Autistic

 My journey toward a research-driven career in infectious diseases began during my undergraduate studies when I attended a lecture by Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam, a pioneer in Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus (PPRV) research in Bangladesh. His perseverance in overcoming research challenges to isolate the virus and develop cell culture techniques inspired me to explore the intricate dynamics of host-pathogen interactions. This formative experience sparked my passion for zoonotic and viral pathogens and their impact on animal and human health. The Ph.D. program in Microbiology at Colorado State University (CSU), with its emphasis on innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration, provides an ideal environment for me to advance my expertise and achieve my aspirations.

My academic foundation in veterinary science and pathology has equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary for advanced research in infectious diseases. During my Master’s program, under the supervision of Dr. Amina Khatun at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, my thesis, “Seroprevalence and Molecular Characterization of Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus (PPRV),” focused on understanding the epidemiological trends and genetic diversity of PPRV. Utilizing molecular biology techniques like PCR, ELISA, and RNA-seq, I identified specific viral strains and analyzed their genetic variations, contributing to key findings on host-pathogen interactions. This research culminated in two publications in reputed journals, further demonstrating my ability to conduct impactful scientific studies.

In addition to my thesis, I extended my research to study the “Seroprevalence of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV),” broadening my expertise in zoonotic diseases. Internships at the Bangladesh National Zoo and Chiral Bangladesh allowed me to apply these skills in real-world contexts. At the zoo, I explored the pathophysiology of zoonotic diseases and gained hands-on experience with serological tools and diagnostic methods. At Chiral Bangladesh, I honed my bioinformatics expertise by analyzing RNA-seq datasets, including preprocessing, differential gene expression analysis, and functional annotation. These experiences solidified my technical proficiency and enhanced my ability to interpret complex datasets, skills critical for investigating infectious disease ecology and pathogen transmission dynamics.

My primary research interest lies in understanding the dynamics of host-pathogen interactions and the ecological factors driving zoonotic spillover events. Specifically, I am intrigued by how transmission pathways vary across host species and how these insights can inform preventive strategies. Additionally, I aim to address critical global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and emerging infectious diseases by investigating the molecular and ecological drivers of infectious disease outbreaks. These interests align closely with CSU's focus on vector-borne diseases, virology, and disease ecology.

At CSU, I am particularly excited about the opportunity to collaborate with faculty members whose research aligns closely with my academic background and research goals. Dr. Angela Bosco-Lauth’s work on the transmission dynamics of H7N9 influenza A virus among avian species offers a fascinating model for studying interspecies viral transmission. Her research methodology directly complements my expertise in molecular diagnostics and pathogen characterization, and I look forward to contributing to her investigations.

Similarly, Dr. Rebekah Kading’s research on SARS-CoV-2 spillback into wildlife populations deeply resonates with my aspirations. Her emphasis on the interconnectedness of human and wildlife health aligns with my interest in understanding β-CoV host ranges and developing proactive strategies for wildlife conservation. My experience in zoonotic diseases and bioinformatics makes me well-suited to contribute to her projects addressing these critical global health challenges.

The Ph.D. program in Microbiology at CSU offers a unique combination of cutting-edge facilities, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a strong focus on infectious disease pathogenesis. Its emphasis on molecular virology, computational biology, and disease ecology mirrors my academic interests and research aspirations. The vibrant research environment, featuring state-of-the-art facilities for flow cytometry, computational bioinformatics, and quantitative PCR, will enable me to advance my expertise while contributing to groundbreaking research.

My ultimate goal is to join academia and establish a thriving research program focused on zoonotic diseases and infectious disease ecology. I aim to expand the research infrastructure in Bangladesh, advocating for increased government and stakeholder investment in scientific innovation. By developing state-of-the-art facilities and fostering collaborations with global institutions, I hope to address challenges such as zoonotic disease outbreaks, AMR, and wildlife conservation while training the next generation of researchers. The comprehensive training and mentorship provided by CSU’s program will prepare me to achieve these aspirations, ensuring that my work has a lasting impact on both local and global health systems.

