant in his lab. In this role, I work on experiments involving the APOBEC gene in breast cancer cell lines while being mentored by a graduate student. I’ve since had the chance to present at lab meetings, collaborate with fellow researchers, and continue growing my skills in both wet lab and population-based research. My prior training includes culturing cell lines, doing western blots for protein analysis, and treating cells with different drugs, among other lab tasks.

Looking ahead, I hope to pursue a career in medicine and research, with a focus on addressing disparities in care and outcomes. M-ASCEND played a key role in shaping that vision, providing me the mentorship, training, and confidence I needed to pursue the next steps in an unfamiliar path. The guidance I received from my M-ASCEND’s mentors truly opened my eyes to a world of opportunities in research.”