Bridging cultures to unlock the mysteries of life
As a young girl in Baku, Azerbaijan, a capital-city metropolis on the shore of the Caspian Sea, Sabina Farhadova’s fascination with science sprouted and eventually led her on an international quest to uncover the hidden mechanisms of life.
“My passion for science began at an early age, driven by my curiosity about how life works at the molecular level,” says Farhadova, the recently named Gulbrandsen Postdoctoral Fellow at the Morgridge Institute for Research.
Because Baku, also known as the “Paris of the East,” is located at the western Asian intersection of cultures, she was able to study Azerbaijani, Turkish, Russian, and English. “I had access to books in multiple languages, which allowed me to explore scientific topics beyond my school curriculum,” she says.
After earning an undergraduate degree in biology at Baku State University, she went on to earn a master’s degree studying molecular genetics and Darwinism – deepening her understanding of genetic diseases – at the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.
During her master’s work, Farhadova joined a small research team which secured a grant to study genetic mutations in beta thalassemia in the Azerbaijani population.
“It gave me my first experience in real-world scientific research,” Farhadova says. “This success, along with my mentor’s encouragement, convinced me that I wanted to pursue a research career in molecular biology and genetics.”
Farhadova was one of just two candidates chosen from Azerbaijan to enter a prestigious doctoral program jointly run by the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences and France’s University of Montpelier.
“In the U.S., we often take for granted the opportunities available for education and research,” she says. “Coming from Azerbaijan, I have had to fight for every opportunity in these areas.”
Her fight and persistence paid off.
As a doctoral student, she focused on genomic imprinting and epigenetic regulation, with an emphasis on how imprinted genes contribute to development and disease. Her research used CRISPR-based technologies and stem cell models to uncover new insights into imprinting disorders.
“Each step, whether securing grants, pursuing a PhD in France, or moving to the United States for postdoctoral research, was driven by my curiosity, perseverance, and belief that my work can make a difference,” Farhadova says.
At Morgridge, she will work with investigators Melissa Skala and Darcie Moore to use cutting-edge imaging technologies to answer fundamental questions about neurogenesis – the process by which new neurons are generated in the brain – and stem cell biology.
Morgridge’s Fearless Science approach also resonates with Farhadova, because it fosters a culture of bold, interdisciplinary research that pushes scientific boundaries.
“The emphasis on collaboration, innovation and risk-taking creates an environment in which scientists can explore groundbreaking ideas without the constraints often found in traditional research settings,” she says.
Farhadova plans to eventually parlay her scientific experiences into a career in private-sector biomedical research.
“While I enjoy working in academia, I am drawn to the fast-paced, impact-driven environment of the private sector, where research can quickly lead to real-world applications,” she says.
For prospective doctoral candidates, she offers this advice: “Embrace challenges and actively seek mentorship. Most importantly, enjoy the process of discovery and never be afraid to ask bold questions – that’s where the true innovation happens.”
Farhadova’s plate is full, as she juggles science while settling into Madison with a newborn son, Murad, and her husband Khagani Eynullazada, a PhD student at the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery. She credits her husband and Moore for providing incredible support and guidance as she balances her work and personal lives.
“I rely on structured planning to manage my time efficiently, ensuring that I dedicate quality moments to research, family, and self-improvement,” she says. “The balance is incredibly rewarding, as both my family and work life bring me fulfillment and purpose.”
Rising Sparks: Early Career Stars
Rising Sparks is a monthly profile series exploring the personal inspirations and professional goals of early-career scientists at the Morgridge Institute.
Rising Sparks: Sabina Farhadova, Biomedical Imaging
Working with investigators Melissa Skala and Darcie Moore, Farhadova will use cutting-edge imaging technologies to answer fundamental questions about neurogenesis – the process by which new neurons are generated in the brain – and stem cell biology.
Rising Sparks: Kayla Huemer, biomedical engineering alum
Morgridge alum Kayla Heumer helps accelerate healthcare access for underserved communities in Africa, powered by technology and the 'spirit of frugal innovation.’
Rising Sparks: Jose Ayuso, biomedical imaging alum
Morgridge alum Jose Ayuso is an assistant professor in UW–Madison’s Department of Dermatology, where his lab uses advanced biomedical engineering technologies to tap the promise of precision medicine.
Rising Sparks: Danielle Lohman, metabolism alum
Morgridge alum lands at the U.S. Department of State, shaping the intersection of science policy and foreign affairs.
Rising Sparks: Nick Arp, metabolism
Nick Arp is building a toolbox of knowledge in the research lab and in the medical clinic, searching for answers to scientific questions that can improve patient care.
Rising Sparks: Raison Dsouza, structural biology
Raison Dsouza is developing new computational methods to analyze cryo-electron microscopy images, trying to find specific particles in “noisy,” corrupted data.
Rising Sparks: Lexi Menendez, regenerative biology
Lexi Menendez credits Morgridge and the PREP program for jump-starting her research career and graduate school future.
Rising Sparks: Kasia Wiech, biomedical imaging
Kasia Wiech, a graduate student in biomedical engineering, is on a mission to bring science out of the lab and into public spaces to highlight the impact of science in our everyday lives.
Rising Sparks: Roma Broadberry, biomedical imaging
Roma Broadberry, a biophysics graduate researcher in the Tim Grant Lab, is helping to illuminate the intricacy of viral replication using cryo-EM.
Rising Sparks: Andrés Tibabuzo, regenerative biology
From 'Jurassic Park' to snake venom to parasitic flatworms, Andrés Tibabuzo is motivated by the science that fascinates him.
Rising Sparks: Marcela Tabima, regenerative biology
Marcela Tabima has focused her fascination with human biology on two major research efforts in the Discovery Building — engineering synthetic arteries for surgery and finding new ways to treat inherited retinal diseases.
Rising Sparks: Katherine Overmyer, metabolism
Katie Overmyer collaborates with metabolism researchers to push the boundaries of mass spectrometry technology and uncover answers to important biological questions.
Rising Sparks: Joe Li, biomedical imaging
"You can always learn more": An unquenchable thirst for discovery guides Joe Li’s pursuit of cutting-edge light-sheet microscopy.
Rising Sparks: Odette Herrand, regenerative biology
Odette Herrand is drawn to the inherent creativity involved in answering complex scientific questions, which they use to study fertility in the fruit fly.
Rising Sparks: Peter Ducos, structural biology
Peter Ducos leans on his military training to solve complex problems and collaborate with other scientists by exploring molecular structures in exquisite detail.
Rising Sparks: Kim Huggler, metabolism
Kim Huggler believes science is fundamentally about creativity, and leverages an innovative cell culture media to reveal biological processes that conventional techniques cannot.
Rising Sparks: Ed Evans, biomedical imaging
Ed Evans sees every challenge as an opportunity to grow, and uses his passion for problem-solving to develop new imaging tools that will help other scientists.