The Ph.D. program in Microbiology at Colorado State University represents the ideal environment for me to grow as a researcher. With its exceptional faculty, interdisciplinary approach, and robust resources, the program will provide the training and opportunities necessary for me to excel in addressing pressing global health challenges. I am eager to bring my academic background, technical expertise, and passion for infectious diseases to CSU, collaborating with distinguished researchers like Dr. Bosco-Lauth and Dr. Kading to advance our understanding of zoonotic diseases and develop sustainable solutions for global health.

My journey toward a research-driven career in infectious diseases began during my undergraduate studies when I attended a lecture by Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam, a pioneer in Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus (PPRV) research in Bangladesh. His perseverance in overcoming research challenges to isolate the virus and develop cell culture techniques was a profound inspiration. This experience sparked my passion for understanding host-pathogen interactions and the broader implications of infectious diseases on animal and human health. As I advanced my studies and research, I realized that addressing global health challenges requires interdisciplinary training and collaboration. The Ph.D. program in Infectious Diseases at the University of Georgia (UGA), with its interdisciplinary approach and opportunities to work with esteemed faculty, is the ideal platform for me to advance my expertise and achieve my aspirations.

My academic foundation in veterinary science and pathology has equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary for advanced research in infectious diseases. During my Master’s program, under the supervision of Dr. Amina Khatun at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, my thesis focused on the “Seroprevalence and Molecular Characterization of Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus (PPRV).” The research aimed to identify the epidemiological trends of PPRV and characterize its molecular diversity in endemic regions. Employing techniques such as PCR, ELISA, and gel electrophoresis, I successfully identified specific viral strains and analyzed their genetic variations. This work resulted in key findings on host-pathogen interactions, contributing to a better understanding of PPRV evolution and its impact on livestock health.

In addition to my thesis, I extended my research to study the “Seroprevalence of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV)” in the same region, broadening my expertise in zoonotic pathogens. These projects enhanced my technical proficiency in molecular diagnostics and culminated in two publications in reputed journals, validating the significance of my findings. My academic journey has been complemented by internships at the Bangladesh National Zoo and Chiral Bangladesh, where I gained hands-on experience in zoonotic disease diagnostics and bioinformatics, respectively. These experiences solidified my technical expertise and analytical skills, preparing me for the rigors of research-intensive programs like the Ph.D. at UGA.

My primary research interest lies in understanding the dynamics of host-pathogen interactions and microbial pathogenesis, with a focus on zoonotic and viral diseases. Specifically, I am intrigued by the mechanisms pathogens use to evade host immunity and how these insights can inform the development of vaccines and therapeutics. Additionally, I am passionate about addressing critical global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and emerging infectious diseases. My previous research experiences, including molecular diagnostics of zoonotic viruses and bioinformatics-based analysis, have provided me with the technical foundation to explore these topics further. By investigating the ecological and molecular drivers of infectious diseases, I aim to develop innovative prevention and control strategies to improve global health outcomes.

At UGA, I am particularly excited about the opportunity to work with faculty members whose research aligns closely with my academic background and research goals. Dr. Jeff Hogan’s groundbreaking work on the small molecule antiviral chemotype PAV-431, which targets host-virus interactions and modulates viral capsid assembly, resonates deeply with my aspiration to investigate host-pathogen dynamics and therapeutic innovations. Similarly, Dr. Karen Norris’s pioneering research on the development of a pan-fungal vaccine, addressing a critical global gap in combating invasive fungal infections, aligns with my interest in designing solutions for immunocompromised and high-risk populations. Her translational approach, combining immunological insights with nonhuman primate models, offers a methodology I am eager to contribute to and learn from.

Furthermore, Dr. Susan Sanchez’s research on antimicrobial resistance and bacterial ecology complements my goal of exploring the ecological and molecular drivers of resistance, a critical issue in global health. Dr. Douglas Paton’s work on malaria elimination and vector-pathogen interactions aligns with my interest in studying vector-borne diseases and molecular disease-prevention strategies. Finally, Dr. Wendy Watford’s investigation into Type I interferons and their role in inflammation offers an inspiring perspective on immune regulation, an area I am eager to explore further. The opportunity to collaborate with these distinguished faculty members and contribute to their transformative research motivates me to join UGA’s program.

