Nabila Masud: “From day one, I knew I was in the right place”

“I remember arriving in Ames, feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty. My professor, Dr. Anwesha Sarkar, personally picked me up from the hotel and dropped me off at my apartment, making sure I settled in comfortably. That small gesture spoke volumes about the supportive environment I was stepping into. The same day, as I struggled to catch the right bus, a student approached me and guided me to Coover Hall, showing once again how supportive the Iowa State community is.”

Since then, Iowa State has continued to be a place of learning, collaboration, and innovation for Nabila Masud.

“Whenever I encounter challenges in my research or coursework, Dr. Sarkar is always there to guide me. She introduced me to the biophysics side of my work, which was new to me, and provided a solid framework to build upon. The entire research community here is incredibly supportive, always willing to assist and collaborate.”

Now, as a PhD student in electrical engineering, Nabila is using atomic force microscopy (AFM) to push the boundaries of nanomechanics and biophysics.

“In our lab, we use AFM to characterize nanomechanical properties and measure interaction forces at an unprecedented resolution. We work with biological samples, including plant and live animal cells, capturing high-resolution images and analyzing the forces required to break molecular bonds.

Our goal is to understand how receptors—especially those overexpressed in cancer, fibrosis, and other diseases—respond to targeted forces. This knowledge will help strategically to design drug delivery systems that can precisely target affected cells, enhancing the effectiveness of treatments.”

For Nabila, the journey has been about more than just research—it’s about growth, discovery, and the power of a supportive community.

“The support from Dr. Sarkar and my peers has been invaluable. From day one, I knew I was in the right place.”