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Nigar Khasayeva

Biography

Nigar Khasayeva (24) is a Ph.D. candidate at the forefront of neuroscience and artificial intelligence, driving groundbreaking research into Alzheimer's disease. Her journey is a testament to the power of combining intellectual rigor with profound empathy, a rare and vital combination in the pursuit of medical breakthroughs.

From the esteemed labs of Georgia State University's Center for Translational Research in Neuroimaging & Data Science (TReNDS), Nigar is pioneering a unique and transformative approach to the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's. Her innovative "multimodal analysis," a sophisticated fusion of fMRI and PET imaging, is not merely a technical feat; it's a critical step towards unlocking the hidden language of the brain. This method, born from her mastery of Big Data and Machine Learning, translates complex algorithms into tangible, potentially life-altering solutions. As an Azerbaijani woman, she stands among the very few who are driving such a significant impact within the realm of health and medicine, particularly in the fight against a disease as devastating as Alzheimer's - a contribution largely unheard of in her community.

Nigar's dedication to her groundbreaking research is evident in her unwavering pursuit of knowledge. Her Ph.D. journey, marked by both intellectual rigor and a commitment to overcoming the unique challenges faced by women in tech, underscores her exceptional drive. She actively fosters women in tech through initiatives like women hackathons and organizations such as AnitaB.org, where she is a member and a Grace Hopper Scholarship Recipient. Her commitment to advancing her field is further evidenced by her presentations at international conferences in Orlando, Florida; Houston, Texas; and Montreal, Canada. She is also a recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including the Second Century Initiative Scholarship, the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society NextGen Scholar Award, and the Dean’s Graduate Research Grant.

Beyond her research, Nigar is deeply committed to inspiring the next generation of Azerbaijani scientists. She envisions creating a platform to share her research and experiences, particularly in the Azerbaijani language, to encourage and empower students to pursue careers in science and research. This reflects her strong desire to bridge the gap between global advancements and local opportunities.

Looking ahead, Nigar envisions a future where she advances her field and empowers others. She aims to share her knowledge in industry and academia, and create a platform to inspire Azerbaijani students. Her desire to give back reflects a profound commitment to her community and country.

"The opportunity to apply my computational expertise to Alzheimer's research, with the potential to contribute to future drug discovery, is profoundly rewarding. It allows me to utilize my skills in a way that directly addresses a critical human need, which is a driving force behind my work." This quote highlights Nigar's core motivation: to apply her technical skills to a deeply human problem. It underscores her commitment to translating her research into tangible benefits for Alzheimer's patients.

Nigar's story reminds us that innovation is about people. Human stories drive us, challenges shape us, and hope unites us. She embodies the spirit of our project: a young Azerbaijani mind, driven by purpose and passion, making a global difference. Nigar Khasayeva redefines what it means to be a scientist in the 21st century