The Ph.D. program in Infectious Diseases at UGA offers a unique combination of interdisciplinary research, cutting-edge facilities, and proximity to renowned institutions such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Integrated Life Sciences (ILS) program, with its emphasis on lab rotations and collaborative research, aligns perfectly with my desire to explore diverse approaches to infectious disease research before selecting a thesis advisor. Additionally, the program’s focus on molecular virology, pathogenic bacteriology, immunology, and wildlife disease mirrors my academic interests and professional goals.

I am particularly excited about the program’s emphasis on critical analysis and scientific communication through journal clubs and seminars, which will further hone my analytical and collaborative skills. The proximity to facilities like the Animal Health and Research Center and the Center for Vaccines and Immunology will provide invaluable opportunities to engage in innovative research and contribute to advancing the field of infectious diseases.

My ultimate goal is to join academia and establish a thriving research program focused on infectious diseases. In addition to contributing to global health research, I aim to expand the research infrastructure in Bangladesh, advocating for increased government and stakeholder investment in scientific innovation. By building state-of-the-art facilities and fostering collaborations with global institutions, I hope to address critical challenges such as zoonotic disease outbreaks and AMR while training the next generation of researchers. The comprehensive training and mentorship provided by UGA’s program will prepare me to achieve these aspirations, ensuring that my work makes a meaningful impact on both local and global health systems.

The Ph.D. program in Infectious Diseases at the University of Georgia represents the ideal environment for me to grow as a researcher and educator. With its exceptional faculty, interdisciplinary approach, and robust resources, the program will provide the training and opportunities necessary for me to excel in addressing pressing global health challenges. I am eager to bring my academic background, technical expertise, and passion for infectious diseases to UGA, collaborating with distinguished researchers like Dr. Hogan, Dr. Norris, Dr. Sanchez, Dr. Paton, and Dr. Watford to advance our understanding of zoonotic diseases and develop sustainable solutions for global

To Whom It May Concern,

It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for Md. Jisan Ahmed who has been under my supervision as a Master’s thesis student and an undergraduate course instructor at the Department of Pathology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University. In my work experience with him I have seen research oriented personality, high academic performance and his zeal to enhance his molecular biology skills and data analysis.

Having worked with Jisan as his supervisor, I have been able to mentor him on a number of research projects which include his Master’s project entitled the “Seroprevalence and Molecular Characterization of Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus (PPRV)” project and a study of the “Seroprevalence and Molecular Characterization of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV).” In these projects, he demonstrated his proficiency in PCR, ELISA, gel electrophoresis, and primer designing, and also knowledge base of using R programming language. His meticulous approach to data collection and analysis was remarkable, leading to reliable and impactful findings.

In addition to his academic research, he demonstrated versatility by successfully completing a project on “Isolation and Identification of Bacteria from Meat and House Flies and Antibiotic Resistance Profiling.” His work on this project emphasized his ability to integrate laboratory techniques with pressing global challenges, such as antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, he completed concurrent and group projects; I recently oversaw him on an ongoing FAO PPR Secretariat Winner 2022 project. This prestigious recognition speaks on his capability to solve practical problems of communicable disease control.

Other than possessing laboratory skills, Jisan is a quick learner especially given that he is pursuing upper level genomics. His desire to learn more about genomics and continue to increase knowledge in this area also demonstrates his commitment to staying relevant in infectious disease research

I am confident that Jisan will excel in your program, leveraging the training and resources to further his passion for understanding host-pathogen interactions and infectious disease dynamics. His background in molecular biology, combined with his exceptional analytical skills and dedication, will undoubtedly make him an asset to your research community. I strongly recommend Jisan for your graduate program.

Sincerely,

Dr. Amina Khatun

Assistant Professor

Department of Pathology

Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University