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Rapid Fire Round with Nilab Haydare: Life at ImmuONE
Nilab Haydare is a Pre-Clinical Scientist at ImmuONE
Q: What attracted you to ImmuONE as a company?
A: I was initially drawn to ImmuONE because of my positive experience during my final year dissertation, where I worked on cell culture skills with Dr. Victoria Hutter. That was the first time I was exposed to this kind of work, and I really enjoyed it. I wished that I could do it again. Additionally, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Victoria Hutter and Dr. Ewelina Hoffman on an Animal Free Reseach UK summer project, which further solidified my passion for this type of research. When I learned about the purpose-led work being done at ImmuONE, I knew it was the right fit for me. The company’s focus on developing animal-free approaches resonated with my love for animals, and I felt a strong sense of belonging knowing that the team shared my values.
Q: What are your role and responsibilities at ImmuONE?
A: I am currently a Pre-Clinical scientist at ImmuONE. In this role, I have a diverse range of responsibilities. I mainly work on commercial projects and in-house R&D projects while attending conferences to share the work we do here at ImmuONE. In addition to my primary role, I have the opportunity to contribute to projects across different departments. It’s a dynamic position that allows me to engage in high-level work despite having an undergraduate degree. I’ve been fortunate to witness the growth of ImmuONE since its early days, and I find the founders’ dedication and positivity to be truly inspiring.
Q: What specific aspects of ImmuONE’s mission or values resonated with you?
A: ImmuONE’s mission and values align closely with my own beliefs. One aspect that resonates with me is the company’s commitment to being more representative by developing human-representative models. I believe it’s crucial to have models that accurately reflect human biology to ensure meaningful and translational data. Furthermore, ImmuONE’s dedication to animal-free approaches is important to me as an animal lover. The ability to work on projects that contribute to a more ethical and humane scientific research environment is incredibly fulfilling. This is important for me as I have pets and I love animals. I feel that it’s cruel to harm animals for such experiments.
Q: How has your experience been working at ImmuONE so far?
A: At ImmuONE, we are a team that does their job, not simply because we must but because our motivation comes from a place of passion. We are driven towards the cause and strive hard to achieve those goals, collectively. As a startup, the environment is fast-paced and ever-changing, which has allowed me to learn and grow every day. I appreciate the flexibility and openness within the company, which fosters a collaborative and supportive atmosphere. The entire team at ImmuONE feels like a close-knit family, which creates a positive and motivating work environment. I’ve had the opportunity to take on various responsibilities, advancing from handling clerical work to leading projects. The trust placed in me by the leadership has been instrumental in my professional development.
Q: What projects or initiatives are you currently working on?
A: Currently, I am involved in several projects at ImmuONE. My primary focus is the CRACK-IT Challenge 36 commercial projects. I am also responsible for conducting R&D cell cultures projects, where I design, perform, analyse, and present to the team. Beyond that, I have the chance to contribute to projects across different departments, which provides me with a well-rounded experience. I am particularly excited about the work we are doing to develop animal-free approaches and human-representative models. These initiatives align with the company’s mission and values and have a significant impact on advancing immunotherapy research.
Q: What impact do you hope to make through your work?
A: Through my work at ImmuONE, I aim to contribute to the advancement of immunotherapy research and its application in clinical settings. I hope that the projects I’m involved in, such as developing animal-free approaches and human-representative models, will lead to more ethical and effective therapies. By providing meaningful and translational data, I want to help shape the future of immunotherapy, making a positive impact on patient outcomes. Additionally, I strive to share the work and research we do at ImmuONE with the wider scientific community to foster collaboration and further drive innovation in the field. Looking back at Microphysiological Systems (MPS) World Summit in Berlin in June 2023, I got a chance to share my research with the rest of the scientific community.
Q: How does ImmuONE’s work align with your personal and professional goals?
A: Personally, I am passionate about animal welfare and the development of ethical research practices. ImmuONE’s commitment to animal-free approaches resonates deeply with me, allowing me to contribute to a more compassionate scientific landscape. Professionally, I aspire to be involved in cutting-edge research and make a meaningful impact in the biotech industry. The company’s focus on innovative immunotherapy research and its dedication to developing human-representative models provides an ideal platform for me to achieve my goals.
Q: What excites you the most about ImmuONE’s approach to immunotherapy?
A: What excites me the most about our approach to immunotherapy is the emphasis on developing animal-free approaches and human-representative models. By using advanced technologies and techniques, we can generate data that accurately represents what happens in human lungs. We know what we are saying about the lungs because we have the data to support our claims. This level of precision and relevance in research is incredibly exciting as it has the potential to transform the field of immunotherapy. ImmuONE’s commitment to scientific rigor and ethical practices is truly inspiring, and it fuels my enthusiasm for the work we do.
Q: Can you describe any notable achievements or milestones you’ve reached while being part of ImmuONE?
A: One notable achievement during my time here has been the significant expansion of my knowledge and skills. I have gained expertise in advanced cell cultures and assays, which has allowed me to take on more challenging projects. The leadership team has entrusted me with progressively greater responsibilities, transitioning from handling clerical work to leading projects. This growth has been instrumental in my professional development and has equipped me with the confidence and expertise to tackle complex scientific tasks.
Q: What challenges have you faced while working at ImmuONE, and how have you overcome them?
A: Working at ImmuONE has presented its share of challenges, but they have been valuable opportunities for growth. As a startup, we often face time constraints and a fast-paced work environment. However, these challenges have pushed me to become more efficient in managing my time and prioritizing tasks effectively. Additionally, working on cutting-edge research projects.
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