Sirajis Salekin
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Advised by Joseph Fox
Interview submitted in Summer 2024.
CHARM Interviewer (CI): Where did you grow up and go to school for your undergraduate degree?
Sirajis Salekin (SS): I grew up in Dhaka, Bangladesh and I got my degree in Pharmacy from the University of Dhaka.
CI: What got you interested in materials science?
SS: Material is a really important component of drug delivery system. If it’s not properly designed, a medicine won’t show any effect or the full effect. My interest in materials science came from learning about the broad potential of properties that can be introduced into material systems through small chemical modifications.
CI: In technical language, what is the research you do here at CHARM?
SS: In our lab we work with tetrazine-trans Cyclooctene ligation, the fastest bioorthogonal reaction. In CHARM, I am making a new form of copolymer using this ultrafast click reaction, where bundlemer peptide and protein are polymer’s backbone. This new material will have function based on what protein was used.
CI: What is a skill you would like to build on while being a part of CHARM?
SS: Networking and collaboration. CHARM community is filled with people from different background. I am trying to know their work and use their expertise where needed.
CI: Tell us about your career goals and aspirations.
SS: I want to work in a pharmaceutical company.
CI: Are there any other student/campus organizations you belong to?
SS: I’m a part of the Graduate Muslim Student Association (MSA) and Bangladesh Student Association (BSA).
CI: What do you enjoy doing on your downtime outside of the lab?
SS: I like reading books and going on trips.
CI: What advice would you give to undergraduate students and first-year graduate students?
SS: Whatever you do, make a plan for your work!
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You can follow Sirajis on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/syntopicist/.