#IAmNYAS: Mirza S. Baig

Academy Member and immunologist Mirza Baig, PhD, has one true passion-science. After receiving his PhD from the Central Drug Research Institute in India, he began his career doing bench work as a postdoc at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Today he's back in India, working and publishing papers at the Indian Institute of Technology Indore. Learn more about Mirza and his work below.

What are you currently working on?

I focus primarily on the cell signaling networks in macrophages during various pathophysiological conditions that lead to inflammatory disease. We are studying both the basic biology of inflammation and the regulatory mechanisms that control the initiation, quality, and intensity of inflammatory responses. Our interest at the cellular and molecular levels is to understand how the inflammatory response is triggered and executed.

Who has been your biggest science inspiration?

I am inspired by not just one, but many people. When I see that people are doing great work which directly impacts and improves human health (even one step closer), I get inspired!

What have been some of the most rewarding moments of your career?

My recent publication in the The Journal of Experimental Medicine (JEM) on the role of NOS1-derived nitric oxide in inflammation was the most rewarding moment of my life. This novel study has not only paved the way for my future projects, but also given me confidence and, above all, the zeal to do more.

What are some of the things you do outside the lab?

It might sound a bit too much, but even outside the lab, I am thinking about science and research. An exciting publication or a novel idea makes me jump with joy or puts me in a trance. On a lighter note, I like traveling with my family.

What's the best piece of career advice you've received?

Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day-in and day-out. It comes with genuine efforts and patience, and, of course, there are never shortcuts!

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